Trend Spotting for NKBA in Italy

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) is a longstanding sponsor of BlogTour events, including BlogTour Milan.  As such, our group had the privilege of meeting NKBA President, John Petrie in Milan.  John, along with the other NKBA representatives that we met, were among the most friendly and enthusiastic professionals I have encountered.  They are clearly passionate about delivering only the best for their membership.

As we explored the world of kitchens and baths at Eurocucina and Salone del Mobile,  we were tasked with reporting back on trends that we spotted at the shows. One of the guiding principles for the NKBA is to provide leadership and direction for the kitchen and bath industry and its members. There were so many innovations and no lack of eye candy, it was hard to narrow down my list!

Here are my Top 10 Kitchen & Bath trends from BlogTour Milan…

1. Let There Be Light!

It seemed all the cabinets and many of the drawers we saw had lighting.   This is genius, what a wonderful way to find your dry goods and illuminate your flatware~

2. Geometry Is In!

Cabinetry is sporting new, unique angles. The overall effect is a more modern appearance that is functional and easier to clean.

3.  Organization is the Name of the Game!

The interiors of most drawers were outfitted with puzzle-like organization~ a place for everything and everything in it’s place!

4.   Where Did All The Hardware Go?

The newest stylin’ cabinets are naked, devoid of knobs and pulls!

5.   Mix n’ Match is Hot!

Wood (natural or laminate) paired with metals is very hot, usually in an edited piece.

6.  Tables that Levitate…Really!

Things are looking up! Tables attached to kitchen islands seems to magically raise and lower to easily accommodate the needs of the chef and the function of the space.  Need more prep space?  Raise the platform to be level with the island countertop surface.  Serving a meal?  Lower to table height. Genius ~ and fun!

7.  Everything Shines!

Lacquered surfaces, so sleek and modern in their appearance, are oh-so-popular in Europe and I love it! So easy to keep clean and I love how these surfaces complement, but don’t distract from the rest of the interior design.

8.  Faucetry is Sleek and Skinny!

The faucets in Europe  have apparently been following the Weight Watchers program,  with their slender and sophisticated appearance.  These elegant faucets are ready to deliver water flow with gusto in gorgeous metal finishes~

9.  Hide n’ Seek

Where is the refrigerator? Where’s the pantry?  Along with the lacquered surfaces and the ultra organization within the cabinetry,  is the smooth exterior that flows throughout the room with no interruption.  Where is it all hiding? Behind beautiful cabinetry, of course~

10.   Kitchens on the Move!

Did you know that in Europe, kitchens typically move with their owners? This was such a revelation to me! This means that most of the cabinets are modular making them portable and creative! I wonder how that would go over here in the U.S.??  I, for one, rather like that idea~ I would change my kitchen every year!

My overall takeaway from both Eurocucina and Salone del Mobile is that European kitchen and bath design is gorgeous  and glam on the outside and uber functional on the inside.  My only question… Is New England ready for some of these trends?  I hope so!

Thank you once again to Modenus and all the BlogTour Milan sponsors, especially the NKBA, for making this fabulous trip possible!

xo,

Pamela

Share this!

Tweet