Top 10 Trends from K/Bis 2007 Kitchen and Bath industry
Profiles Magazine, Summer 2007 Volume 6 Issue 3

1. Entertaining, Inside and Out
As everyone knows, a party just isn't in full swing until there is good food and drinks around. In order to offer all homeowners the ability to be good hosts, manufacturers are offering products for entertainment minded people indoors and out. Some of the products include walk-in wine vault, 15" beer dispensers, multiple entertainment sinks along with a wide range of items for the outdoor kitchen.

2. Tantalizing Colors and Finishes
Although the consensus is that stainless steel appliances and sleek finishes are still a classic choice, there are great new alternative finishes and textures have come onto the scene. Choices include colored dishwashers and sinks; cabinetry in matte, metallic and iridescent finishes and fixtures in chrome, wrought iron, antique nickel and oil rubbed bronze.

3. Figure-Friendly Choices
This show brought out manufacturers who are offering budget-friend bath fittings and fixture lines. That should make the designer and client both happy with lots of affordable choices. It brings a new meaning to the term "affordable luxury."

4. Green Goes Mainstream
Green friendly kitchen and bath products used to be scare and aesthetically challenged. Today we have a multitude of manufacturers that are offering eco-friendly products. This includes items that are energy-efficient, products made from recycled materials, low-VOC cabinetry and flooring produced from renewable resources.

5. Closing Me Softly
Moody teenagers everywhere will have to find a new way to vent their anger as products ranging from cabinets to drawers to toilet seats are outfitted with "easy-close" technology.

6. Universal Appeal
An Aging population and an ever growing popularity of aging-in-place have made universal design a hot trend among manufacturers who showcased walk-in bath tubs and hands-free faucets.

7. Can't Fight the System
Making a kitchen come together aesthetically is now much easier with these systems of products, ranging from appliances and storage units to backsplashes and hoods.

8. Induction Junction
Induction is finally making a comeback at all price points and styles. Time to get those magnets cooking.

9. Like a Pro
Celebrity chefs are now as prevalent as cooking inspired reality TV shows, so it's no surprise more people are looking to add professional-grade appliances to their kitchens.

10. China Revs Up
Chinese companies made a strong show this year at the kitchen and bath trade show. The numbers were twice as many exhibitors this year than last.