Looking to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom in 2023? This year's Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas showcased some of the latest materials and technological advancements that are sure to add style and functionality to your living spaces. From high-tech refrigerators that allow you to display your family photos to zen-worthy soaking tubs, here are some of the hottest trends that emerged at KBIS 2023.
#1 Artistic Refrigerator Panels
Refrigerator doors have come a long way from being just white or stainless-steel walls. They have now become colorful and painterly statement pieces that can add to your kitchen's interior scheme. For instance, Samsung showcased its bespoke refrigerator, MyBespoke, which allows users to upload any photograph or artwork directly to one or both panels. LG's MoodUp, on the other hand, focuses more on color theory and incorporates LED doors that can change to just about any shade via the corresponding ThinQ app.
#2 Induction Cooktops
Induction cooktops are now the preferred technology for many foodies, and brands are doubling down on them with new innovations. For example, Bertazzoni unveiled a downdraft version of the cooktop that eliminates the need for an overhead hood. GE Appliances also introduced a slew of new offerings across its portfolio of brands with precision temperature control tech that allows users to sauté veggies at just the right temperature.
#3 Zen-worthy Soaking Tubs
Consumers are now looking to bring the five-star spa home, and some of the industry's biggest brands are responding in kind with truly zen-worthy new soaking tubs. Kohler showcased its Stillness Infinity Experience bath, which blends cutting-edge tech with an old-school onsen experience. Water overflows into the hinoki wood surrounding, while color-changing lights surround for a chromotherapy effect. Duravit's Zencha is another sleek collaboration with Sebastian Herkner that provides a similar experience.
#4 All-in-one Washer-dryer Units
Laundry day just got easier with GE Profile's UltraFast Combo, an all-in-one unit that can wash, dry, rinse, and repeat. LG's Styler Shoecase, on the other hand, serves as the perfect display for hypebeast kicks. The case will even clean and steam sneakers while on display, so they won't collect dust in the corner.
#5 Refrigerator Tech that Keeps Produce Fresh
Refrigerator technology has come a long way, and the latest strides in this area look to remedy the smelly conundrum of spoiled fruits and veggies. Beko's HarvestFresh tech, for instance, uses a three-color light system to emulate the sun's rays, resulting in produce that stays fresh longer and retains more vitamins and minerals. Miele's PerfectFresh technology, on the other hand, sprays a fine mist over the crisper drawer every 90 minutes to keep veggies verdant.
#6 Smart Showers
If you don't have a smart shower yet, it may be time to invest. Brizo and Delta each unveiled steam shower systems, dubbed Mystix and Showersense, respectively, with high-tech capabilities that let users tailor their spa experience from home. Brizo's offering combines aromatherapy, chromotherapy, and audiotherapy, while Delta offers a similarly steamy experience with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
#7 Cool Ice Trends
Say goodbye to plain and boring ice cubes, as the latest trend in refrigeration highlights the beauty and variety of craft ice. This year's manufacturers showcased a plethora of different molds and shapes, often packed into a single freezer drawer. Signature Kitchen Suite‘s latest 48-inch French door refrigerator boasts trapezoidal and spherical ice shapes, while Dacor introduced a new single-column refrigerator and 48-inch French door with both ball and cubed ice. This craft ice wave may have originated on TikTok, where content creators showcase ASMR-esque videos of different types of ice for every beverage or occasion.
#8 Naturally Stylish
In a world of bold marble, natural and neutral stones are making a comeback. Cosentino‘s latest collection with Daniel Germani features Italian stone in the company's ultra-durable, indoor-outdoor Dekton formula. Caesarstone also got in on the trend at KBIS, expanding its material portfolio with natural stones. The classic and timeless look of natural stone provides a beautiful and stylish option for home design.