KBIS Preview
Sessions, panels take deep dive into trends including universal design, aging in place
The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, dedicated to all aspects of residential kitchen and bath design, returns Jan. 31-Feb. 2 to Las Vegas, Nevada. KBIS, in conjunction with the National Kitchen & Bath Association, showcases the latest industry products, trends and technologies from hundreds of exhibitors. For complete details, visit kbis.com.
Aging-in-place and universal design will be highlighted at this year’s show, with several of the sessions focusing on these markets. Today’s kitchen and bath innovations play a major role in making homes accessible. These innovations include: touchless fixtures, zero-threshold showers with hidden drains, walk-in tubs, adjustable grab bars, easy-to-clean and easy-to-reach cabinets, counters of various heights, wall-mounted toilets and easy-to-install showers.
Ultimately, designers need to start thinking about how design benefits homeowners through various life stages. The following programming and session lineups pertain to universal design and aging-in-place projects:
NEXT Stage programming
The 2023 NKBA| KBIS NEXT Stage program lineup is bigger and better than ever. The newly redesigned stage, sponsored by Samsung | Dacor, will host more than 20 programs and feature over 60 leading industry voices and personalities. NEXT Stage programming relevant to universal design and aging-in-place markets include:
9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31: NKBA Design Trends: Daily Deep Dives. Pam McNally, NKBA’s senior vice president of marketing + digital outlines and explores top trends that will dominate the industry.
2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1: Design Therapy: Collaborations for the Future of Accessible Homes. This panel discusses a holistic, integrative and collaborative approach to design that offers solutions for aesthetically pleasing, functional and truly universal spaces.
Voices from the Industry programming
NKBA’s Voices from the Industry features in-person workshops, hybrid conferences and on-demand sessions. Participants can earn continuing education units, make connections, develop strategies and learn from new speakers. For details, email vfti@nkba.org. The following sessions are relevant to universal design or aging-in-place topics:
On demand
How Living In Place Principles Affects Our Business & Professional Lives
Kitchen Designs and Appliances for Living In Place
Kitchens & Baths for Autism to Dementia
In-person
9:15-10:15 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31: Functional Color Design for Aging in Place, room N-258
11 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Jan. 31: Easing into Aging-in-Place Design, room N-258
11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Feb. 1: Smart Technology for All Living-in-Place Clients, room N-254
2:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1: Designing the Next Generation Smart Home, room N-258
9-10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2: What to Expect for Remodeling in 2023 and Beyond, room N-262
9:15-10:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 2: Shower in Safety: An Irish and UK Perspective, room N-247
Image credits – Wheat Gum Graphics, PWP Studio Corporate Event Photographers
