Once a year, over 80,000 builders, remodelers, developers, and other home building professionals gather for the International Builders Show combined with the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (IBS KBIS) just outside of Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada. The hosting convention center has over one million square feet. This year, Design and Construction Week had the biggest and most well-attended show in 17 years.
Over 1,800 exhibitors displayed their products, new and old. This show highlights innovative products, new materials designs, design trends, and clever design solutions to the existing cadre of building products. As you might know, I always need to bring Jennifer with me to these shows. I sometimes gravitate to shiny objects, and Jennifer is great at keeping my feet on the ground and more focused on the information-gathering task at hand.
Why Do We Attend?
We have been attending this show off and on since 1984 to learn about new products, materials, tools, and processes.
Attendance is important if a company or any construction-related organization wants to stay in front of the ever-expanding juggernaut of innovative designs, new products, and new systems for which our industry is known. We consider knowledge gathering one of the most important tasks we perform for our clients and listeners.
This year Rosie Right Design Build Remodel deployed our very own Rochelle Horn, CKBD, Sales Consultant & Designer. We asked her to share what she found at the show through the eyes of a designer.
What We Learned
Rochelle tells us that navigating the most pertinent displays was challenging as there is so much to see.
She looks for things her clients might like, challenges the practicality of the products and designs, and seeks inspiring ideas.
Here are some of her finds:
Texture (Fig. 1)
The tactile quality of any surface adds interest and dimension. Rochelle noticed many surfaces that departed from tradition.
- The current trend offers varied choices in random and specific geometric patterns. These aesthetic tiles were displayed on vertical surfaces like backsplashes in kitchens and shower walls. Texture can play with light and shadow and offer color variations.
- The texture in the new carpet choices is not the same as the sculpted carpets of the 1980s and 90s. Geometric patterns can be directional in design, meaning the carpet’s orientation in a space is important.
Color(s) of the year
Seeing the colors designers and manufacturers focus on each year is always interesting. This show was no different. The name of Sherwin William’s color choice for 2025 is Grounded.
This year, eight colors were declared the colors of the year!
Rochelle sums up the color choices by noting that pinks are being replaced with various green shades. Paints, wall coverings, and even appliances are joining in. Jen Aire has introduced a dark green called Juniper for its signature appliances.
Concealed Doors
The makers of Murphy Beds are offering a new product called Murphy Doors. These doors lead to secret or safe spaces that are concealed as bookcases. Operated by larger magnetic releases, these concealed door designs can be operated by touch or even remotely. This idea appears to come straight out of an Agatha Christe novel.
Cambria Countertops That Light Up (Fig. 2)
Cambria countertops boast hundreds of color options, including translucent countertops, which caught Rochelle’s eye. Lauri Howell of The Stone Collection told us that the countertops are created in a way that lets light shine through. The lighting and wiring are installed from below and hardwired to a switch. She said the option to choose light color, and temperature creates a very beautiful and welcoming space.
Downright Strange
We asked Rochelle what the strangest product she saw was. She just said, ‘The Hammock Tub.’ We immediately went to some visualization of a hammock that was filled with water and used as a tub and had the ability to sway from side to side. But the tub does not swing though it is hung like a hammock. It is not deep enough to immerse yourself in, and it isn’t easy to get in and out of!
OK, that’s strange. Jennifer and I have seen and heard of some pretty strange offerings at the show; this now ranks among them.
NAHB New American Home
For the last five years, the National Association of Home Builders has constructed a home by The New American Home near the show. Each home utilizes the best bells and whistles from several manufacturers and vendors. This year’s home was opened as the paint was just getting dry, which is typical.
Clopay Garage Doors (Fig. 3)
These garage doors come in outstanding sectional designs. They are unique because they don’t cover the ceiling when raised, as most doors do. The sections stack vertically into a housing above the opening.
Large Steam Rooms
One of the bathrooms showcased a wet room with an enclosed shower, tub, and steam shower. Knowing that a generator is required for a steam shower, Rochelle wondered what size generator would be needed to cover that size space in steam.
Rosie says it would have to be a big one!
Wall Hanging Cabinets and Storage (Fig. 4)
One interesting look is cabinet and storage units that add a slick component to any space as they appear to hover over the floor.
To complete the look, the wall and flooring underneath the units need to be fully finished. Adding lighting in the space below can create a softer nightlight.
Unique Wine Room (Fig. 5)
The home showcases a basement wine room and uncorking station with a glass floor ceiling allowing a dramatic view from above. Besides being crazy expensive to install- about five fortunes worth, Rochelle wonders how many people will be willing to walk over the glass. And women might not want to cross over the wine room in a dress!
Floating Staircase (Fig. 6)
American manufacturer VIEWRAIL created a stunning staircase that seems to float in the air. It’s incredible engineering and beauty drew a lot of attention!
Women In Construction
She Built is a program that empowers women in the construction industry and attends the show annually. KBIS also celebrates Women in Construction Month with some fun activities. The women attendees can participate in a scavenger hunt at specific booths.
Rochelle mentioned that it gave her a chance to see things that she may not have taken time for. The winner of the scavenger hunt walked away with a pair of Louie Vuitton shoes.
Rosie says that there are many more women in the trades today. You would never have seen ladies’ Lois Vuitton shoes as a prize at the building shows of the 80s.
Women’s interest in the industry is a welcome evolution as many women now find successful careers and contribute needed perspective and skills in the construction industry.
These shows are a great way to see the new trends, products, and companies. They inspire us and reveal ideas we hadn’t even thought of. They are open to the public and a great place to gather items for your design pinboard for your home.
We would like to thank Rochelle for casing the KBIS show and sharing some of her many finds with design in mind.
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PODCAST
May 3, 2025
Rosie and Jennifer discuss some of the innovative and design products found at the 2025 Kitchen And Bath Industry Show. From this years textures and colors to hammock tubs, unique stacking garage doors, floating stairs, steam showers and more. Plus a homeowner question on rerouting an air conditioning duct system thru the roof of a remodeling project.
Original Broadcast Archive Page With Expanded Content
PHOTO CREDIT
- ROTH
- Cloplay
- ProBuilders.com
- Belwith
- VIEWRAIL
