The Best Of The 2014 Kitchen & Bath Show

It’s all over for this year, but by all accounts the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show was a raging success.  I am blown away by some of the innovative products that were offered and would like to share a few with you.  Since our Eichler homes all share an open floor plan, the kitchen is often a fairly public space and keeping it modern looking and up-to-date is an aesthetic decision as well as a functional one.  With that in mind, I thought you might be interested in some of the latest kitchen trends as exhibited in the 2014 KBIS. 

Dacor walked away with top honors, winning Best In Show for its Discovery iQ 30” Wall Oven, and I can see why.  With its stainless steel finish and sleek styling it is a show-stopper.  The iQ wall oven features wireless technology and even has its own app.  Another Dacor presentation, for the wine connoisseurs among us, was the Wine Station that not only dispenses wine with the touch of a finger, but keeps wines fresh for up to 60 days – although no opened bottle of wine in my household lasts that long…

Viking hit a few home runs as well with its French-Door Double Oven, Professional Range, and Professional Cooktops.  Another top pick was Viking’s Professional Built-In Refrigeration that can be customized to blend in seamlessly with your cabinetry.

While natural stone has long been a kitchen counter favorite, engineered/manufactured stone has become a modern classic.  Three favorites at this year’s kitchen & bath show were Vicostone, Caesarstone and Silestone, which have become staples in today’s kitchens.  And, speaking of countertops, Warmly Yours has come up with radiant countertop heaters.  You’ve got to love it!

Less glamorous, but with a functionality that is irresistible, is the award-winning Glideware that organizes your cupboards and pantry with an amazing hanging system that puts your pots and pans at your fingertips.  I’m putting this on my wish list.

Next year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show isn't until January (2015) – which seems long a long way off.  I must admit that I may be tempted to go see what the latest and greatest innovations are.  Las Vegas sounds like a fun field trip for lots of reasons!  In the meantime, you can check out some of Eichler For Sale’s kitchen renovation ideas on our Eichler Kitchen Ideas Gallery.

Oh – one last thing… Are you tired of countertops cluttered with cords and chargers for phones, iPads, and other electronic devices?  JTech Solutions rolled out its patent pending Docking Drawer, which can be fitted into a kitchen drawer – totally eliminating the unsightliness of our charging devices.