KBIS was back and it was busy!​

Warm vein marble – Warm veins on white backgrounds continue from last year and will continue to do so as the palette warms from bright white to warm white.

Formica – Calacatta Cava

Taj Mahal – Taj Mahal is growing in popularity and had a solid presence at the show.  Even though the stone is named after the Taj Mahal, it comes from Brazil. It was named for the color of the great monument. ​One of the reasons this stone is so popular is that is replicates the look of marble but has a strong quartzite surface.

Formica – Silver Quartzite Wilsonart – Taj Mahal

Travertine – Is experiencing a renaissance and is going head-to-head with surface darling marble and terrazzo. ​The earthy toned palette of travertine is complimentary with any finish or color, it fits into the luxury beige trend, and it’s easy to use. ​Travertine evokes calm and serenity – it whispers instead of shouts; it is appealing in most settings.

Wilsonart – Silver Travertine Formica – Travertine

Breccia – Is formed when large angular broken fragments are fused with a smaller matrix. ​ It’s Nature’s terrazzo and was well represented at this year’s KBIS. ​This more natural looking aggregate is easier to emulate with printed surfaces.

Formica – Silver Shalestone Wilsonart – Breccia

Green Stone – continues, but in a more naturalized and subtle way. Some rust veining is appearing in green stones as well as cream and black.

Formica – Cafe Azul Formica – Sea Pearl

Icy stones – Stones that are crystallized and fractured appear to be frozen or frost-like. ​Stones with more meaningful veins are reminiscent of cracked ice.

Wilsonart – White Carrara Wilsonart – Ice Mist

Formica – Ice Onyx Formica – White Alabaster

Gold vein – Gold veined surfaces said to develop a patina over time appeal to a modern design.

Formica – Oro Quartz Formica – River Gold

Wood – As we move to a warmer palette, woods will warm as well. Wood is once again being used on cabinetry and we see less white and gray painted cabinet doors. ​Woods once again move in the direction of orange and red, some have definite yellow undertones – this is a fresh take on warm wood. The European kitchen manufacturers are combining more modern white and gray cabinetry with wood to soften what could be a “cooler” aesthetic.

Formica – Planked Urban Oak Formica – Walnut Butcherblock

Wilsonart – Louisiana Pecan Wilsonart – Nepal Teak

Terrazzo – Continues to be seen at KBIS in all patterns and colors.

Wilsonart – Karekare Formica – Tinted Paper Terrazzo

Black marble, warm veining​ – Warm veining grows in black and other dark stones. ​

Formica – Ferro Grafite

Concrete – is being reinvented with special mixes to minimize weight, or by using locally sourced materials. New colors are being added into the mix and new surface manufacturers are perfecting the look of concrete in a more usable and maintenance free way.

Formica – Patine Concrete Wilsonart – Honed Concrete

Stone textures in real stone continue to explore the boundaries of how stone can look and feel, while alternative surfaces continue to introduce textures to mimic the real look a feel of stone.

Ribbed textures and surfaces that were seen last year at Milan now jump to stone.

Wood ribbing continues and we see more indication of growth. ​Ikonni, new to KBIS sells tambour and ribbed wood for this specific use.

Overall Trends

• Rich Earth tones in desert, sunset, and autumnal tones
• Green Especially sage earthy greens are one color of nature that continues and grows into new categories.
• Statement stone like travertine, soapstone, and colorful marble are appearing once again in the marketplace. Stones and stone patterns are getting more unique, colorful and dramatic.