Kbdn

On Sunday, K/BIS came to a close, with exhibitors packing up and attendees scurrying to the airports. Barbara recorded some final thoughts on her way to the show. Click Play to listen.

Here are some of the highlights:

New outdoor living concepts were introduced, including a gas/charcoal grill that doubles as a cooking island.

Jack Ulrich discussed applications for nano-technology in the kitchen, such as refrigerator doors that become transparent at the push of a button.

Mary Yearns of Hera Research focused on designing for baby boomers as they age.

At K/BIS, KBDN editor, Janice Costa completed a video satellite tour of 30 countries. Look for her on your local news channel. Don’t forget to look for her book, Everything and the Kitchen Sink at KitchenBathDesign.com

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Depicted here is the show floor in front of the Eljer booth.

 K/BIS - Day 3: Conclusion: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Saturday was a busy day on the K/BIS show floor and Barbara was there to record her observations and insights. Click the Play button to listen.

Here are some of the highlights:

Finishes were a hot topic this year, including antique metals and stainless steel.

Appliances rated for outdoor use, as well as indoor versions of outdoor products — such as grills — were also popular.

Health, wellness and sustainability were major themes, as evidenced by eco-friendly appliances.

At the NKBA Business Luncheon, Dr. Andrew Tuck discussed market segmentation, collaboration between dealers, designers and manufacturers, and the service-based aspect of the high-end kitchen/bath market.

At the MasterBrand booth, industry icon and KBDN contributor Ellen Cheever announced results of the Real Deal survey and offered her impressions on how to meet the demands of baby boomers, gen-x’ers and more.

MTI Whirlpools’ Jentle Pet Spa for dogs — and cats. Here, Mick is getting gently toweled off by Gail Meyers of Chicago-based Animal Talent after helping demonstrate the product.

We apologize for the earlier spelling error. Jentle Pet is spelled with a ‘J,’ not a ‘G.’

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Here is the the KBDN booth, a hive of activity throughout the show.

 K/BIS - Day 2: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

K/BIS 2006 got off to a great start with plenty of action both on and off the show floor. Barbara was there to record her first impressions - click the play button to listen.

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Here are some of the highlights:

Induction cooktops were introduced at both the Bosch and Electrolux events.

Bosch announced their sponsorship of the Green House Exhibition at the National Building Museum.

The ‘W’ Network’s Candice Olson announced a $150,000 contest for designers and architects who use the new Thermador Freedom Line products in their kitchen designs.

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On display at the Electrolux booth was a kitchen by Carter Oosterhouse from TLC’s Trading Spaces.

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A view of the show floor from the central cafe.

The kitchen and bath industry’s biggest show is nearly upon us and the floor has been a flurry of excitement, as exhibitors prepare for tomorrow’s crowd of over 50,000 attendees. KBDN Senior Editor Barbara Capella Loehr has been exploring the exhibits, which are mostly complete or nearing completion, and has filed this audio report. Highlights include the NKBA’s 10,000-square-foot booth, featuring an ‘Idea Center,’ produced in partnership with Meredith Corporation, which features five vignettes described as “retro, zen and transitional” in feel.