Let us share with you a few of our highlights from the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show this year in Chicago! 

Here we are all registered and ready to take on KBIS 2012! 

As most of you know, our designs are all about helping organize YOUR space so you can get on to what's most important to you. 

We just loved this tinfoil/wax paper cutting insert! So sleek!

Look at the top of this bi-fold door. Isn't that sweet? I wish we took a picture of it closed so you could see how pretty it was! This unit was also on the Servo-Drive which means it goes up and comes down with just the tap of your finger!

These were water feature tables that were positioned around the show for us to relax for a moment between booths! So cool!

Love this drawer insert! Perfect for your bar area! Cheers!

 I wish I had video of the demonstration using this incredible multi-purpose sink! By far my favourite product on the floor!
All dressed up and on our way to the Merchandise Mart!

At the Mart, ready for some wine and shmoozing! :)

This is the only picture of product that I took while at the Mart. Oops! What a statement though!! Loved this tile work!!! As I've mentioned before, gold is making it's way back, both in fashion and our home decor!

What a fabulous view as we leave The Mart and catch our cab. 

I just love this city!

 Day Two Begins! I had to come back to take this picture the second day because the first day we saw it during the Cambria Designer Party and it was just too crowded to take pictures of anything! Aberdeen Cambria Countertop! I do love this colour, and what a sweet little piece, don't ya think? 

 I would like to think that this display was to show us what "not to do" in kitchen design...but sadly, it was one company showing off their best work. Scale can make or break any design!

 The picture didn't really capture the colour, but this is a Wolf oven that is black outside and a beautiful blue inside! So sharp!

 This product by Wolf is not out on the market yet. This is the first fully stainless touchpad on the market. What a sleek design! 

Can't wait for it to "come out"!

 The king of all refrigerators!! This is by Sub-Zero! This deserves a place in the middle of the kitchen! :) Look at even just the legs!

 It is fully stainless steel! All of the interior, shelves, trays, everything! 

It is simply gorgeous!

This was a tiny booth that was jam packed with some of my favourite lighting! It was a fun little find at the back of the show as we were on our way to a class off there to the left!

I'm on the fence about this design. How do you feel about it?

I like elements of it, but again, the scale is throwing me off. 

 Do you remember Emily? 

Season five champion from Design Star?

We met her the last day at an HGTV meet and greet event that they put on for about 100-150 of us in the profession to thank us for all of the work we do! It was a fun way to finish off the show!

Now, the countdown begins for KBIS'13 in New Orleans!!!

We are back from KBIS 2012 in Chicago!!! What a great time! Our favourite area in the entire show was the Shipping Container area called UNcontained!!! The UNcontained exhibit, was a really cool concept in which each designer had to design a shipping container to creatively reflect their perspective of a particular generation. Each designer was given "design implications" they had to take into consideration. They also had an actual "client" to design for. Below I will show you the implications for each design project/generation, along with a link to a little story about the container and the client for you to read more if you want, and then finally the solution the designer came up with and displayed at the show! We really hope you enjoy this exhibit as much as we did! We would LOVE to hear what your favourite container is! 

Hip Home

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbis_uncontained_hiphome/#/2 

the container… The New Hip Home space fits neatly into any loft, studio or home and is an uncontained look at how transitional living can be created with style and creativity. Mason’s lifestyle and spaces are going to be fluid and ever-changing during his young adulthood, which means he’s collecting pieces that reflect his personality and yet organize his new space into a functional home. Understanding that he has a keen eye for design, a willingness to try new things and a little help from Mom and Dad - is key to learning how to design solutions that “contain” his adventurous lifestyle. Mason invites you to visit Uncontained for a behind-the-scenes tour – and impromptu jam session - in his space. Come see how he is truly living the dream in a his new Hip Home!

CULINARY CURATORS

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbis_uncontained_culinary/#/2

the container... Take an uncontained journey with these culinary curators as they reimagine a 1920’s home into an expression of their passions and interests. Tala and Daniel’s home is their dream and it shows in the meticulous care and research they put into every decision as they remodel and renovate. Showcasing their personal stories is key, and for this couple it’s all about foodie adventures. Throw the traditional approach to design out the window as you tour this space and live it up a little in Tala and Daniel’s world where storing (and showing off!) creative ingredients and spices is fun, entertaining and dining are an event and a wine collection becomes art! Taking an uncontained approach to design for Gen Now has never been more fun…

FAMILY MIXOLOGIST

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbis_uncontained_familymixologist/#/2

the container… The mixologist space is not the just the basement in Gen Xers Carlos and Elana’s home, rather it’s an uncontained look at how their lifestyle, focus on their blended family and commitment to community have changed their priorities when it comes to their home and design. Learning to live with – and love – what you have and learning to understand the small changes you can make to your space can make all the difference for the Gen Xer family. Take an “uncontained” look at how Carlos and Elana enjoy living local, rocking out and hanging out in this creative look at basement spaces!

FOREVER FIT

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbis_uncontained_foreverfit/#/2

the container… The forever fit space is not a room in active Zooomers, Roger and Nancy’s home, rather it’s an uncontained look at how their lifestyle and “second middle age” has affected their desire for design, products and solutions to fit their modern needs. Whether it’s a cool shower (for indoors or out!) with a “seat” when you need it, a work station hiding a pedi-bath or creative ways they can store treasures for their new puppy or the grandkids, the forever fit space should inspire you to take an “uncontained” look at a creative perspective on design for the forever young Zoomer generation!

The Care Giver

http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/kbis_uncontained_caregiver/#/2

the container... The caregiver space is not a room or an in-law quarters in retired Prime Timer Gloria’s son’s home, rather it’s an uncontained look at how Gloria’s change in lifestyle has created new design needs for her and her extended family. This container showcases all of the “little touches” Gloria’s arrival has made on an existing family home. Whether it’s a redefined outdoor space, a creative improvement Marcus made to make the home accessible for her or even an interesting way to turn a simple bedroom into her own private space - living in a multi-generational home is the way of the future. Take an uncontained look at Gloria’s new home, her passions and her values while she is in the Prime Time of her life!

This was my favourite container in the exhibit. Here is a picture of the "desk" area at the left of the bed. What a great way to re-purpose old appliances!!! LOVE IT!