Woohoo! Here it is, friends… PART ONE of our DESIGNHOUNDS KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN RECAP!

THE 2020 KITCHEN AND BATH INDUSTRY SHOW (KBIS)

• One Team of Design Influencers
• Six Brand Sponsors
• New Products and Trends
• And a few #4ptFavoriteFinds

We’ve been back at the office now for just a few weeks (and besides a round or two with what seems to be a VERY popular FLU that had us in super-slow-mode), we’re all caught up with projects, clients, and paperwork. We have finally sifted through and organized the 1000 plus pictures of new products, people, and places from our annual trip to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show; and we can’t wait to share it all with you.

DESIGNHOUNDS INFLUENCER TOUR / KITCHEN AND BATH RECAP

If you’re following us on social media, you may be aware that I recently was selected to join the prestigious Modenus Designhounds team of Influencers on this year’s annual trek to the 2020 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), which occurs every year sometime late January/early February in either Las Vegas or Orlando (equal split every two years).

Each year the Designhounds Tour is sponsored by an elite group of today’s most innovative and design-invested product manufacturers in the residential kitchen and bath design and construction industry; and it is a MUST SEE event every year. In partnership with these brands, the “Influencers” are hosted, wine and dined, toured and trained in an extended intimate setting with the brand’s leadership, manufacturing, and sales team. These meetings are the essential tools for developing rich, long-lasting relationships with these brands, and a deep understanding of their products.

KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN RECAP / MEET OUR SPONSORS / Courtesy of Four Point and our Sponsors

With this year’s deep focus on our generous BRAND SPONSORS and jam packed itinerary, there wasn’t too much time to roam free around the show. However, there were a FEW free moments, and in my final post I’ll share my trend thoughts and favorite finds!

WHAT IS A MODENUS DESIGNHOUND?

So, you may also be wondering what a Designhound is, exactly, and why THIS event and Influencer Tour is so very important. Well, I thought you mind be wondering, so I’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down.

BUT FIRST…

Before we get into the simple descriptions, I invite and encourage you to read my Designhounds post here, where I illustrate the “essence, beauty, and value” of this prestigious relationship, and learn more about my personal experiences as a Designhound, and my business success as a result of being a part of this dynamic and creative community!

HERE WE GO

“Designhounds the leading network of design micro-influencers and their mission is for their content creators to leverage their own industry connections and insights to produce consistently well-researched, meaningful content that reaches, informs and converts targeted audiences of design professionals and design savvy consumers alike.” – Designhounds.com

“The simplistic answer — Modenus is a comprehensive digital resource for design professionals and design enthusiasts.”

“The better answer — We like to think of ourselves as a one-stop-shop for all things design. We offer a carefully curated collection of the most inspiring and innovative new brands and products from around the world alongside editorials on everything that strikes us as worth sharing — from trends and event to cocktail recipes and holiday wish lists.  For professionals, we offer designer profiles that allow them to showcase their projects and passions among our extensive audience.

Last, but not least, we love connecting people across the industry. Whether it’s client to designer, manufacturer to consumer, or blogger to fellow blogger; Modenus works daily to grow and enrich our considerable design community. We even take these relationships offline, augmenting our social media efforts with real-life meet-ups and BlogTours across the globe. We understand that sometimes 140 characters just isn’t enough and that getting some face time can mean the difference between an online acquaintance and a life-long friend. To sum it all up, and at the risk of sounding like a motivational poster, our main goal is to inspire and be inspired in return.” – Modenus.com

So, now that you have a bit of backstory, let’s do this!

MEET OUR FIRST SPONSOR // KBIS

THE KITCHEN AND BATH INDUSTRY SHOW > KBIS

“North America’s largest trade show dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design. With the expansive show floor filled with the freshest designs from over 600 leading brands, it is a one-stop shop providing attendees and exhibitors the ultimate destination to network, exchange ideas and build their businesses.” – KBIS.org

KBIS AND THE NKBA

“The NKBA is the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry providing tools, research, certification, and events to thousands of professionals. The National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA) is a non-profit trade group that promotes professionalism in the kitchen and bath industry. FOUR POINT is a proud member of the NKBA. The NKBA owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).” – NKBA.org

RELEVANT PROGRAMMING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION | KBISNeXT Stage

“The KBISNeXT Stage hosts design experts, celebrity hosts and young professionals, all sharing insights into the industry’s need-to-know topics to educate, inspire and connect members of the kitchen and bath industry.” – KBIS.org

This year, I had the great privilege of not only joining the Designhounds on the TOUR, but was also invited to speak on the KBISNeXT Stage about a subject that is very close to my heart: Resilient Design. [More information on Resilient Design coming soon. Subscribe to our Newsletter and be the first to know when it goes live.]

Watch the full video here

It was especially heartwarming (and presented in typical Designhounds fashion) to experience the first Designhounds Influencer Awards ceremony (held at the KBISNeXT Stage), and the loving tribute for one of our industry’s most special and beloved designers, (and my dear friend), Liza Jones. Her positive presence and INFLUENCE was global and an official Designhounds Liza Jones Scholarship Fund was created and announced in her name.

Watch the full video here.

“In 2020, the stage hosted more than 15 programs, including four awards events, and 50+ industry-leading voices and personalities. Topics ranged from health and wellness to resilient design and business development.” – KBIS.org 

KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN AT IT’S FINEST \ OUR TOP TAKEAWAYS

• Excellence in Educational and Inspiring Programming
• Networking with Brands and Professional Colleagues
• Immersive Experiences with Products and Innovation

Without a doubt, one of the finest programming schedules in the industry, and annual attendance is a must for our team!

SO “WHY” DOES TEAM FOUR POINT ATTEND KBIS WITH THE DESIGNHOUNDS?

When specifying a product, it is imperative that we understand each product we endorse, suggest, recommend and specify for our clients. But more important, it is the “why” that endures, builds a legacy, gives meaning to an otherwise seemingly basic selection.

This “why” is the passion that drives our relationships and selections.  When we select products to present, we must understand the “why”.  You see, design is more than aesthetics, than budget, than function, it is bigger than that.  It is a moral and ethical responsibility we have to our clients to pursue products that give a deeper meaning to the spaces we build. A story. A mindfulness. A reason. A why.

One of the most profound luxuries that Designhounds provides is the opportunity to develop intimate relationships with our brand partners, providers, and suppliers. By taking the time to meet our partners and learn (in an intimate setting), we give birth to a rich and robust relationship that will prove to serve not only our clients, but our company. Further, it increases our profits, and maintains our authority and professional integrity.

COMMITMENT

We take great care designing, selecting and specifying every single detail; and we take great care and spend dedicated time when it comes to education so that we can:

Give our clients the most comprehensive presentation of finishes and products available; and so we can maintain our “no regrets process” by having a deep understanding of the manufacturers applications and installation best practices, and thus understanding the longevity of the products we specify so we can maintain a streamlined design, bidding, and construction process by eliminating surprises and managing expectations.

I hope this has given you some insight into our commitment and dedication to the advocacy of the design and construction profession, and why attending KBIS is so important to our process, our success, and our clients.

THANK YOU KBIS, for your generous and abundant Designhounds hospitality!

PREP, ARRIVALS, FUN, ITINERARY, AND WHAT’S UP NEXT…

So, what could possibly make attending KBIS even BETTER? The Nomad Hotel, THAT’S what. Our week-long stay, courtesy of Modenus and our Designhounds’ SPONSORS, was truly inspiring. What a gloriously sexy and moody boutique hotel, where [once inside] you could swear you were in Europe; and after a day in the trenches, it was a completely transporting and refreshing experience. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the PARK MGM GRAND, it was the perfect choice for an eager team of Designhounds, and the service was impeccable.

KICK-OFF

The big tour event KICKED-OFF with everyone’s arrival and a VIP PARTY with the Designhounds team, alumni, dear friends, and our #DesignhoundsKBIS sponsors.

After a short presentation, delicious bites, loads of hugs and some VERY excited conversations, we were treated to a private tour of the stunning and “soaring” NoMad Restaurant.  Surrounded by over 25,000 books from the late David Rockefeller’s private collection, this space inspires!

So, with a good night’s sleep, a jam-packed itinerary, iPhone, camera, pencil and pad in hand, and more than a few backup batteries and bandaids, the Designhounds hit the show.

UP NEXT

In our next two posts, you’ll meet our Sponsors, COMPAC, THERMADOR, CONTROL4, MR. STEAM and NOBILIA. In the final post I will share my #4ptFavoriteFinds as well, so stay tuned and read along.  Link to part 2 of 3 here.

For even MORE FUN and inspiration check out our KITCHEN AND BATH RECAP 2020 HASHTAGS on Instagram!

#DesignhoundsKBIS

#KBIS2020

#4ptKBIS2020recap

As always, if you have any questions or if you want WORK WITH US, tell us about YOUR next project and please say “HELLO” by contacting us HERE.  Fill out our questionnaire, and let’s get started!

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Thanks for stopping by and we’ll see you next time!

Blessings,

Laura