IBS | KBIS 2024 Recap: The Housing Industry Is Betting on Growth

Last week, our team (along with 117,000 others) witnessed solid optimism at the International Builder Show (IBS) | Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2024 in Las Vegas. While many participants acknowledged near-term uncertainty for the industry, medium- and long-term enthusiasm reigned, driven by: 

• Housing demand that outpaces supply, requiring new builds, particularly in for-sale housing
• Record household home equity levels
• Aging housing stock requiring remodels  

The 2,400 exhibits on the show floor reflected this optimism, ditching minimalism for eye-popping color (pink and green on every machine!). The exhibits also demonstrated the hurdles our industry is still overcoming, with many products falling into the following themes:  

• Solving labor challenges
• Economizing space
• Maximizing durability, including in harsh climates
• Saving water 

Innovation that solves labor challenges 

Growth doesn’t come without its challenges, and the labor shortages in housing over the past several years have been well documented. Some of the best innovations we saw reduced installation times or the need for human labor altogether.

​

Innovation that economizes space 

In 2022, the New Home Trends Institute launched its inaugural US Residential Architecture and Design Survey in partnership with Pro Builder. For the past two years, the dominant trend was densification and shrinking home sizes for attainability. With no end in sight for this trend, it only makes sense that new space-saving solutions are not far behind. We view the need to preserve functionality while economizing on space as a longer-term trend that will continue to drive innovative solutions.

​

Innovation that is meant to last 

Great product design addresses what consumers actually want and need. When you’re making a big investment to buy or remodel a home, you shouldn’t have to worry about it falling apart. Some of our favorite finds were products that keep your home intact, bringing consumers ease and peace of mind. 

​

Innovation that makes our water clean 

What would we do without water? It’s everywhere in our day-to-day lives, whether you’re taking a shower, doing the dishes, or watering your lawn. This innovation treats water as the precious resource it is.

​

Bonus product and design trends

Sessions we participated in: 

• Deana Vidal
  The BluePrint:  60 Design Ideas in 60 Minutes 
• Chris Beard 
  NKBA State of the Association | State of the Industry 
• John Burns and Matt Saunders 
  Qualified Remodeler  Market Insights Breakfast