By Stephanie Casimiro
Kitchens and bathrooms have come a long way from their beginnings as separate, utilitarian structures. Kitchens are now the heart and soul of the home where friends and families gather, socialize and celebrate. They’ve undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to technological advances, evolving into fully integrated and visually stunning spaces.
Bathrooms have also undergone a dramatic evolution. Once situated outside the main house, modern bathrooms have become spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. The integration of technology into bathroom design has transformed these spaces into wellness sanctuaries. Today’s bathrooms are more than just a place to bathe – they are designed for comfort, sustainability and personal well-being. With smart technology, homeowners can now create custom experiences tailored to their unique needs.
In both kitchens and bathrooms, the convergence of technology, design and personal expression is reshaping the way we live. These rooms have become showcases of innovation and style where form meets function. Whether entertaining guests in a state-of-the-art kitchen or enjoying a spa-like retreat in your bathroom, these spaces now reflect the best of modern living.
Here are some standout products from 2024 that I loved as we look ahead to even more exciting innovations that we’ll be seeing at KBIS 2025.
Photo courtesy of Savant
New Fire & Ice in the Kitchen
Savant’s recent partnership with Monogram Appliances has brought cutting-edge innovation to the kitchen, particularly with the introduction of the Savant Smart Hearth Oven. This 30-inch, all-electric, ventless oven seamlessly blends luxury design with advanced technology. Handcrafted from premium materials like brushed stainless steel, this appliance delivers “brick-oven performance” while fitting flush in a standard kitchen opening. Its smart functionality, controlled through the Savant app, allows users to manage temperature settings and cooking modes and even power the oven off remotely. This level of integration not only simplifies cooking but also enhances the overall smart home ecosystem.
In addition to the Smart Hearth Oven, Savant also offers the Forge. This unique ice press creates perfectly round ice spheres, perfect for chilling fine spirits without diluting their flavor.
Photo courtesy of True Residential
Transcend from Avocado Green and Boring Pallets with True Residential
Gone are the days of avocado green and plain white kitchen appliances. The kitchen of the future not only integrates cutting-edge technology but also embraces stunning new finishes that make a bold statement.
True Residential is at the forefront of this trend, offering homeowners and designers incredible customization options to bring their kitchens to life. True unveiled two captivating new finishes in 2024, Champagne and Sorbet.
The soft, shimmering Champagne hue, with its pearlescent glow and delicate blend of pink and orange tones, exudes sophistication and warmth, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a luxurious and inviting kitchen aesthetic. Meanwhile, Sorbet – a vibrant pink – showcases the brand’s ability to create custom colors as unique as the homeowner.
True’s extensive “Build Your True” collection allows for unparalleled personalization, with 78 unique color combinations for full-size and indoor/outdoor units. Not only are these colors customizable, but the hardware is available in a variety of distinctive finishes such as brass, chrome, copper, and brushed stainless steel. Using high-end techniques like PVD, wire brushing, and plating. True ensures that every hinge and handle complement your kitchen’s overall design while maintaining durability.
The secret to the durability of these finishes lies in True’s investment in automotive-grade liquid paint and state-of-the-art powder coating technologies. These finishes offer a range of looks, from sleek mattes to sparkling metallics, and are designed to last, ensuring that your kitchen remains as beautiful and guarantee that they can stand the test of time in even the busiest kitchens. So, whether you’re looking to match your appliances to your cabinetry or favorite exotic car, True Residential has you covered with a level of customization that brings your vision to life.
Photo courtesy of Fisher & Paykel
As we look to the future of kitchen technology, induction cooking stands out as a game-changer
Unlike traditional gas or electric cooktops, induction appliances generate heat directly through the cookware, offering a level of efficiency and precision that other methods can’t match. Induction cooktops are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves and around 10 percent more efficient than conventional electric ranges. This makes them an eco-friendly choice, reducing energy waste and providing faster, more consistent heating.
Among the leaders in this space is Fisher & Paykel, the award-winning New Zealand appliance brand, with their latest release, the Series 11 48″ Pro Induction Range. This cutting-edge appliance brings together power, control and innovation in one sleek design. The ultra-responsive induction cooktop offers six cooking zones, with the flexibility to create two large Smart Zones, providing unmatched versatility.
The intuitive touchscreen interface guides you through cooking by food type, function or recipe and provides real-time feedback through a built-in food sensor, ensuring perfectly cooked meals every time. Additionally, the Series 11 range craftsmanship features premium materials like stainless steel, illuminated dials, and telescopic oven racks that reflect its superior build quality.
In an era where sustainability and convenience are key, Fisher & Paykel’s induction cooking technology offers the best of both worlds. By focusing heat only where it’s needed – directly into your pots and pans – it minimizes energy waste while maximizing cooking precision. Combined with the oven’s self-cleaning function and sleek design, this appliance is built to last and designed to make life in the kitchen more efficient, cleaner and easier than ever.
Photo courtesy of Brizo Kitchen & Bath Company
Brizo Kitchen & Bath Company merges artistry with advanced technology
Known for its luxurious and meticulously crafted products, Brizo takes kitchen and bath design to a new level with the Kintsu® Kitchen Collection showcased at this year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
Inspired by the minimalist beauty of Japandi style – a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design principles – this new collection captures the essence of balanced harmony. At the heart of the collection is an innovative two-handle faucet configuration, which combines the sleek functionality of a pull-down wand with the elegant, statement-worthy presence of a widespread faucet. This thoughtfully designed faucet integrates a suite of advanced technologies to elevate culinary experiences.
The collection is equipped with Brizo’s cutting-edge features, including SmartTouch® technology for effortless touch activation, MagneDock® for secure docking of the pull-down wand, TempID™ to monitor water temperature, and Lumicoat® technology for a long-lasting finish that resists stains. The Touch-Clean® nozzles make maintenance a breeze, allowing users to easily wipe away mineral buildup. Offered in a variety of finishes, including the captivating Black Onyx, this collection combines form and function seamlessly.
Brizo also has a revolutionary reverse osmosis system that sets the gold standard for water purity and taste. This system underscores the brand’s focus on performance as well as sustainability, offering a solution that purifies water at the highest standard while enhancing the overall culinary experience. Brizo’s attention to both the design and technical aspects ensures that its products not only look exquisite but also perform at the highest level.
Photo courtesy of TOTO
When it comes to redefining bathroom luxury, the NEOREST® WX2 Wall-Hung Toilet from TOTO sets a new standard
Resembling a floating work of art, this toilet is more than just a beautiful fixture, it’s a high-performance piece of technology designed to enhance comfort, hygiene and sustainability in the modern bathroom. Recognized globally with prestigious Red Dot and iF design awards, the NEOREST WX2 seamlessly blends form and function.
This smart bidet toilet offers an array of features focused on personal comfort and hygiene. With a warm-water personal cleansing system, adjustable water temperature and pressure, and a heated seat, users can experience unmatched luxury. The toilet’s seamless design ensures easy maintenance, while an ergonomic, stick-style remote control allows for personalized settings for up to four users, including preferences for seat temperature and cleansing options. The convenience is further enhanced with automatic features such as a soft-closing lid, nightlight, and auto flush, providing a superior bathroom experience.
Homeowners can enjoy a spa-like experience every time they use the bathroom with the NEOREST WX2. Whether it’s the gentle aerated spray, the warm air dryer, or the automatic air deodorizer, this toilet elevates bathroom functionality to new heights while its sleek, floating design adds an element of understated elegance to any space.
Photo courtesy of nobilia
The Future of Cabinet Design
Whether in the kitchen or bathroom the nBOX drawer system from nobilia represents a leap forward in cabinetry design. Its sleek aesthetics, functional innovation, and customizable features make it a standout choice for modern interiors. This revolutionary system demonstrates how even the smallest design elements can significantly enhance a space’s visual appeal and practicality, ensuring that homeowners can achieve a perfect balance between style and usability.
With a narrow 10.7mm frame and a concealed drawer guide, it maximizes interior space without sacrificing its flawless appearance. This is particularly appealing for those who appreciate handleless, streamlined designs, with the option for a push-to-open mechanism that enhances ease of use. Whether pulling out a drawer in the kitchen during meal prep or organizing essentials in the bathroom, the nBOX ensures smooth operation and easy access.
With solutions like the nBOX, today’s cabinetry sets new standards, transforming everyday spaces into showcases of contemporary elegance.
Convergence
The convergence of technology, design and personal expression has ushered in a new era for kitchens and bathrooms, transforming them from purely functional spaces into showcases of style and innovation. Kitchens have become the heart of the home, integrating smart appliances, luxurious finishes, and cutting-edge technologies that simplify daily tasks while elevating aesthetics. Similarly, bathrooms are now personal well-being sanctuaries with advanced features promoting relaxation, sustainability and comfort. From convection cooktops to intelligent toilets to customizable cabinetry, today’s kitchen and bath designs offer a blend of practicality and elegance, reflecting modern homeowners’ evolving needs and tastes.
As we look ahead to future trends debuting at KBIS 2025, it’s clear that the marriage of innovation and design will continue to shape these essential spaces, allowing homeowners to enjoy the ultimate fusion of functionality and art in their daily lives.
Stephanie Casimiro is a Contributing Editor and the Social Media Manager for Technology Designer Magazine. She is the Founder of Designer Marketing Solutions, a full-service social media and marketing agency.
