Although Vegas ‘ain’t my town baby,’ (I don’t gamble, I don’t drink, and I left my big gold chains at home!) I still thoroughly enjoyed visiting the International Builders Show and Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas last week. It was just me – and 124,000 of my ‘best friends’ participating in this wild, frenzied event which spans 1.2 million square feet and 2,300 exhibitors at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
If you were bored at this show – you were in a coma!
Exhibitors spend millions of dollars displaying and showing off their ‘latest and greatest.’ And while my focus was primarily on bathroom products (and gaining new marketing ideas … after all, I’m a digital marketing geek) – there was also tons of displays for windows, doors, siding, roofing, flooring, you name it. Basically, you could find everything important for building and remodeling in 4 massive conference halls.
Below I’ll share 7 exciting trends and highlights (and one of them was nostalgic and personal to me) below.
At the end let me know what was most interesting, most surprising, or most concerning to you.
Trend and Highlight #1 – Whether it’s tile – or a wall surround alternative to tile, there’s a LOT of new stuff (and trends) to feast your eyes on!
Since my business – Innovate Building Solutions – has a significant focus on bathroom projects– and a key style element in bathrooms are the walls surrounding showers, bathtubs, and wainscoting around bathroom walls – my eyes are logically focused on trends in tile, stone, and wall surround panels.
The use of hexagon, chevron, and herringbone tile patterns is hot. And while these tile patterns are gaining popularity their cost can take your breath away. However, a smart alternative is wall surround panels where these complex to install patterns are ‘built into’ the product without the long time associated with a tile installation.
Another tile trend was ‘non-traditional’ subway tile patterns and textures. There were larger subway tiles, horizontal subway tiles laid in ‘stack bond’ (one on top another) and vertical subway patterns. There were even subway tiles with different textures – all in the same wall. Subway tiles are being reinvented before our very eyes!
Large format tiles – or wall surrounds with large tile looks are gaining popularity. Larger tiles – while tougher to install –minimize grout joints and make small bathrooms look bigger (and there’s a lot of small bathrooms in this country). And if you or your bathroom contractor don’t want to fuss with big tiles, then grout free wall surround panels with large tile format looks are the next best thing (and will save you money).
“Moody” colors (which hopefully don’t remind you of your teenager) are in style. The color black is back and was one of the key trends identified by the New Home Trends Institute. And if dark colors intimidate you (especially in a small bathroom), it’s perfectly on-trend to lighten them up with metallic or light earth tone colors in the same shower or bathroom design.
Trend and Highlight #2 – Innovation is happening in even the tiniest spaces. There’s riches in those niches!
For so many years it seemed like the only two choices in shower niches were those hand-made with tile (which were a pain to maintain) and ugly molded plastic and cultured marble niches which were anything BUT high style!
Well – things have gotten cooler – and more encompassing in the ever-important-shower-storage niche market… because who has enough storage in a shower or bathroom? ‘Er that’d be a small number of people.
In the show this year I saw a company called Pulse Shower Spaswhich combined the niche with the shower valve in one integrated unit. That was new to me.
I also saw in a tile booth LED lighting in niches. And although I’ve seen this feature before, hopefully they’re making it simpler to implement in the field in this new generation of products.
Trend and Highlight #3 – Grab bars (believe it or not) are getting cooler
One of the ugliest part of a shower in addition to round shower drain covers (IMHO) are grab bars. So many look like they were yanked off the wall of a hospital bathroom. Can you say YUCK?
I like the innovation of this grab bar from Life Valet where the decorative pieces can be changed, and this grab bar actually has a high end look.
Trend and Highlight #4 – Builders and remodelers are getting more than an ‘I.T.I’-bit concerned about the future
What I’m hearing way too much –at this trade show and from homeowners, contractors or material suppliers is the concern about three things in building/construction market (and the acronym ‘I.T.I.’ fits the situation). And here’s those concerns:
(I) Immigration policy – When you look at the construction industry –1/3 of the work force in this country is ‘non-native born.’ The impact of mass deportations could be significant. And when you layer this over a lack of qualified craftsman (and qualified craftswoman) already – it could make labor availability, quality, and costs even worse.
(T) Tariffs – Since there’s so few products which are truly 100% made in and manufactured in the United States the scariness of tariffs is surrounding the industry. Whether it’s lumber from Canada, or products from the EU or China- tariffs will have an inflationary impact on prices. And as proof of this fact, I just got a 4.4% price increase from a U.S. closet manufacturing company yesterday who sources wood from Canada and a notice from a wall panel supplier in Mexico about the 25% tariff being the responsibility of the company importing their products which are used in the hotel and apartments markets (note – 2 days later these tariffs were temporarily rescinded, but are being reviewed again at the beginning of April).
(I) Inflation and interest rates – Remodeling and new construction will rise (and fall) as interest rates and tariffs impact mortgage and borrowing rates and prices. Maybe one bright spot is there’s been more discussion about interest rate cuts, but I’m not an economist (and I don’t play one on TV either), so we’ll all have to wait and see.
Trend and Highlight #5 – Homeowners are using the ‘save and splurge strategy’ to get what they want
Who is moaning about the price of eggs? Both Democrats and Republicans have vowed to fix this problem – but where’s the relief? You might have to swap your morning eggs for fat free yogurt…. Ok, maybe not!
And while (fortunately) escalating egg prices aren’t impacting the price of building materials in remodeling or new construction projects – it’s also true the price of materials (and labor) in the building industry isn’t going down any time soon. In addition, the argument can be made (given the points mentioned in trend and highlight #4) they’re going in the wrong direction like the price of eggs.
So, how can a homeowner still get what they want in a bathroom remodel, or a new kitchen, even if material and labor prices are going up?
Well one interesting strategic trend is the ‘save and splurge’ concept. And what exactly is the save and splurge concept?
Well – this strategy is to ‘splurge’ on ‘permanent items’ and to save on ‘easily replaceable items’….at least at this time.
For example – if you’re building a shower it’s darn near impossible (after the fact) to replace your shower surround walls (whether they’re grout free wall panels or a tile surround) or the shower base which is the foundation of the shower. But it isn’t nearly as hard to replace (or delay the purchase of) a shower door. So – splurge on the ‘permanent items’ (the wall surrounds and base) and spend less on products like shower doors, or lighting fixtures until you see the markets ‘simma-down-now’ like the video below tells us to do.
This same concept can be applied to kitchen cabinets. Splurge on the cabinets but go with less expensive hardware or lighting which could be replaced later.
In tighter economics times it’s smart to apply this ‘save and splurge’ concept. Of course, that’s assuming Elon Musk hasn’t (yet) added you to his will or decided to adopt you as his 15th child! And if he has, break out the champagne and your DOGE bumper stickers!
Trend and Highlight #6 – Universal and accessible design will be avoided (literally) at your own risk.
As ‘they’ say (whoever ‘they’ are) “Money talks, and B.S. walks.” And when you look at product innovation there’s usually a direct connection to (and focus on) who has the money (and need) for these product innovations.
And still to this day the baby boomer generation is sitting on the most cash. And whether this ‘older’ (and yes, I’m unfortunately at the youngest age of this generation myself) generation wants to admit it or not, they may very well need universal or accessible designed spaces (which don’t sacrifice style) to safely stay in their homes longer.
That’s why you could see low (or no) curb shower pans (as one universal design example) in large numbers at the show. And, in addition, even the mega corporation GE created an ADU’s (which means Accessory Dwelling Units for those of you not familiar with this acronym) tailored to ‘aging adults’ (and I only use the term ‘aging adult’ in the most affectionate way).
And if you can’t get enough funny acronyms check out this scene from the movie Good Morning Vietnam. I know it has nothing to do with universal and accessible design or building trends – but a good laugh is always a good thing.
Highlight #7 – And I’ll admit this was personal and nostalgic for me
What’s so fun about trade shows for me is the ability to learn and see new things. And while I was getting cutting-edge insights about web site design and traffic generation from a guy at TruvolvI was stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the retro balsa wood airplanes they were giving away.
And while I’m not usually one to grab ‘freebies’ at a trade show – this brought me back to my childhood and I couldn’t resist.
And while I know this has nothing to do with building product trends – it was a nostalgic highlight which not only made my day – but I’m displaying this plane in my office right now (and I love spinning the rubber band fueling the propeller while on the phone). And I know there’s nothing wrong with letting my mind go back to my childhood and the simple days playing whiffle ball in Tony Rizzo’s backyard or playing with balsa wood airplanes!
So, what’s the most interesting, concerning, or fun trend or highlight from the list I mentioned above? Was there anything you saw at these shows if you had the privilege of attending?
I’d be curious what was most interesting, concerning, fun, or just plain nostalgic trend or highlight from what I mentioned above (or what you saw at the show if you attended). Please comment below.
Thanks for reading about my journey – and also let me know if you’d be as excited as I am about the nostalgic balsa wood airplane! And while I may be older than I wish, I still believe maturity is overrated!
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
Sherry – thanks for your nice comments about the product insights (and occasional humor, even if it’s corny at times!) I’ve provided in my posts. And I also appreciate you sharing your views about the section of this post which you didn’t like.
This post was not meant to be a political post – but it was meant to be truthful about the trends and product highlights I saw at the show. And no matter where someone in our industry falls politically tariffs and immigration policy does have economic and social impacts not only on the industry I’m in (construction and remodeling), but on virtually all industries at this time (staffing and product costs are important topics).
And as I mentioned in this article – I’m not an economist so only time will tell if these policy changes are a good idea or not. I know right now we’re seeing price increases and a lot of uncertainty about costs. This is challenging and it’s a trending topic in our industry (and it’s why I shared this in my post).
I’m glad these posts have helped you. If you decide to work with us I think you’ll find all of us will do our best to assist you (and if you’d like to reach out to me directly – you’ll find my contact information on our web site).
Mike
Sherry
I’ve been visiting your website and reading your blogs for probably over a year now. I’ve found them quite enlightening and helpful, and even humorous. I have come to trust you~so much so that I figured that if I want to make sure that I get the “right” product, I would need to order from you and not take a chance on inferior products elsewhere. My son just bought a house and his bathroom definitely needs a remodel. And I definitely need a remodel as well, so we are talking about 2 bathrooms here. We have even received free samples from you and we both have contact emails from your employees. We are getting very close to begin the remodels. However, I am very disappointed by this current blog. I haven’t read all of your blogs so I can’t be positive but from the ones I have read, you steered clear of politics. Like a good teacher aught to be, you informed on your subject matter without giving a hint of your political position. That all changed with this blog. Now I don’t normally restrict doing business with someone because of their political views. Best policy is neither the customer nor the seller should even be aware of the other’s political views. Unfortunately, I can’t unread this blog. You stated that a third of the construction workers are not ‘native born.’ The only ‘non native borns’ that need to be worried about deportation are the people who entered this country illegally! They broke our laws and jumped the line ahead of immigrants that are coming here legally. That’s not right and they should be deported! Not only that but it has always been illegal to hire illegals. Companies do that so they can take advantage of them and not pay them a fair wage and do it under the table! And before you start on the farm scenario, those people are here legally. I’m only talking about the illegals. So this administration’s immigration policy should have NO impact on law abiding companies who practice good business! As far as not having enough skilled labor, companies used to hire and then TRAIN their employees. If our young people don’t have the skills it’s because no one trained them and/or the schools have failed them! As far as the tariffs go, other countries have taken advantage of us for long enough. President Trump did warn that there could be some pain in the beginning but that always happens when you have to right something that has been wrong for so long. He is using the tariffs as a bargaining chip and it is working. We already have several companies that are going to bring their manufacturing back here. When I was a kid, (I’m at the end of the baby boomers too-1964) I remember all the factories in my hometown. Now they are all closed…so sad! Our country needs to go back to producing what we need instead of buying those products from countries that use child labor and/or don’t pay their workers a decent wage. How can foreign countries make a decent product, and pay to have it shipped here, AND still manage to sell it cheaper than we can if we produce it here? Doesn’t make any sense, does it? Unfair trade is what the problem is. Oh, and if we produce here, and not have to ship it so far away, it would be better for the environment too, right? Less fossil fuel being used is good, isn’t it?
You also stated that it is hard to run a business when you don’t know what the costs will be. How on earth did you make it through the Biden years with that run away inflation? During President Trumps 1st term we had extremely low infatuation and as of today, the price of eggs went down and inflation is down. I’m not an economist either, but I think our country is finally on the right track! President Trump not only won the electoral vote, he also won the popular vote so you might want to consider that before bringing up politics in your business blog again. I’m all for free speech and it’s your company so do as you please. I’m just saying, it might not be good business on a business website.
Kay – I’m glad you enjoyed the article. While I love to share what I’m learning, I really don’t want it to be boring – and that’s where the creative process (and my – sometimes wacky – personality comes in!).
Yes the ‘ITI’ is a scary concept we’re living with in business today. I hope this situation settles down because it’s making it very hard to plan in a business and/or to know what costs will be (and this problem with the tariffs doesn’t only apply to what you buy from countries overseas – but also to products bought from U.S. manufacturers who are sourcing products from another country (I recently had a 4.4% price increase from one of my suppliers who gets a large portion of their wood from Canada).
If we can help you – or someone you know with a project, feel free to reach out – Mike
Kay Bolser
I liked your presentation and love your sense of humor. I actually laughed out loud and my husband looked at me like there was something wrong with me. Love your ideas but we are 84 year old retired school teachers. It just is not in the budget. Liked iti. Scary isn’t it
Mike Foti
Sherry – thanks for your nice comments about the product insights (and occasional humor, even if it’s corny at times!) I’ve provided in my posts. And I also appreciate you sharing your views about the section of this post which you didn’t like.
This post was not meant to be a political post – but it was meant to be truthful about the trends and product highlights I saw at the show. And no matter where someone in our industry falls politically tariffs and immigration policy does have economic and social impacts not only on the industry I’m in (construction and remodeling), but on virtually all industries at this time (staffing and product costs are important topics).
And as I mentioned in this article – I’m not an economist so only time will tell if these policy changes are a good idea or not. I know right now we’re seeing price increases and a lot of uncertainty about costs. This is challenging and it’s a trending topic in our industry (and it’s why I shared this in my post).
I’m glad these posts have helped you. If you decide to work with us I think you’ll find all of us will do our best to assist you (and if you’d like to reach out to me directly – you’ll find my contact information on our web site).
Mike
Sherry
I’ve been visiting your website and reading your blogs for probably over a year now. I’ve found them quite enlightening and helpful, and even humorous. I have come to trust you~so much so that I figured that if I want to make sure that I get the “right” product, I would need to order from you and not take a chance on inferior products elsewhere. My son just bought a house and his bathroom definitely needs a remodel. And I definitely need a remodel as well, so we are talking about 2 bathrooms here. We have even received free samples from you and we both have contact emails from your employees. We are getting very close to begin the remodels. However, I am very disappointed by this current blog. I haven’t read all of your blogs so I can’t be positive but from the ones I have read, you steered clear of politics. Like a good teacher aught to be, you informed on your subject matter without giving a hint of your political position. That all changed with this blog. Now I don’t normally restrict doing business with someone because of their political views. Best policy is neither the customer nor the seller should even be aware of the other’s political views. Unfortunately, I can’t unread this blog. You stated that a third of the construction workers are not ‘native born.’ The only ‘non native borns’ that need to be worried about deportation are the people who entered this country illegally! They broke our laws and jumped the line ahead of immigrants that are coming here legally. That’s not right and they should be deported! Not only that but it has always been illegal to hire illegals. Companies do that so they can take advantage of them and not pay them a fair wage and do it under the table! And before you start on the farm scenario, those people are here legally. I’m only talking about the illegals. So this administration’s immigration policy should have NO impact on law abiding companies who practice good business! As far as not having enough skilled labor, companies used to hire and then TRAIN their employees. If our young people don’t have the skills it’s because no one trained them and/or the schools have failed them! As far as the tariffs go, other countries have taken advantage of us for long enough. President Trump did warn that there could be some pain in the beginning but that always happens when you have to right something that has been wrong for so long. He is using the tariffs as a bargaining chip and it is working. We already have several companies that are going to bring their manufacturing back here. When I was a kid, (I’m at the end of the baby boomers too-1964) I remember all the factories in my hometown. Now they are all closed…so sad! Our country needs to go back to producing what we need instead of buying those products from countries that use child labor and/or don’t pay their workers a decent wage. How can foreign countries make a decent product, and pay to have it shipped here, AND still manage to sell it cheaper than we can if we produce it here? Doesn’t make any sense, does it? Unfair trade is what the problem is. Oh, and if we produce here, and not have to ship it so far away, it would be better for the environment too, right? Less fossil fuel being used is good, isn’t it?
You also stated that it is hard to run a business when you don’t know what the costs will be. How on earth did you make it through the Biden years with that run away inflation? During President Trumps 1st term we had extremely low infatuation and as of today, the price of eggs went down and inflation is down. I’m not an economist either, but I think our country is finally on the right track! President Trump not only won the electoral vote, he also won the popular vote so you might want to consider that before bringing up politics in your business blog again. I’m all for free speech and it’s your company so do as you please. I’m just saying, it might not be good business on a business website.
Mike Foti
Kay – I’m glad you enjoyed the article. While I love to share what I’m learning, I really don’t want it to be boring – and that’s where the creative process (and my – sometimes wacky – personality comes in!).
Yes the ‘ITI’ is a scary concept we’re living with in business today. I hope this situation settles down because it’s making it very hard to plan in a business and/or to know what costs will be (and this problem with the tariffs doesn’t only apply to what you buy from countries overseas – but also to products bought from U.S. manufacturers who are sourcing products from another country (I recently had a 4.4% price increase from one of my suppliers who gets a large portion of their wood from Canada).
If we can help you – or someone you know with a project, feel free to reach out – Mike
Kay Bolser
I liked your presentation and love your sense of humor. I actually laughed out loud and my husband looked at me like there was something wrong with me. Love your ideas but we are 84 year old retired school teachers. It just is not in the budget. Liked iti. Scary isn’t it