I'm taking over Tucker's blog to talk KBIS...For those of you that don't know what this amazing acronym stands for it is the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Every year thousands of designers, builders, remodelers and dealers descend upon Las Vegas and get to preview the latest innovations and trends from the leading kitchen and bath brands. Here are 5 of the top trends for 2016.

Trend 1: Gold Isn't Going Anywhere

Anyone that follows this blog, has a Houzz account, pins on Pinterest or has eyes can see gold is trending. The trend continues into 2016 with more brands introducing this sophisticated finish into their lines as well as expanding the range of shades available.

Kohler expands their gold finish selection. Here their sleek Purist collection is shown in 5 gold hues.

The Kallista Vir Still collection designed by Laura Kirar is one of my favorite collections by far. It's industrial with its fluted detail, timeless with the gooseneck spout and it's on trend in bronze.

The Rohl water appliance is beautiful in any finish; gold just makes it all the more enviable.

Trend 2: Color

Finally! The average homeowner is starting to embrace the fact that every color can be a "neutral color" when it is part of a well thought-out, intentional design. Those of us in the industry are energized when a client isn't afraid of mixing things up; no longer does your sink need to be stainless and your tub white.

What doesn't this beautiful bathroom include??...color, color blocking, classic tile, transitional design. Stark white china would have disappeared into the timeless subway tile. Here the Kohler Tresham pedestal and toilet are statement pieces shown in Cashmere.

Blanco introduces IKON; the first ever granite composite, farmhouse sink. Currently only available in white, anthracite and cafe brown but as hot as farmhouse sinks and color are, we know it will only be a matter of time before they expand the collection to include all the SILGRANIT options.

Suzanne Kasler designs a Parisian inspired collection for La Cornue. The company offers beautifully sculpted ranges in dozens of color options.

Trend 3: Matte Black

But wait, didn't you just say color...now I'm confused?? Just as the LBD is a staple in any woman's closet so is this sleek color to the design world.

Brizo is definitely a leader in matte black offerings. The Solna collection (left) is designed by the famous Jason Wu and the kitchen faucet features a hidden pull-down sprayer. The Rook collection stole the show. This complete bathroom suite features both an open spout (shown right) and closed spout option as well as cross or lever handles. Even the drawer pulls for this collection are BEAUTIFUL!

KitchenAid introduces black stainless steel. It is a softer alternative to traditional stainless and compliments any style kitchen. This feels like the right time to interject a pubic service announcement every designer is waiting for the consumer to embrace...just as you mix your metals in your jewelry you have the same freedom to do so with the fixtures in your home!

Trend 4: Texture

There is nothing that elevates a design more than layering on the texture.

Tile gets three dimensional with interesting and elegant patterns.

The texture mixing of the sleek metal and teak levers on this new Brizo line is my new favorite thing!

Technically this is a digital print on glass but it looks like the real thing. Available in 6 digital prints of wood and natural stone textures, this Adorn cabinet by Robern is a modern way to bring texture into your sleek home.

I didn't know if this should go with color or texture or if it needed a category of its own! The Derring sink collection from Kohler is part of their Artist Editions. Shown in Bourbon (left) and Bluestone (right) it's the texture of this sink that adds that extra design detail that makes you want to design a bathroom around it. The details in every Artist Edition sink are done by hand, making each a real one-of-a-kind work of art.

Trend 5: Technology

What is a blog about trends without including technology? I could probably do an entire article on all the ways you can incorporate technology into your kitchen and bathroom and why you shouldn't be afraid of it...hmmmm I think I might need to hijack Tucker's blog again...but here are a few worth mentioning.

The new AirTempo steam shower control from Mr. Steam features an LCD touch screen, can be surface mounted (even to glass!) or recessed but most importantly it is WIRELESS! No more running wires from your shower to the generator. Your installer will thank you later.

Touch Faucets...if you don't have one trust me from experience it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE! The technology continues to be included in new faucet introductions from many manufacturers. Almost every faucet Delta offers is a touch faucet including the Trinsic shown above. (Shown in bronze as well making it 2 trends in 1!)

Technology is all over the appliance industry. How many times has this happened to us all; you are at the store and can't remember if there is milk in the refrigerator? With the new Samsung smart refrigerator you can access a camera in the fridge with your smartphone to see exactly what is inside.

Kohler's Vibracoustic tub blends music and water for a relaxing bathing experience. This tub comes with 6 pre-set audio experiences or stream your own music using its BLUETOOTH technology. The tub has speakers and a subwoofer under the water line so you actually feel your music while you relax. I also have first hand experience of this one and it is a MUST for everyone that takes a bath for the same reasons I do...to relax and drink a glass of wine.

About the writer:

Heather List works as a Kitchen and Bath designer for Hughes Kitchen and Bath. Graduating with an interior design degree in 2005 she has worked as a designer in the greater Charlotte area for the last eleven years. Her designs are in homes from DC to Charleston and most importantly is one of Tucker's best friends!

Kitchen and Bath Trends 2016