I’ll be heading to KBIS 2017, the ultimate source for all kitchen and bath products and information, next week in Orlando. I’ll be checking out new products, assessing trends, and absorbing all the info provided in some of their seminars for industry professionals.

Champagne and cupcakes will kick off our KBIS2017 with some Blogtour alumni.

I can’t wait to see everything all in one place. I love how so many products are on display and operable. Of course, I'll have a few sips of champagne with many designer friends who will also be attending. It's gonna be a great way to start off the new year!

For the last two years, the show was in Vegas and I had a wonderful time as one of the Blogtour attendees with Modenus. We were wined and dined by some incredible hosts and received some in depth product knowledge that helped me spec out some new products this past year.

One such product was Blanco’s new Ikon sink and faucet that they debuted last year at KBIS. It’s going in on one of my jobs now in white, and I can’t wait to see it completed.

I also learned more about Mr. Steam products and the healthy benefits of steam. I used their steam shower in this bathroom design on one of my jobs this past year too.

Mr. Steam steam shower, designed by Carla Aston

This was a steam shower within a walk-in shower. It was a tricky design and installation, but what a luxurious feature to have in your own bathroom. This link has the unusual plan for this bathroom remodel.

For this show, I’m going to meet up with some of my designer peers and fellow bloggers on my own. I'm getting my schedule in order now, but I know some vendors I want to make sure I don’t miss.

I’ll be hitting Thermador for appliances, Rohl for their beautiful plumbing fixtures, Perlick for it’s trim undercounter refrigeration systems, Toto for toilets, and Top Knobs for hardware. I love to step into Rev-a-shelf and see what cool storage gadgets they are thinking up next.

Thermador 60" range - This appliance can do just about anything!

The fabulous flush of Toto toilets - with a heated seat

Rev-A-Shelf storage dividers and pull-outs

The Kohler experience, with the Ann Sacks tile booth within, is not one to miss.

Ann Sacks booth with Kelly Wearstler tile

The spectacular La Cornue ranges are always a sight to see and who doesn’t like a fun little retro appliance like Smeg and Big Chill. I’ll be checking in with my friends at Zephyr too, to see some more of their amazing hoods.

Cute little Smeg refrigerators seen at KBIS 2016

One of my fave hardware sources to check out is Manzoni. There are a few displays of this product in the Houston area, but to see the whole line is quite amazing. That's the beauty of going to a show like this, so many products to touch and operate, it pushes you to be more creative with product choices and application.

There are alway great tile products on display as well. Arizona Tile, Daltile, and Walker Zanger are just some of the brands I like to stop by and see.

Arizona Tile's porcelain patterned tiles look like concrete but have better performance

Walker Zanger's Kaza collection tile, seen at KBIS 2016

I'll be asking for input! I want you guys to vote for which product is most eye-catching and then, most innovative.

Follow along on Instagram and Twitter with me, I’ll be sharing live on those platforms. (I can't wait to get that most-spectacular-product photo of the show and share it with you!)

If there’s anything you want me to check out especially or think I’d be interested to see, mention it in the comments below or email me at carla@carlaaston.com