DIY Innovation Showcased at Orlando Design Week
Live from Design & Construction Week in Orlando, the world's largest design/build trade fair, Eric G. reported walking "13 miles just to cover all the show floors" due to massive innovation displays. Key highlights include LG's whisper-quiet appliances with LED backlighting, Clopay's garage doors that switch between frosted and clear glass, and Evolve Stone's nail-on veneer that eliminates the need for mortar. Kohler showcased upgraded bidet seats combining comfort, hygiene, and style, while the show emphasized products that blend high-tech functionality with approachable DIY installation.
- Design & Construction Week, which includes the International Builders' Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), is the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design professionals, with the 2026 Orlando event expected to draw over 115,000 attendees to see more than 2,350 exhibiting brands. - Evolve Stone's veneer product is notable for its installation method, which requires only a standard finish nailer and can be completed up to 10 times faster than applying traditional mortar-based stone veneers. This innovation in ease of installation for DIYers and professionals led to it being named the "Most Innovative Building Material" at a previous International Builders' Show. - The technology in Clopay's Avante garage doors utilizes a 2-1/8" commercial-grade aluminum frame that can be fitted with various glass panel options, including clear, frosted, obscure, and mirrored, to allow for customizable levels of natural light and privacy. - Kohler's latest bidet seats, such as the PureWash E860, feature a dual-wand system with dedicated front and rear cleansing options, specifically designed to enhance women's health and wellness. These units also incorporate UV-light cleaning technology that sanitizes the wand every 24 hours, eliminating 99.9% of bacteria. - The LED backlighting in LG's appliances, particularly in their refrigerators with MoodUp technology, allows users to change the color of the door panels via the LG ThinQ app, enabling them to customize the kitchen's ambiance. - A major focus for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a key organizer of the event, is addressing the housing affordability crisis by promoting policies that aim to eliminate excessive regulations and fix building material supply chains. - The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the other main organizer, has identified growing trends in home design that include the integration of smart technology for efficiency and convenience, and a focus on wellness-centered spaces. - The shift towards high-tech, DIY-friendly products reflects a larger trend in the home improvement market, with a significant percentage of homeowners undertaking DIY projects to save money and for personalization, often turning to online resources for guidance.
