We are in the midst of the big Kitchen and Bath Industry show being held this weekend here in Chicago. It's bustling, busy and, frankly, pretty glitzy. The word on the show floor is that KBIS 2010 is bigger, better and more populated than last year, so rah rah for the economy and the industry. Our first post is about our favorite part of the show — the tile. We snapped these photos to show off what is new…

Top row, left to right:

1. A fearless geometric dark and light pattern created by a mix of two simple tile shapes (diamond and square) arranged in an oversized, full-of-movement design.
2. Herringbone application. These obsidian tiles were arranged in an elegant (sorta 70s, no?) herringbone design. Very smart.
3. Gold bricks for your bath (or kitchen, or fireplace or wherever you want a little Scrooge McDuck style). A bit of glitz, gold and sparkle were on display at many KBIS booths this year. It's a trend that is definitely taking hold.
4. Crosshatch application. The Jasper Johns-esque pattern works really well with these neutral yet rich narrow tiles.
5. Penny rounds in cork - a classic shape and pattern in an unusual material and application, shown in an mudroom/laundry room setting.

Bottom row, left to right:
6. Going for a mix - this single stall shower utilized three very different size tiles to create a very custom and decorative feel while keeping the color story simple.
7. Crosshatch again, this time with a bamboo-style wooden tile - very earthy and spa-like.
8. A gray backsplash. The new neutral is definitely making a move from the living room and bedroom to the kitchen and bath.

(Images: Janel Laban)