Let these NKBA member brands help you streamline a stress-free season.
By Nicholas Tamarin
As summer winds down and families shift into school-year routines, the kitchen and bathroom become command centers of daily life. From rushed mornings to after-school snacks, homework sessions to evening wind-downs, these spaces need to be organized, efficient, and adaptable. But the back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean chaos. With the right kitchen and bath solutions, your home can operate like a well-oiled machine—balancing efficiency, wellness, and style.
That’s where these innovative kitchen and bath products from NKBA member brands come in—offering time-saving features, kid-friendly design, and smart technology to keep the entire household running smoothly. Because the most successful school days begin—and end—at home.
1. Smart Refrigeration for On-the-Go Meals
Sub-Zero Classic Series Refrigerators
Sub-Zero’s dual refrigeration technology keeps fresh and perishable school lunches at peak condition. With customizable drawers and climate zones, you can dedicate space for lunchboxes, healthy grab-and-go snacks, and hydration—all within easy reach.
2. Quick-Clean Surfaces That Can Keep Up
Cosentino Silestone® with HybriQ+ Technology
Silestone surfaces are not only beautiful and durable—they’re also infused with antibacterial, stain-resistant technology and are easy to clean. Ideal for busy kitchens and bathrooms where spills, toothpaste, or after-school snack messes happen daily.
3. Smart Faucets for Messy Hands
Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control
When hands are covered in peanut butter or finger paint, touchless control becomes a lifesaver. Moen’s smart faucet can be controlled by voice, app, or gesture, and delivers precise measurements—perfect for parents baking for school events or teaching kids kitchen basics.
4. Multipurpose Islands & Storage Zones
Dura Supreme Cabinetry Customized Kitchen Island Systems
A kitchen island with integrated power outlets, seating, and drawers makes a perfect station for homework, meal prep, and after-school catch-ups. Dura Supreme offers flexible island designs with pull-out organizers for school supplies, lunch containers, and tech chargers.
5. Durable and Safe Flooring
Shaw Floors Floorté® Waterproof Hardwood or Luxury Vinyl
Life with kids means spills, muddy shoes, and dropped backpacks. Shaw’s kid- and pet-friendly flooring options are waterproof, scratch-resistant, and available in warm, natural tones that disguise daily wear and tear.
6. Speedy Cooking with Induction
Thermador Freedom® Induction Cooktop
This cutting-edge cooktop lets you place pans anywhere on the surface and heats them instantly. Whether you’re making a fast school-night dinner or prepping meals for the week, Thermador’s precision cooking technology saves time and energy.
7. Organizational Bathroom Solutions
Robern AiO Lighted Cabinet with Magnification & USB
Robern’s smart mirrors and cabinets include built-in lighting, organizational dividers, and USB charging—ideal for multitasking teens or parents who need to streamline morning grooming. Add a digital clock and mirror defogger for ultimate functionality.
8. Comfort-First Bath Fixtures
TOTO WASHLET®+ S7A Smart Toilet Seat
TOTO’s luxurious WASHLET systems offer heated seats, gentle cleansing, and deodorizing features. Perfect for family bathrooms shared by multiple ages, it promotes cleanliness and comfort while reducing toilet paper waste.
9. After-School Beverage Stations
True Residential 15” Beverage Center
Perfect for small spaces or secondary zones, True Residential’s beverage fridge keeps juices, sports drinks, and healthy snacks organized and chilled. Install one in a mudroom, playroom, or home learning area to encourage independence.
10. Task Lighting for Homework & Prep Zones
Häfele Loox LED Lighting System
Set up smart lighting under cabinets, inside drawers, or around mirrors to create task zones for homework, reading, or cooking. Häfele’s modular system is easy to install and fully dimmable for comfort and focus.
Ready to Upgrade?
Explore more kitchen and bath innovations from NKBA member brands at nkba.org.
