NKBA Daily Recap: High Point Market – Saturday, October 25
By Nicholas Tamarin
Day one of Fall Market marked an exciting milestone for the design industry as the NKBA and the High Point Market Authority officially kicked off their new strategic partnership. Together, these two leading organizations are bridging the worlds of kitchen, bath, and home furnishings—creating new opportunities for collaboration, education, and inspiration across the design spectrum.
“The kitchen is the new living room,” said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA. “As homes evolve, designers need the tools and knowledge to think holistically. Our partnership with High Point Market brings those worlds together in one dynamic space.”
Welcome to Broad Hall: NKBA’s Design Hub
The day began beneath clear Carolina skies at Broad Hall, NKBA’s newly opened design hub at High Point Market. The historic venue has been transformed into a stunning showcase of integrated kitchen, bath, and whole-home design, featuring immersive vignettes by NKBA Board Member Kerrie Kelly, CEO and Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studio.
Guests enjoyed the Southern hospitality with mimosas garnished with fresh strawberries and pimento cheese sandwiches before touring the vignettes and joining the morning’s panels and tours. Each installation—from appliances and lighting to vanities and surfaces—spotlighted NKBA member brands including Cosentino, Codarus, Kichler, James Martin Vanities, Ferguson Home, Sherwin-Williams, Fabuwood, Blue Star, Signature Hardware, Miele, Urban Bonfire, Freepower, Blanco, Lutron, Feeney, and Azenco.
Panel Spotlight: Expanding Your Expertise into Kitchen & Bath Design
At 10 a.m., Designers Today’s Executive Editor Andrea Lillo led a lively discussion on how designers can expand into the kitchen and bath segment. Panelists included:
- Sarah Robertson, AKBD, Studio Dearborn
- Kelly Collier-Clark, House of Clark Interiors
- Shae Wilder, National Trade Marketing Manager, BlueStar
- Pam Durkin, President, James Martin Vanities
Panelists shared their personal journeys and insights on translating their design sensibilities into kitchen and bath spaces, as well as the value of NKBA membership. “It totally validates your expertise,” said Collier-Clark, whose residential work inspired her to take on full-scale bath renovations. Robertson discussed the increasing client demand for functional yet elevated kitchens while Durkin and Wilder emphasized the power of partnership: “Collaboration between designers and manufacturers is where the real innovation happens,” Wilder said.
Color Forecast Comes Alive
In the afternoon, following Architecture Digest editor-in-chief Amy Astley signing copies of the just released AD at Home, Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, presented The Evolution of Color: Anthology Volume Two—a data-driven exploration of 2026’s emerging color trends.
Her presentation explored four new palettes—Frosted Tints, Sunbaked Hues, Restorative Darks, and Foundational Neutrals—inspired by well-being, nature, and cultural shifts. Wadden noted the growing importance of neuroaesthetics in design, explaining how softer tones can help support emotional wellness and inclusivity. “Design is about connection and comfort,” Wadden shared. “We’re seeing color evolve toward warmth and grounding—spaces that feel restorative, yet forward-looking.”
Evening Celebration: NKBA x Cosentino Ribbon Cutting
Industry media tours—including Veranda, Elle Decor, Designers Today, Galerie, and KBDN—continued throughout the day, exploring Broad Hall’s installations and engaging with NKBA’s brand partners. Then, as the sun set, guests gathered for a cocktail reception and ribbon cutting to celebrate NKBA’s debut at High Point Market and Cosentino’s new showroom within Broad Hall.
After prosecco and canapes were passed and the DJ spun Dua Lipa beats, the ribbon cutting commenced in front of a packed house of industry who’s who’s. NKBA’s Darcy and Geraldine Morrison, Chief Partnerships Officer, Domestic & Global Brands, along with Cosentino Vice President for A&D Patty Dominguez and High Point Market Authorities President and CEO Tammy Covington welcomed attendees and toasted to a partnership that promises to redefine cross-category design collaboration.
“This is an amazing activation that marks a new chapter in our partnership with High Point Market Authority,” Morrison said. ”Today’s designers don’t create rooms in isolation. The whole home is the future, and High Point is really at the center of that conversation.”
Check out today’s highlights, including “Designing with Light, Finish & Form,” moderated by Kathryn Given, Executive Director of Editorial & Brand Content, Luxe Interiors + Design, and “NKBA Panel: 2026 Report–The Latest Data on Kitchen Design Trends,” moderated by Karen Carroll, Editor at Large, FLOWER Magazine.
