Ryan Lance – NKBA

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Regional Insights from Q3 2024 KBMI Point to Higher Expectations for 2025

Florida, Texas and Southeastern K&B Pros Anticipate Strongest Revenue Growth
Image courtesy of Fabuwood.

By NKBA Editorial Staff

The Q3 2024 NKBA/John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) includes important regional insights that reflect a generally static 2025 for the kitchen and bath industry as a whole, but also offers some clear signs that professionals believe a period of substantial growth is on the horizon.

K&B sales growth year- over year (YOY) was slowest in California, Texas and the Southwestern U.S. during the last quarter, according to the industry professionals surveyed. There were, however, indications of an upswing in other parts of the country. Most notably, K&B pros in the Southeast reported solid 8% YOY growth, while those in the Midwest (6%) and Northwest (6%) also cited positive results. Firms in Florida and Hawaii both cited an uptick in renovations following recent storms and the ongoing recovery from the 2022 Maui wildfires.

U.S.-based K&B firms, on average, expect to see revenue growth of 8% in 2025. Those solid projects are driven, in large part, by optimism from surveyed professionals in Florida, Texas and the Southeast region โ€“ all report expected growth of 10% or more next year.

Here are some additional regional highlights from the Q3 2024 KBMI report:

Slow Sales in the Southwest and California

Sentiment from California-based pros reflected ongoing uncertainty about several factors, including the election, the economy, and higher costs. Southwest firms also commented on the persistent divide between wealthy and more reluctant middle-income consumers. Despite these challenges, K&B professionals in these areas anticipate 2025 growth of 7-8% on average.

Southeast Firms Lean Into Proactive Business Strategies  

Companies across the Southeast described steps they will take in the new year to achieve their hoped-for 10% average growth rate. Examples include upgrading showroom displays, increasing marketing spending, networking with builders, and stepping up their media activities.

In the Midwest, New York and New Jersey, Gen-X and Millennials are Actively Renovating

Kitchen and bath professionals in the Midwest region, including Illinois, noted stronger Gen-X and millennial performance. On average, pros in the region expect revenue growth of 8%. Similar sentiments were reported by pros in the New York/New Jersey area.

โ€œIndustry pros across the country are reporting very positive expectations for the coming year, anticipating that, over time, the considerable pent up demand for K&B renovations will start to translate into more active projects,โ€ said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO, NKBA | KBIS. โ€œItโ€™s clear that K&B firms have been smart in weathering a challenging year, and are being equally strategic as they prepare to capitalize on growth opportunities in 2025.โ€

To access additional regional data and insights, download the full Q3 2024 NKBA/John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report here.

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Five Innovative Kitchen Gadgets You Might Not Know You Need

These cool culinary tools add fun and functionality to your food routine.

By Nicholas Tamarin

Image courtesy of Mansion Global/zaha-hadid.com.

Make cooking more enjoyable and less time-consuming. Thatโ€™s long been the promise of culinary gadgetry. Theyโ€™re the tools and devices designed to make cooking, food preparation, and kitchen tasks more efficient, enjoyable, healthier, and sometimes even fun. The accouterments range from basic utensils to advanced appliances and can save time, effort, and add creativity to everyday cooking. With technological advancements and innovative designs, kitchen gadgets have evolved to help both amateur cooks and professional chefs elevate their culinary experience. Whether youโ€™re seasoned or just starting out, the right ones can transform your kitchen.


1. Automatic Pot and Pan Stirrer with Timer

Courtesy of Walmart.

Perfect for recipes that require constant stirring, this gadget frees up your hands by automatically stirring your pot or pan at the perfect speed, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking and burning. The device usually comes with three-legged arms or paddles that rest inside the pot or pan, making contact with the surface. It’s particularly useful for dishes such as risottos, custards, and soups.

Many models come with built-in timers that allow you to set the duration of stirring based on your recipe. This way, it stirs for the exact amount of time needed, helping to avoid overcooking or under-stirring. Some automatic stirrers offer multiple speed settings, allowing you to control how vigorously the food is stirred, from a whirl for a sauce to vigorously mixing a thick stew.

2. Sous Vide Machine

Courtesy of Monoprice.

A sous vide machine is a precision cooking device that uses a water bath to cook food in airtight vacuum-sealed bags at a precisely controlled low temperature, ensuring perfect doneness that retains moisture, flavors, and nutrients for both meats and vegetables. Theyโ€™re a game-changer for home chefs, allowing for precision, convenience, and consistent, restaurant-quality results. 

Most sous vide machines are immersion circulators, meaning they heat and circulate water to maintain a constant temperature, eliminating fluctuations to  ensure consistent results. Food, typically seasoned and sometimes marinated, is vacuum-sealed in a plastic bag or placed in a resealable bag with as much air removed as possible. Once the food is in the water bath, the machine does the work without the need for constant monitoring. Sous vide is great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, like brisket or short ribs, at low temperatures over a long period of time, making them tender while preserving their moisture.

3. Digital Meat Thermometer Forkย 

Courtesy of Williams Sonoma.

A digital meat thermometer fork is a handy and efficient tool for ensuring perfectly cooked meats. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, roasting in the oven, or cooking on the stovetop, its dual functionality makes it a great gadget. Combining a meat thermometer with a fork, the utensil allows you to easily check the internal temperature of meats while cooking and handling them simultaneously. 

Many models have pre-programmed temperature settings for different types of meat (e.g., beef, pork, poultry, lamb) and levels of doneness (e.g., rare, medium, well-done). Some also provide alerts when the meat reaches the desired temperature, ensuring that harmful bacteria are eliminated. Theyโ€™re particularly useful for outdoor grilling, where you need to frequently check the doneness of multiple types of meat.

4. Air Fryer

Courtesy of Philips.

An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, creating a crispy exterior similar to frying, but with significantly less oil. Theyโ€™ve gained popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying while still delivering a satisfying crunch and texture to foods like fries, chicken, vegetables, and even baked goods like cookies or pastries.

Air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air at high speeds, cooking food evenly and faster than conventional ovens, thanks to the rapid air circulation and concentrated heat. Compared to traditional ovens, air fryers also use less energy and heat up faster, which can reduce electricity usage.

5. Electric Pressure Cooker

Courtesy of Instant Pot.

A versatile gadget that combines multiple kitchen appliances in one, an electric pressure cooker uses high-pressure steam to cook dishes faster than conventional methods. It’s a staple in many kitchens due to its ability to work as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and even yogurt maker. 

Most electric pressure cookers have pre-programmed settings that automatically adjust the cooking time and pressure level for optimal results. As the steam builds up inside, the pressure rises, allowing the temperature to increase beyond the normal boiling point of water. The elevated temperature and pressure help to break down fibers in food, especially in tougher cuts of meat, beans, and grains, which would typically require long cooking times. Because they cook faster, electric pressure cookers use less energy compared to stovetop cooking or ovens. The quick cooking process and sealed environment help to preserve nutrients, making pressure-cooked meals often healthier than those cooked by traditional techniques.

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NKBA | KBIS Innovative Showroom Awards Now Open!ย 

Attention All Innovators: The Entry Period for the NKBA | KBIS 2025 Innovative Showroom Awards is NOW OPEN! 
Image courtesy of Rocpal Custom Cabinets Ltd. Designed by Fernando Rocchetta.

Are you ready to showcase your groundbreaking showroom to the world? This is your moment! The prestigious Innovative Showroom Awards are back, and submissions are officially open! If youโ€™ve got a showroom that wows, educates, and inspires, nowโ€™s your chance to step into the spotlight. The deadline to enter? November 3, 2024.

Whatโ€™s at stake? The winners will be honored on the grand stage at the Design & Industry Awards in Las Vegas on February 24, 2025 โ€” the day before KBIS 2025, the biggest kitchen and bath industry event of the year, running from Feb. 25-27, 2025. Talk about being in the spotlight!

But youโ€™ve got to act fastโ€”submissions close on November 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM. Donโ€™t miss out!

Categories Open for Nominations:
  • Brand Specific Non-Selling Experience Centers (One Winner)
    • A showroom dedicated to showcasing one brand, allowing a deep dive into the design and product experience.
  • Kitchen & Bath Design Centers (Small, Medium, Large)
    • A K&B design center offering expert design and project management teams ready to work from conception to completion, for fixture or appliance updates to full K&B remodels.
  • Traditional Independent Multi-brand/Product Showroom (Small, Medium, Large)
    • An independent showroom that sells/displays various products and brands.
  • Multi-Location, Multi-Product Showroom (Medium, Large)
    • Showrooms with multiple locations offering a wide range of products under one company banner.
  • Unique Showroom Application (One Winner)
    • Thinking outside the brick-and-mortar box? This category is for virtual, mobile, or other unconventional showrooms!
How to Enter:

Submit your nomination along with a $100 entry fee by November 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM. Once entered, your submission will be carefully reviewed, and the winners will be selected, notified, and announced by mid-December.

Winners will not only bask in the glory at KBIS 2025 but will also be featured in both print and digital communications, showcasing their showroom to the industryโ€™s finest.

Don’t Wait โ€” Submit Your Entry Today! Let your showroom shine! This is your chance to show the world how you’re revolutionizing the customer experience. Learn more, enter now, and mark your calendars for KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas!

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NKBA Reveals 40 Certification Grant Recipients

The program, sponsored by Signature Kitchen Suite, supports emerging designers in their quest toward certification.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

In its drive to support rising designers and help them enhance their professional skills, NKBA | KBIS instituted an annual grant program to allow eligible designers to earn certification or level up to a higher designation at no cost. The program is generously sponsored by luxury appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS).

Forty rising design stars were selected to receive the grants, which cover the costs associated with certification. In addition, NKBA and SKS will support the recipients throughout the certification process with special events and awards.

โ€œLike our partners at NKBA, Signature Kitchen Suite believes in the power of design to inspire and innovate,โ€ said Donille Perrone, Senior Brand Manager for SKS. โ€œWe are thrilled to sponsor the inaugural NKBA Certified Designer Grant Program to help further drive opportunities for innovation and design excellence within the talented KB community.โ€

To qualify for the grant, designers must be NKBA members in good standing, currently working in K&B design, and earning $75,000 or less annually. They must complete a two-part exam process, submit a portfolio, and verify a minimum of two years of industry-related work experience.

The 2024 recipients are:

Arnaz Khambatta, Good Deeds Design, San Diego

Amber Howard, CKD-CBD, Six Walls Interior Design, Aurora, CO

Yvonne Landivar, AKBD, Creative Construction & Design, Reseda, CA

Elizabeth Leahy, AKBD, Leahy Interior Design, Escondido, CA

Gloribell Lebron, G. Lebron Interiors, Miami

Denean Jackson, D. Nicole Design Studio, Charlotte, NC

Christine Germaine Lucas, The Artsy Designer by LR Designs / Cochrane Floors and More, Calgary, Alberta

Samantha McClintic, McClintic Interiors, Bend, OR

Isaac Musket, C&K Custom Remodeling, Portland, OR

Gia Rushton, OC&D Design Studio, Riverton, UT

Dawn Simpson, Essence Designs, Ottawa, Ontario

Sarah Wilson, Chansaerae Designs, Woodbridge, VA

Julie Schuster, Julie Schuster Design Studio, New York

Jessica Rogers, Simmer and Soak, Saint Simons Island, GA

Melanie Prechel, Jemma Living, Hermantown, MN

Patty Smith, Patty Smith Interior Design, Littleton, CO

Victoria Tramonto, Victoria Isabella Home Designs, Staten Island, NY

Andria Uhrig, Project Kitchens, Windsor, CO

Roxana Villaseรฑor, Roxy Interiors, San Jose, CA

Beth Rush, AKBD, Uniway of Columbia, Columbia, SC

Joshua Ouimet, Hinge Works, Washington, UT

Melissa Longley, Longley Kitchens, Fort Meyers, FL

Yanis Anis Mezouar, Prestigious Kitchen & Home Design, Chicago

Kimberly Melchior, KMB Design, La Mesa, CA

Ella Long, Kitchens Unlimited, Memphis, TN

Melissa Mailly, Allied Kitchen and Bath, Wilton Manors, FL

Stephanie Lagos, MCG Homes, Fernandina Beach, FL

Kacie Gelsinger, Floor Trader Outlet, Chambersburg, PA

Laura Zmuda, Laura ZB Design, Browns Point WA

Samia Verbist, Samia Verbist Interior Design, Huntington Beach, CA

Leonia Azevedo, AKBD, Bouchard Design, Georgetown, Ontario

Delayna Adams-Pascoe, Tile and Bath Service, St. Louis

Yan โ€œButterflyโ€ Yao, CKBD, Homey Kitchen Cabinet Design, Toronto

Jennifer Feliciano, CKBD, Masterful Designs by Jen, Delray Beach, FL

Ashley Christensen, Lindy Design Build, Littleton, CO

Shaqueria Dial, Daltile, Birmingham, AL

Cristina DePina, Cristina DePina Interior Design, Worcester, MA

Ken Ellner, Laurel Home Improvements, Mount Laurel, NJ

Christina Birkentall, CKD, NCIDQ, Studio 626 Interiors, Lafayette, LA

Melissa Dreyer, Lindross Remodeling, Tampa, FL

Interested designers who were unable to apply in time will have the opportunity to apply in 2025.

Certification distinguishes designers for their proficiency in design and execution, and gives them a competitive edge in business. Click here for more information on certification, and here for details on the Grant Program.

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Five Questions withโ€ฆ Megan Kyper

A K&B designer for The Home Depot parlayed her own renovation journey into a career, and is among a handful of NKBA members to earn all eight NKBA Specialty Badges.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Megan Kyper, a kitchen and bath designer for about three years at The Home Depot in Johnstown, PA, is proof that sometimes the best education comes out of personal experience.

After starting her career path in a pre-pharmacy college program, she decided to pursue a field she was more passionate about โ€” interior design โ€” and switched schools. She graduated from Indiana University of

Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design in 2007. She found a job as an associate design technician at Peoples Natural Gas, handling permitting, applications, and some drafting/design work when needed โ€” but it still wasnโ€™t her passion. Then a friend told her about an opening at The Home Depot for a kitchen designer, so she went for it.


Save $100 on a Specialty Badge Purchase – Buy Now!


After living on her own for 10 years and working for the gas company, she bought her first home in 2017, and spent the next two-and-a-half years renovating it.

โ€œIt was a foreclosure and needed a complete gut job, which I knew when I bought it,โ€ she recalled.  New electrical, new plumbing, new roof, new heating system, insulation โ€” new everything. It was the first time since I graduated with my interior design degree that I really put my education to full use.โ€

Granted, she was the go-to person for friends looking to rearrange rooms and pick out paint colors, she said, but the renovation helped her learn how to maximize space planning, figure out where light switches, outlets and plumbing would go, what flooring was best, budgeting for a budget, how to work with contractors, schedule trades, adjust the floor plan, deal with delays โ€” everything she needed to succeed in real-life client  situations.

โ€œYou learn about different products that you maybe otherwise wouldn’t have heard of,โ€ she added. โ€œIt’s important in the kitchen and bath industry โ€” or any profession, really โ€” to know that you aren’t going to have the answer to every question and every problem that arises. You need to lean on others and welcome their expertise throughout a project. And that’s OK.  And perhaps that also helped reignite that spark when I walked into The Home Depot in search of a change.โ€

The Pennsylvania native, who is a member of NKBAโ€™s Pittsburgh Tri State Chapter and also coaches high school tennis, spoke with NKBA about her journey and motivation in earning all eight Specialty Badges.

What are your specific job responsibilities?

I really am involved in the entire project from start to finish โ€” consultation, design, sales, and in some cases, the install. Some customers want stock cabinets, while others are looking more for a semi-custom to custom look. Really getting to know your customer’s needs is so important. Some already have an idea of layout and just want to replace whatโ€™s there. Others need help with making a few subtle changes and seeing the visual, while others need help with a whole makeover that involves moving appliances, plumbing, and electrical.

The follow-up to any project is equally as important. Allowing your customer to give you feedback on all aspects of the project lets them feel that they are important to you as a client, and their project is more than just a sale to meet monthly numbers.

I love that every project is different. This is my first retail job, and though some days are very taxing, seeing the finished project and hearing from your customer how much they love their new space makes it all worthwhile. With some projects, it takes a couple of revisions to really get what the customer wants. Much like a tennis match, that ball can go back and forth several times before you accomplish the task at hand. It’s important to never give up, continue listening to your customer, and make changes until you get exactly what theyโ€™re after.

What drove you to earn all eight badges?

Our industry changes constantly. Once I started at The Home Depot, the one training course I was required to take mentioned the NKBA and the badge program, so I looked into it. It seemed like a great refresher on industry topics, so I thought, โ€˜Why not?โ€ I would gain better knowledge of this industry, in which I hadn’t been active in almost 15 years. I spoke to my management, told them what I wanted to do โ€” on my own time โ€” and they were grateful that I was taking the initiative to further my knowledge, so The Home Depot reimbursed me for the cost of the badges.

What were the easiest and toughest badges to earn?

The toughest badge for me was Sustainability. Being green wasn’t nearly as important 2007 as it is nowโ€ฆso there was a lot of information I never knew. The easiest was either Color or Remodeling. I have always loved color and am forever amazed at the number of shades and tones of each color. Remodeling was easy because I have always been a hands-on learner. I helped my dad remodel the bathrooms and kitchen in our family home, and of course, thereโ€™s the full remodel of my own home.

What advice do you have for anyone else thinking about earning all the badges? Absolutely do it!  You can do them on your own time (I literally did one at 1 in the morning because I couldn’t sleep!) and you get to expand your knowledge for a fraction of the cost of college courses. Why wouldn’t you do it? And if you’re looking to maybe take the CKBD exam, but have been out of studying and coursework for a while, what better way to use the badge program as a stepping stone?

Whatโ€™s next for you professionally?

I am currently studying for NKBAโ€™s Certified Kitchen & Bath Designer exam.  For right now, I am happy at The Home Depot.  Once I get through the Certification, we’ll see how life shakes out. It has a funny way of surprising us sometimes!

Just 34 NKBA | KBIS members have earned six or more Specialty Badges, with an elite six members earning all eight. Current badges include Floor Plans & Specifications, Lighting, Cabinetry, Sales & Marketing, Sustainability, Remodeling, Universal Design, and Color. Badges cost $199 apiece for the study materials and testing, and NKBA periodically offers special promotions that give members discounts. For more information about the badges, visit NKBA.org.

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Registration for KBIS 2025 is Opening Soon!

Image courtesy of PWP Studio.

By Donna Heiderstadt

Registration for KBIS 2025, which will take place Feb. 25-27, 2025, in Las Vegas, is opening soon, starting on Sept. 3. Registration is FREE for NKBA members during the month of September โ€” so register early to secure your free Expo pass! Youโ€™ll enjoy access to North Americaโ€™s largest kitchen and bath event, where you can discover new brands and products, explore the latest trends, enhance your education, develop vital connections, and more.

During KBIS 2024, which marked the 60th anniversary of the show, more than 117,000 building and design professionals attended DCW (Design & Construction Week), the co-location of KBIS and IBS (the International Buildersโ€™ Show), owned by NAHB. KBIS 2024 welcomed a record 55,500+ registered visitors and, with more than 670 exhibitors, expanded into the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center with the Discovery District (the spot to find new brands and products) as well as additional stages and activations, all returning in 2025.

KBIS 2025 will kick off on the evening of Feb. 24, 2025, with the annual NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards, where top design professionals will be honored for exceptional design in six kitchen and bath categories and compete for Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath. A total of $100,000 in prize money will be up for grabs. Following the awards, the afterparty will offer a chance to celebrate the industry, network with colleagues and clients, and have fun.

Other noteworthy events at KBIS 2025 will include the Voices From The Industry (VFTI) educational conference, featuring more than 75 workshops and sessions, and KBIS NEXTStage, which will offer non-stop daily programming focused on business and trends, wellness, sustainability, and technology.

NEXTStage will also host multiple awards presentations. The Best of KBIS will honor the showโ€™s most innovative design and technology. DesignBites will offer a chance for companies to pitch new products and technologies in the ultimate product showdown. On the showโ€™s final day, the Best Booth Awards will highlight the top exhibitor booths in multiple size categories.

Also at NEXTStage, the Kickstarter Competition will give small or emerging companies a chance to showcase their offerings, while the Thirty Under 30 Awards will recognize 30 high-achieving young members of the kitchen-and-bath industry โ€” who are also tasked with scouting KBIS for the most innovative products in six categories for the 30s Choice Awards.

NKBA members can also attend the annual State of the Association (SOA) presentation by NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy, followed by the State of the Industry (SOI) panel discussion moderated by Darcy. Design-focused panel discussions will also be offered at the NKBA booth, where a photographer will once again be on hand to take free headshots.

KBIS 2025, taking place Feb-25-27, 2025 in Las Vegas, is the event of the year for K&B professionals to network, exchange ideas, and see the industryโ€™s newest and most exciting offerings. Members can register here throughout September for FREE starting on Sept. 3!

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Industry Pros Reveal Emerging Regional K&B Trendsย ย 

New Geographic Insights from the NKBA | KBIS Q2 2024 Kitchen & Bath Market Index Reportย 
Designed by Esthela J. Celaya. Photographed by Jaret Miller.

By NKBA Editorial Staff

For the first time, the Q2 2024 Kitchen & Bath Market Index report includes geographic insights by segment, offering another layer of information about emerging regionalย trends.

Q2 2024 sales for the K&B industry slowed across much of the country, including the Southwest (-5 percent year-over-year) and Southeast (-3 percent), with the exception of Florida (+6 percent). Modest growth was reported in the Northwest (+2 percent), Midwest (+1 percent) and Northeast (+2 percent) regions.

Other trends emerging from K&B firms across the nation included:

โ€œMissing Middleโ€ on the West Coast

California firms surveyed repeated the theme of a bifurcated market โ€“ demand remains strong for high-end renovations, while homeowners are more hesitant about pursuing mid-sized renovation projects right now.

Pockets of Growth in the Southwest

Southwest firms described pockets of strength for new construction K&B activity, and many expect a return to broader growth by the end of the year.

Consumer Uncertainty in the Northwest

Consumer uncertainty dampened activity in the Northwest, with high prices and interest rate pressures weighing heavily. Idaho was a notable bright spot in terms of demand.

Labor Concerns in the Midwest

In the Midwest, lack of skilled labor remains a chronic concern and a barrier to moving forward with major K&B renovations.

Northeast Remains Resilient

Northeast firms report slowing sales but continued resilience from wealthier segments. Millennials, though generally budget-conscious, are providing an unexpected boost โ€“ defying a trend seen in other parts of the country.

A Mixed Bag in the Southeast

Southeast firms report mixed conditions; some see continued strength, while others cite consumer hesitancy. High-end remodeling in Florida remained strong, perhaps fueled in part by homeowners who have recently resettled from other parts of the country.

โ€œWhile market conditions and trends vary from region to region, there are some consistent themes that will probably come as no surprise to industry professionals,โ€ said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO, NKBA | KBIS. โ€œMany homeowners are still being cautious about spending, and the youngest homeowners, in particular, are turning to online merchants and seeking better deals from contractors. Meanwhile, Boomers tend to be the most reliable consumers and are, in many ways, continuing to drive modest growth in the K&B sector.โ€

You can read more insights from K&B companies across the country by downloading the Q2 2024 NKBA/ John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report here.

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How Designers Can Boost Their Lighting Expertise

Experience-Based Insights from Design Pros surveyed in the Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design 
Designed by Corri Melling. Photographed by Maddi Brown.

By NKBA Editorial Team

A group of K&B designers who participated in the new NKBA/KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design report confirm that many designers they know lack the knowledge and experience to expertly light a kitchen or bath. Others, they say,  are intimidated by — or even fearful of — dealing with lighting. In fact, according to research by NKBA | KBIS, nearly three-quarters of designers admit that their knowledge of lighting techniques and products is limited.  

Designers who are comfortable discussing the essentials of lighting can increase their marketability and grow their business. The surveyed group of kitchen and bath design pros shared some important advice that can help all designers up their game when it comes to lighting.   

Among their key insights:

The Right Light in the Right Place

Lighting design can be sophisticated and intricate, but the core principle is very simple: itโ€™s about getting the right light in the right place. The โ€œright lightโ€ provides at least 50 footcandles on the work surface, with older homeowners needing 100 footcandles or more. The โ€œright placeโ€ is directly above the work surface, so homeowners are not working in their own shadow.

Factor in Flexibility to Meet Clientsโ€™ Needs, Now and into the Future

Homeowners have different needs and preferences, which means itโ€™s important to give them the ability to control their own lighting. For example, designs that include dimmer switches on most circuits offer that important flexibility. Smart lighting plans also anticipate homeownersโ€™ changing needs as they age. Older eyes will require more light and less glare.

Sometimes Less is More

From their experience, the K&B design pros recommend reducing the number and size of recessed light cans, whenever possible. Larger, outdated cans should be replaced with smaller, 2โ€-3โ€ integrated LEDS with strong lumens and better color temperature. โ€œRecessed can gridsโ€ are best for commercial, not residential, settings. Relying less on recessed overhead lights for ambient light and focusing on task lighting is both more functional and attractive.

Always Think Ahead

To help convince clients about the importance of investing in lighting, the design pros recommend future-proofing a lighting plan. Homeowners worry about obsolescence and will see the value in anticipating potential future needs, such as adding interior cabinet or toe-kick lighting at a later time, and minimizing the related costs down the line.

For more valuable insights about lighting in residential design, download and read the full NKBA/KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design report here. As always, these research reports are free to NKBA members. 

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Design Pros Explain How to Budget for โ€“ and Prioritize โ€“ Great Lighting

Practical Tips Featured in NKBA-KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design Report
Designed by Bahar Zaeem & Shima Radfar. Photographed by Ryan Fung.

By NKBA Editorial Staff  

Historically, lighting hasnโ€™t been prioritized in the planning and budgeting of major kitchen and bath projects. But as the importance of lighting in residential design has become increasingly obvious, professionals are sharing advice about how to ensure lighting receives the attention and resources it deserves. These insights are featured in the first-ever NKBA-KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design report, a qualitative study on the topic of lighting in kitchen and bath design.

Learn from Industry Experts during Voices from the Industry Conference at KBIS 2025 โ€” Learn More >

Among the notable tips shared by 10 leading designers from across the country:

Advocate from the Onset

The design professionals say lighting should receive the same consideration as items like appliances, cabinetry and stone. They recommend, for example, allocating 10 percent to 15 percent of a kitchen renovation budget to lighting โ€“ even more for luxury design. This means advocating for its importance early in the planning process with homeowners, whose attention will likely be focused on other, traditionally-prioritized design elements.

Estimate to Avoid Surprises

Designers need to start estimating early in the budgeting and planning process, layering in lighting costs on the builder plans. Developing initial rough estimates can help set and manage client expectations from the start. Itโ€™s also important to account for obvious and not-so-obvious cost drivers. Among the most common budgeting issues: incomplete electrical plans, less experienced electricians and the failure to account for costly finishes.

Educate Clients and Demonstrate the Difference

Clients must be educated early on about the key role lighting plays in a projectโ€™s success. The pros recommend finding different ways to show clients how impactful good โ€“ and bad โ€“ lighting can be on the final product. For example, the designers have had clients view before and after project photos to illustrate how proper lighting can solve dark spots and other problems. They have also created design lighting lab experiences, such as taking a clientโ€™s favorite piece of art to view under different colors and temperatures.

Design for Value and Prioritize the Spend

When working up a lighting budget, save where possible and splurge where necessary. The surveyed design pros say that lighting in the kitchen, primary bath and powder room should be prioritized. Task lighting should take precedence over ambient lighting โ€“ and both are more important than decorative lighting. There are various ways to spend wisely, from using fewer, high quality recessed cans to opting for stock brands rather than custom lighting fixtures.

Expect and Manage Changes

Lighting changes are inevitable, according to these experienced design pros. They say itโ€™s best to try to account for these โ€œaudiblesโ€ in the budgeting process ahead of time. Otherwise, last-minute decisions made by contractors or homeowners, like fixture swaps, made long after the lighting plan has been โ€œlocked inโ€ can have significant consequences.

Build Partnerships

Itโ€™s important for designers to build partnerships with builders, architects and electricians. Joint walkthroughs are an effective way to ensure everyone is aligned on lighting design and execution. By working together, everyone can share ideas and knowledge that will produce the best results for a client.

For more useful insights about budgeting and other aspects of lighting in residential design, download and read the full NKBA/KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design report here.

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NKBA Reorganizes for Future Growth

Letter from the desk of Global President & CEO, Bill Darcy.

NKBA | KBIS recently celebrated 60 years of engaging, connecting and educating the North American kitchen and bath industry. As the leading association for manufacturers, designers, retailers, builders, remodelers and architects across all segments of home design with a focus on kitchen and bath, we are extremely excited about the future of our industry in North America and internationally.

After taking a more holistic view of our organization and its potential for global growth and influence, weโ€™ve decided to make a number of internal changes to our organizational structure. We believe these align with our strategic growth initiatives and anticipated operational efficiencies, setting the tone for our future ensuring positive impact, relevance and strength.

To this end, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Heather Shannon to the position of Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth. This new position will further define the importance of our NKBA business development plans.  Assuming responsibilities for Global Connect, Sponsorship and Revenue Growth, Member Relations and Learning, Heather will put in place new and innovative approaches to each of these areas, evolving and growing our Association. Heather was formerly Director of Brand Marketing at long-time NKBA member Perlick and has held numerous brand, public relations and marketing positions with agencies and media outlets.

Additionally, Suzie Williford, our Chief Global Relations Officer has departed the Association. Please join me in acknowledging Suzieโ€™s contributions and commitment to the NKBA over the past 12 years. 

It has been my personal pleasure to collaborate with Suzie as a key member of the leadership team. After more than a decade of volunteer service to the NKBA, Suzie served as Board President in 2009. She began her NKBA career in 2012 as Director of Business Development and Member Relations and was inducted into the Industry Hall of Fame in 2019. In her capacity as EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, Suzie was core to our Association growth by implementing the co-location of our industry trade show, KBIS, with NAHB and the International Builders Show, making it the largest industry trade event in North America; restructuring our Association governance, championing the NKBA Global Connect business development initiative and concepting and creating the Women2Women mentoring program. We thank her for her dedication and service and wish her health and happiness.

As the NKBA continues to grow and strengthen our presence in the kitchen and bath industry, we are confident this shift in organizational structure will put us in a powerful position to drive the industry forward.

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EuroCucina: NKBA | KBIS Salone del Mobile Welcome Reception

A baroque palace played host to an exclusive evening event for industry leaders.
From left to right, NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy, Kerrie Kelly, FASID, CEO + Creative Director at Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, Nicola Bertazzoni, COO Bertazzoni Group, Italy & CEO Bertazzoni North America Inc. and Paolo Bertazzoni, CEO of Bertazzoni.

By Elisa Fernรกndez-Arias

Last month, as part of its visit to EuroCucina 2024 and partner event FTK, NKBA | KBIS held a networking and cocktail event in Kohlerโ€™s Milan show space, Palazzo del Senato, a historic Baroque palace located in the heart of the city. It was an impressive atmosphere, with attendees entering through a Kohler installation, Terminal 02, a modern architectural installation the brand created in collaboration with designer and artist Samuel Ross, made of bright orange pipes carrying water juxtaposed with the old-style building, symbolizing the classic journey of water The area also featured a reimagining of the Kohlerโ€™s Eirโ„ข smart toilet, a brutalist bold form designed by Ross and the team at his studio SR_A that is only available in a limited 99 edition.

After passing through the installation, the wide range of attendees were given the opportunity to network with other industry leaders. From the associationโ€™s team, NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy and NKBA | KBIS Chief Global Relations Officer Suzie Williford were present. Kerrie Kelly, FASID, CEO + Creative Director at Kerrie Kelly Design Lab and NKBA | KBIS 2024 Board of Directors Secretary/Treasurer, along with Nicola Bertazzoni, COO Bertazzoni Group, Italy & CEO Bertazzoni North America Inc. and NKBA | KBIS 2024 Board Member were also in attendance.

The NKBA | KBIS EuroCucina tour was made possible because of the support of Bertazzoni and Kohler, and Kohler is a proud sponsor of the NKBA | KBIS Networking and Cocktail Event.

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Toni Sabatinoโ€™s Favorite Finds: EuroCucina

The designer shared her top picks from the innovative kitchen products event.

By Elisa Fernรกndez-Arias

As part of NKBA | KBISโ€™ trip to Eurocucina 2024 and partner event FTK (Technology for the Kitchen) held in Milan, Italy, April 16 – 21, the association asked select designers in attendance about their preferred brands and products. Toni Sabatino, AKBD, of Toni Sabatino Style, shared highlights from the show and her favorite picks.

โ€œI loved the entire show!โ€ Sabatino said. โ€œSalone Del Mobile presented life as art! Integrated lighting and texture and artist collaborations made for some exciting products in kitchen and bath. Wellness and sustainability were a big part of the product focus and recycled materials are being used more than ever in the manufacturing process. I am feeling very inspired!โ€

The designer’s top finds ranged from cabinetry solutions to plumbing fixtures to an impressive kitchen island.

  1. Efficient Storage Solutions from Various Brands
The Cucina LUBE booth at EuroCucina. Image courtesy of Toni Sabatino.

Sabatino chose Cucine LUBE as one of her top choices from the event for its whole home integrated modular cabinetry solutions with integrated lighting and hidden storage. She also pointed to Febal Casaโ€™s modular cabinetry with sculptural fronts as one of her favorites from the event.

According to the designer, these brands, along with bulthaup, Poggenpohl and schรผller., featured cabinetry offerings, โ€œall proposing beautiful storage solutions for the whole home that were both streamlined and detailed. The mix of closed storage and open shelving created a clean but personal backdrop for easy living. The luxury of simplicity was evident with innovative use of sliding doors and pockets to create a place for everything, even compost! Additionally, the thoughtful placement and integration of appliances created ease of use for people of all ages and abilities.โ€

She added, โ€œMiele showed new finishes and both vertical and horizontal โ€˜stackingโ€™ capabilities for more creative placement and design options. Interestingly, while the shapes may be minimalistic, the warm nature inspired finishes, textures and sculptural door offerings create a sense of intimacy and luxury that we are ready to embrace in our market.โ€

  1. Plumbing fixtures from GRAFF
Image courtesy of Toni Sabatino.

Another brand Sabatino highlighted was GRAFF, for its โ€œmix and match shower heads and lighting, for an amazing showering experience.โ€

  1. Appliance Details from Bertazzoni
Image courtesy of Toni Sabatino.

The designer was also impressed by Bertazzoniโ€™s โ€œnew warm metallic finishes and textures used to create a more intimate feel, resulting in artful appliances.โ€

  1. Chandelier Shower Head from Kohler
Image courtesy of NKBA | KBIS.

Additionally, Sabatino spotlighted this product from Kohler, which includes not only the design itself but also music that plays while one is showering. โ€œThe shower head was presented by Kohler to give the user a thoughtful experience that evokes beauty,โ€ said the designer.

  1. Kitchen Island from OFFICINE GULLO
Image courtesy of Toni Sabatino.

Another standout product for Sabatino was OFFICINE GULLOโ€™s metal island design, which she described as โ€œglorious.โ€

An award winning kitchen designer, Toni Sabatino started out in the K&B industry working with a kitchen cabinet manufacturer, and has since added more than 1,000 kitchens to her portfolio, became CLIPP-certified and is a past Star Award winning President of the NKBA Manhattan Chapter.

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How Pros Can Influence Sustainable Designโ€ฆ and Skeptical Clients

Making the Best Case for Practices That are Better for Families โ€“ and the Planet
Design by Kathleen Donohue, CMKBD. Photo by Tim Cotter Photography.

By NKBA | KBIS Editorial Team

While homeowners are increasingly curious about sustainable design practices, many still remain skeptical. As a result, securing consumer buy-in continues to be a challenge for kitchen and bath design professionals.

According to insights included in NKBAโ€™s 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report, that wariness is rooted in a number of factors, including expense, lack of attractive sustainable design options and the long payback period to realize the financial benefits of sustainable choices.

The report provides important insights into how design professionals can do more to convince wary customers that sustainable design can be both beautiful and beneficial.

According to the surveyed industry professionals, homeowners rarely, if ever, bring up sustainability. As a result, designers need to initiate these conversations and recommend sustainable products and practices. To do so, they will require a deeper understanding of sustainable options so they can make the case for greener choices.

The report provides new insights into the value propositions for sustainability that are most compelling to consumers. Leading the way, by a large margin, is family health and well-being (42%), the idea that sustainable products and practices create healthier home environments for consumers and their families. Next, homeowners say that energy savings (22%) is also a significant benefit of sustainability. Reducing the householdโ€™s carbon footprint (17%) and reducing waste (11%) are also cited as important benefits.

The burden isnโ€™t all on K&B designers, however. Brands will need to do more to offer products that are practical, economical and attractive. Survey respondents stressed that the industry must give design pros the information they need about sustainability โ€“ and its most attractive benefits โ€“ so they can become enthusiastic and knowledgeable advocates.

โ€œThe growing enthusiasm for sustainable design is a win-win for our industry and consumers alike,โ€ said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS.  โ€œHowever, we know the adoption of sustainable practices is lagging behind that enthusiasm. Industry professionals are the key to educating consumers that the time to incorporate greener products and practices in their kitchen and bath renovations is right now.โ€To learn more about how the tide is turning on sustainable design, read NKBAโ€™s 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report.

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โ€œGo Green for Springโ€ With the California Capital Chapter

The NKBA | KBIS chapter celebrated the environment and discussed sustainability in design.
From left to right, Genise Plessas of Genise Plessas Designs, Arlen Lee of Lee & Co Contractors and Vivian Khoury, CKBD, of Khoury Design at the NKBA | KBISโ€™ California Capital Chapter โ€œGo Green for Springโ€ event. Image courtesy of Joel Villasenor of Willis.

By Elisa Fernรกndez-Arias

Last week, the NKBA | KBIS California Capital Chapter hosted its “Go Green for Spring – Sustainable Sourcing for K&B Projects” event as its April chapter meeting. The event featuredย  speaker Megan Thompson of greenList by Spark Interiors, a company that connects designers with sustainable manufacturers, who shared her passion for green design and educated the audience on many facts and tips about emissions, waste and sourcing.ย 

Thompson shared statistics during her greenList presentation with chapter members, including that 39% of world emissions are generated by the construction industry, and that 9,000,000 tons of furniture are thrown away into landfills every year.  Thompson also said that designers are at the forefront of sustainability โ€” and that together, they can make a difference guiding industry manufacturers and clients to be more eco-friendly.

The chapter asked attending members to share what sustainability means to them by writing their comments on index cards. Students, vendor reps, designers, general contractors and installers submitted replies, including the following:

โ€œUsing materials created from recycled materials, with manufacturing processes that donโ€™t negatively impact the neighboring community or workers, that are not shipped across the country and are recyclable.โ€

โ€œBuilding to intentionally reduce the carbon footprint, while using materials that are safe for the installer and end user. Reducing the carbon footprint from manufacturing to product end of life.โ€

โ€œThe practice of intentionally seeking products, materials and finishes that are user friendly and environmentally friendly.โ€

The day after the event, Gloria Clark, NKBA | KBIS California Capital Chapter President, said, โ€œI am honored to have passionate leaders in California bringing more sustainability and new construction policies to light.โ€

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Demand for Sustainable Design is on the Rise, Pointing to a Greener Future for the K&B Industry

K&B Pros Will Play a Critical Role in Accelerating Consumersโ€™ Embrace of Sustainable Practices

By NKBA | KBIS Editorial Staffย ย 

Design by Hannah Hacker, CMKBD. Photo by Meagan Larsen, Meagan Larsen Photography.

New insights presented in NKBAโ€™s 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report from its survey of more than 300 industry professionals indicate an important shift that is happening slowly, but steadily, and will fundamentally change the K&B industry: the mainstreaming of practical and appealing sustainable design practices.

While sustainability has been slower to take root in residential construction and design, the opportunity for future growth is undeniable. There is consensus about the importance of sustainable design practices among industry pros and consumers alike. However, there is still considerable work to be done to further educate and inspire enthusiasm among both groups about the many tangible benefits of sustainability. 

Here are some highlights of the 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report:

Where It Starts: Educating K&B Pros

Only slightly more than half (51%) of surveyed industry pros said that sustainability is extremely or very important to them, professionally. The surveyed professionals shared that they donโ€™t consider themselves especially well-informed on the subject. Just under half (45%) consider themselves very or extremely familiar with the concept of sustainable design, and 60% say that there simply isnโ€™t enough information available about sustainable K&B design, which makes it difficult to pass the necessary knowledge along to their clients. 

Overcoming Barriers to Adoption

Design professionals cited five significant barriers to further integrating sustainability into their designs. Homeowner buy-in (64%) was most frequently cited, followed by expense โ€” the need for more affordable sustainable solutions (54%). Many also pointed to a lack of attractive sustainable solutions (44%) and the long payback period for sustainable practices (27%) as sources of lingering skepticism about the benefits of sustainable design.

Driving Increased Demand

Sustainable design is being integrated, but itโ€™s happening slowly. Almost half (48%) of surveyed design pros say they are integrating sustainable solutions into their designs somewhat more than just two years ago, while ten percent are doing so much more compared to two years ago.

Responses from the surveyed professionals point to some key areas that are already resonating with homeowners, notably recommendations about sustainable products that will improve the health and well-being of their family (42%). Energy savings ranks a distant second (22%).  

A Bright Outlook

Demand for sustainability in kitchen and bath design is expected to grow in the next two years. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents say demand for sustainability in Kitchen Design will increase in the next two years; nearly as many (70%) said the same about Bath Design. Just one-third (32%) of designers feel sustainable design is a โ€œmust have,โ€ however, most (54%) expect that sentiment to shift in the coming years.

โ€œThere is no doubt that we are moving towards a new era when sustainable design practices will eventually become the norm for the K&B industry,โ€ said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS.  โ€œDesigners and other industry pros, armed with information and insights about the many benefits of a sustainable design approach, are going to be the drivers of this change. The sooner we can bring K&B professionals fully up to speed on these benefits, the sooner they can effectively influence customers to embrace sustainable practices that are better for the planet, without sacrificing on quality or aesthetics.โ€

Download and read the full 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report here.