By Donna Heiderstadt
The Best of KBIS awards program puts the spotlight on kitchen-and-bath innovation by acknowledging the visionary companies that are pushing boundaries when it comes to product development, technology, and the latest trends. Gold and Silver winners in six categories and a Best in Show Gold winner were celebrated on February 26 at KBIS 2025 for having cutting-edge products that are redefining the future of design.
The Best of KBIS awards ceremony, sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design and hosted by its Senior Market Editor, Sarah Shelton, featured a total of 50 finalists in seven categories. Their products were reviewed by a panel of six judges: Alena Capra, CMKBD, Principal of Alena Capra Designs; Jeanne Chung, Creative Director of Cozy Stylish Chic; Kara Cox, Principal of Kara Cox Interiors; Brooke and Brice Gilliam, Owners of Deep South Modern; Julee Ireland, Founder of Home Renovation School and Tile Mart University; and Jerel Lake, Principal Designer of Jerel Lake. The judging committee narrowed down all entries to the 50 finalists and did their final judging onsite during booth visits at KBIS 2025.
Author and design journalist Sophie Donelson, Day 2 NEXTStage host, took to the stage to introduce NKBA’s Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Heather Shannon. “The energy this week has been incredible,” Shannon told the overflow crowd. “I hope you feel as inspired as we do on the NKBA side.” Noting that the competition this year was extremely competitive, she thanked Luxe Interiors + Design for their sponsorship and said NKBA was proud to recognize the finalists and congratulate the Gold and Silver winners.
Shelton then kicked off the ceremony by saying that after walking the show floor, “my feet are hurting but my camera is filled with photos of incredible products—and I don’t envy the judges for having had to choose the winners.”
And the Winners Are…
Wellness Trailblazer
Kara Cox had the honor of presenting the awards for Wellness Trailblazer, noting that “wellness is one of the fastest growing categories and, while it started as a buzzword, it has become a way of life.”
Gold: Kohler x Remedy Place Ice Bath by Kohler
Silver: Hot/Cold Plunge Indoor Tub by Empava
The other finalists were AIRMADA Drying Solutions, Brizo, Elkay, Fotile, and LAUFEN.
Game-Changing Innovation
Brice Gilliam announced the Game Changing Innovation winners, noting that innovation is, by nature, an exciting category that allows manufacturers to “think outside the box while still maintaining a focus on functionality.”
Gold: VIBE by LifeValet
Silver: Ceran Luminoir TFT by Schott
The other finalists were Blum, FreePower, Hettich, Karran USA, and Richelieu Hardware Ltd.
Most Functional Find
Jeanne Chung presented the awards in the Most Functional Find category, noting that “durability, longevity, and user friendliness are all key elements of functional design.”
Gold: Space Step by Blum
Silver: Hettich FurnSpin
The other finalists were Century Components, Delta Faucet, Hafele America, and Robern.
Sustainable Standout
Before she announced the Sustainable Standout winners, Julee Ireland noted that “sustainability is essential to our industry as homeowner demand for these products continues to grow.”
Gold: Landshapes Tile by Kohler WasteLAB x Daniel Arsham
Silver: Cosentino’s Le Chic Bohème by Silestone XM
The other finalists were Caesarstone, Daltile, Laminam, Neolith, and Richelieu Hardware Ltd.
Style Statement: Bath
As she revealed the Style Statement: Bath winners, Alena Capra reminded the audience that “for most design professionals, style is what first attracted us to this career.”
Gold: James Martin Vanities x Cosentino x FreePower Collaboration
Silver: Guise Collection by Kallista
The other finalists were Cartisan Design, Infinity Drain, Native Trails, and Robern.
Style Statement: Kitchen
“The kitchen remains the heart of the home and one of the first places homeowners choose to update,” said Jerel Lake as he announced the Style Statement: Kitchen winners.
Gold: Vera Deluxe Workstation Kitchen Sink by TopZero
Silver: Billet Kitchen Faucet Collection by Kohler
The other finalists were BLANCO, Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, Cosentino, Elkay, House of Rohl, and Richelieu Hardware Ltd.
Best in Show
Brooke Gilliam had the honor of revealing the final award: the Best in Show Gold winner.
Gold: Aladdin by EFFE Perfect Wellness
The other finalists were Brizo, EGGER Wood Products, JennAir, Kallista, Signature Kitchen Suite, and SMEG.
