Across three transformative days, NKBA’s new design hub at High Point Market became a destination for industry leaders, brands, and designers to see how kitchen, bath, lighting, and surfaces define the future of whole-home design.
By Nicholas Tamarin
Designers, brands, and thought leaders from across the industry came together to celebrate connection, creativity, and the future of design at NKBA’s inaugural Broad Hall activation at High Point Market that bridged the worlds of kitchen, bath, and interiors—marking a pivotal step in uniting design disciplines and setting the stage for future collaboration at KBIS and beyond.
Day 1: Expanding Expertise & Embracing Color
Fall Market opened with mimosas, music, and a sense of anticipation as NKBA, in partnership with Cosentino and Codarus, welcomed guests to explore Broad Hall’s immersive vignettes, curated by NKBA Board Member Kerrie Kelly. The brands featured included Kichler, James Martin Vanities, Ferguson Home, Sherwin-Williams, Fabuwood, BlueStar, Signature Hardware, Miele, Urban Bonfire, FreePower, Blanco, Lutron, Feeney, and Azenco.
The morning’s first discussion, “Expanding Your Expertise into Kitchen & Bath Design,” led by Andrea Lillo, Executive Editor of Designers Today, encouraged designers to explore new opportunities in kitchen and bath. Panelists Sarah Robertson (AKBD, Studio Dearborn), Kelly Collier-Clark (House of Clark Interiors), Shae Wilder (BlueStar), and Pam Durkin (James Martin Vanities) shared candid insights about growth, collaboration, and NKBA membership. “Collaboration between designers and manufacturers is where the real innovation happens,” said Wilder.
In the afternoon, Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, unveiled The Evolution of Color: Anthology Volume Two, previewing the 2026 color forecast. Drawing from biophilia and neuroaesthetics, Wadden spotlighted four palettes—Frosted Tints, Sunbaked Hues, Restorative Darks, and Foundational Neutrals—all rooted in 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.”
The day culminated in a lively NKBA × Cosentino Ribbon Cutting, attended by industry media and partners, including NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy, NKBA Chief Partnerships Officer, Domestic & Global Brands, Geraldine Morrison, Cosentino’s Vice President of A&D Patty Dominguez, and President and CEO of High Point Authority Tammy Covington. “Today’s designers don’t create rooms in isolation,” Morrison said. “The whole home is the future—and High Point is at the center of that conversation.”
Day 2: Light, Finish & Form Shape the Story
Under a brilliant fall sky, designers returned to Broad Hall for “Designing with Light, Finish & Form,” moderated by Kathryn Given, Executive Director of Editorial & Brand Content for Luxe Interiors + Design. Panelists Thom Filicia and Michel Smith Boyd (NKBA Design Council members), Kristina Christopher (Kichler), and Caroline Danielson (Ferguson Home) explored how materials, light, and detail define emotion in space.“I adorn my spaces like I adorn my body,” said Boyd. “Lighting must be considered early—it supports the architecture; it’s part of the story,” added Filicia. Panelists discussed trends such as adjustable color temperature, living finishes like brass and bronze, and the beauty of imperfection—materials that age gracefully and tell a story.
Later, FLOWER Magazine’s Karen Carroll moderated “The 2026 Kitchen Design Trends Report” with Alena Capra (CMKBD), Julee Ireland, Jonathan Krieger, and Briana Ryan (Miele USA). Topics ranged from AI-driven cooking technology to evolving layout concepts. “I think our kitchens are going to cook for us,” joked Ireland. “Luxury today means serenity and simplicity,” added Ryan.
That evening, guests gathered at HQ Gallery for a family-style dinner catered by Southern Roots, with cocktails, jazz, and interactive brand activations—from Lutron’s aura-reading Polaroids to Miele’s espresso martinis. In a heartfelt toast, Darcy reflected: “Just a few months ago, Broad Hall was only an idea—a vision. Today, it stands as a symbol of what’s possible when design, innovation, and partnership align.”
Day 3: Color, Creativity & the Entrepreneurial Spirit
As Market came to a close, Broad Hall buzzed once more—this time with conversations about emotion, creativity, and fearless entrepreneurship.
The morning’s session, “Design Kaleidoscope: Color and Light Trends in Kitchen + Bath,” moderated by Carisha Swanson, Market Director of House Beautiful, featured Heather French, Julee Ireland, and Sue Wadden. Together, they examined how post-pandemic priorities, such as biophilia and emotional connection, are influencing palettes and lighting. “Lighting is the extension of the paintbrush,” said Ireland. “It doesn’t just support the design—it brings it to life.”
In the afternoon, the final panel, “Leveraging the Entrepreneurial Spirit for Your Business,” moderated by Chandler Presson Pibl (Modern Luxury), brought together Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, Arianne Bellizaire, Ryan Bloom, and Jake Slatnick for an unfiltered conversation about creativity, risk, and reinvention. “Entrepreneurship isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about building systems that let you recover faster,” said Slatnick. “Innovation happens when you stop designing for today’s problems and start designing for tomorrow’s expectations.”As twilight fell, NKBA hosted a VIP Cocktail Reception at Broad Hall, where Darcy raised a glass in gratitude: “What began as a vision became something truly extraordinary. Thank you to everyone—our team, partners, and brands—who helped bring Broad Hall to life.”
