By NKBA Staff
Company News
Kohler Reveals Martha 2.0: Kohler Co. unveiled the next phase of its partnership with Martha Stewart, centered on the craftsmanship of Kohler cast iron. Kohler brought Stewart into its historic foundry in Kohler, Wisc., to film a campaign featuring the cooking and home icon in her role as cast iron ambassador. Captured by renowned photographer and director Douglas Friedman, the work offers a cinematic view inside Kohler’s rarely seen cast-iron manufacturing process. KBB has the full story.
SKS Introduces Luxe Laundry: Luxury appliance maker SKS introduced a luxe laundry lineup at KBIS 2026. This first-ever luxury laundry portfolio marks the brand’s expansion into fabric care and extends its reach beyond the kitchen. Anchoring the new group is the all-in-one SKS WashComboTM, an all-in-one washer and dryer engineered to deliver advanced washing and drying performance in a single, streamlined unit. The portfolio also includes a high-capacity dryer and a Mini-WashTM pedestal washer, offering flexible configurations designed to support a range of lifestyles and residential spaces. More detail here.
Vadara Wins ADEX Award: Quartz producer Vadara has earned a prestigious ADEX Award, presented by Design Journal, for its Braewind quartzite. Responding to the industry’s shift toward warmer, more organic interiors, Braewind features a soft beige foundation accented by nuanced taupe veining. Inspired by the Taj Mahal, its palette aligns with biophilic influences, warm neutrals, and nature-inspired materials. ADEX (Awards for Design Excellence) recognizes superior innovation, function and aesthetics across interior design, architecture, landscape architecture and product design. Learn more about Braewind and Vadara here.
True Caliber Launches: True Caliber has introduced a reimagined Signature Rockwell grill, a 360-degree social drill that mimics the look and feel of gathering around a picnic table or campfire. The grill, which features a fully retractable lid, Weber Knapp hinges and three 20,000 BTU CrossflameTM burners, launched at KBIS 2026 and won a Best of KBIS award. True also revealed Espresso brown as its 2026 color of the year. Learn more here.
Chapter Updates
Functional Color Seminar with Mountain States: Join the Mountain States Chapter for “The Power of Functional Color Design,” a seminar promoting positivity, health and wellness in interiors on March 17, 5:30 to 8 pm, at the Cosentino Center Salt Lake City, 1650 S. Distribution Drive, Ste. 400, in Salt Lake City. Kathryn Grube, MID, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID + C, will share how intentional palettes and light quality do more than decorate: They optimize biology and enhance well-being. Grube will discuss awareness of color’s power, psychological and physiological effects, and demonstrate how to curate a space that transcends aesthetics to nourish the mind, body, and soul. NKBA Members are $15, nonmembers are $25and students are free. Learn more and register here.
Metals in Michigan: The West Michigan Chapter, along with the Burke Agency, is hosting “Precious Metals in Luxury Kitchens + Baths” on March 19, 4 pm, at the Infusion Kitchen & Bath Showroom by Etna Supply, 1090 36th Street SE in Grand Rapids. Sponsored by Burke and Infusion, this CEU-eligible course features Native Trails metal-finish sinks, tubs, vanities, accessories and more. The session will explore the history, symbolism, and defining characteristics of precious metals in luxury kitchen and bath design and examine the role of precious metals in today’s interiors. Registration is $15 for NKBA members, $20 for non-members. Learn more and register here.
Chopped Challenge in California: The California Capital Chapter is staging a “Chopped Challenge” in a friendly competition with the Greater Sacramento chapter of NARI, March 19, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at Ferguson Home, 4525 Madison Ave., Sacramento. One of the most anticipated events of the year, this event is inspired by the high-energy culinary competition format, and the winning team will earn prizes and bragging rights. The event is also a fundraiser for Wellspring Women’s Center, which provides vital resources to support women and children in need. Suggested donations include essentials such as toiletries, non-perishable pantry staples, baby diapers and new clothing. Additional sponsorship is provided by Miele, Sub-Zero Group, Minka, and Hansgrohe. NMKB Members and their guests are $35, non-members are $45. Learn more and register here.
Doubleheader with Puget Sound: The Puget Sound Chapter is hosting two sessions on March 19 at Stratus Surfaces, 19014 64th Avenue South in Kent, WA. The first is a tutorial on how to enter the Puget Sound Chapter Design Competition, running from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. A veteran designer will walk attendees through the process of entering, a checklist of required documents, tips for a successful entry, how to use the Awards Force platform, and more. Immediately following at 5:30, get a “KBIS 2026 Recap Through the Eyes of our Council Members.” Learn the top trends and Chapter Officer Training, meet Mariah Hebenthal, the chapter’s Thirty Under 30 honoree, and more about the show. Learn more about both events here.
