By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
NKBA Launching Appliance Specialty Badge: The highly successful Specialty Badge micro-credential program started by NKBA in 2019 is adding another discipline: Appliances. It will be the ninth badge in the program and will be available to all NKBA members in September. The online program, including study materials and exams, may be accessed at the participant’s convenience. The Specialty Badge program allows members from all areas of membership to broaden their toolkit and expand their industry knowledge. It’s also a beneficial stepping-stone for designer members who want to earn NKBA certification. For more information on the program, visit nkba.org.
Wilsonart Unveils Wood-Look Surfaces: Engineered surfacing giant Wilsonart has unveiled Wilsonart WoodgrainsTM, a next-generation design material that’s sustainably produced and boasts the look of wood grain without the markup on species, grade, or cut of wood veneer. The company says the collection is more durable than wood veneer and offers up to three times savings on total installation price, with better value throughout the product lifespan. Sixteen new bookmatched woodgrains reflect the natural character of wood and replicate a variety of species, cuts, stains, and finishes. Learn more here.
Jeffrey Alexander Launches Collection: Jeffrey Alexander by Hardware Resources has introduced a decorative hardware collection for kitchens and baths. The new collection, Whitlock, features a softened square shape in knobs and pulls, in several pull lengths and six finishes. Jeffrey Alexander is one of five brands in the Hardware Resources portfolio, which includes decorative and functional hardware, cabinetry, lighting, vanities, sinks, mirrors, and other accessories. Click for more info.
Nominate a “30:” There’s still time to nominate an outstanding young professional for NKBA’s prestigious Thirty Under 30 program, which recognizes the best and brightest talents in the next generation of kitchen and bath professionals. Nominations are open for just a few more days, through Aug. 31. This program recognizes and celebrates accomplished individuals and provides networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders, The Thirty Under 30 Class of 2025 will be honored at KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas, Feb. 25-27. Honorees will receive a trip to KBIS (airfare lodging), a KBIS floor pass, a conference pass, access to NKBA events, and more. Learn more and nominate here.
Gold Honored by Fixr: NKBA member Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC, an award-winning author and wellness consultant, was named one of the year’s top 30 home-improvement journalists by Fixr.com, an online resource for home improvement guidance and research. The list honors reporters, blog writers, magazine editors, freelancers, and media hosts for insightful reporting, trend analysis, and impactful storytelling. More here.
SMEG Reveals Three New Appliances: SMEG, a leading Italian appliance brand, has launched three countertop appliances: a Countertop Air Fry Oven with Steam, a Bean-to-Cup Espresso Machine with Automatic Frothing, and a rechargeable, digital Kitchen Scale. The appliances combine advanced technology with SMEG’s signature styling, and are available in black or white, with the air fryer also available in cream. Click for more information.
Industry News
Harvard’s LIRA Projects Remodeling Uptick: After a modest downturn, homeowner expenditures for improvements and repairs are expected to trend up through the first half of 2025, according to LIRA, the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity, from the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. LIRA projects that declines in annual spending for renovations and maintenance to owner-occupied homes will ease to just -0.5 percent through 2Q 2025, with annual spending on homeowner improvements expected to reach $466 billion through the period, on par with spending over the past four quarters. Learn more here.
New Home Sales Surge: Sales of new single-family homes jumped 10.6 percent in July from June to an annualized rate of 739,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Year-over-year, that’s a 5.6 percent improvement from July 2023. The current inventory of new homes for sale at the end of last month was 462,000, representing a supply of 7.5 months at the current sales pace. More detail here.
