By NKBA Staff
Company News
Miele Introduces Cold Drawers: Premium appliance giant Miele has introduced built-under refrigerator drawers. Two undercounter drawers create a flexible cooling solution with independent temperature zones, ranging from 32˚F to 57˚F, and are designed to fit within standard niche dimensions in islands or secondary prep zones. The drawers feature the brand’s proprietary DynaCool air circulation technology, which maintains uniform temperatures throughout each compartment. They are available panel-ready and fit flush with surrounding cabinetry, and the unit retails for $3,999. More detail here.
Lowe’s Expands Skilled Trades Training: The Lowe’s Foundation has committed $250 million to help train a quarter-million skilled tradespeople by 2035 through its Cable Grants program. The new goal expands its original commitment of $50 million over five years to develop 50,000 workers, announced in 2023. It has so far invested $53 million with 65 organizations, and said it is on track to help prepare 50,000 tradespeople by 2027 — a year ahead of its goal. The expansion comes as the Associated Builders and Contractors trade association estimates that 349,000 new construction workers are needed to fill demand in 2026 alone. BuilderOnline has the story.
Sarah Roberston Featured: Sarah Robertson, AKBD, owner of Studio Dearborn in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and a member of the Manhattan Chapter, is the featured guest on The Business of Home Podcast. She tells host Dennis Scully about her journey from corporate consultant to kitchen and interior designer, her continuing evolution and having her son join her business. Learn more and listen here.
Sharp’s New Lineup: Sharp Home Electronics Co. of America launched more than 20 new products in its appliance collections at KBIS 2026 in Orlando. Among the new and expanded categories are the Sharp CelerityTM High-Speed 30-inch wall oven with True European Convection and nine cooking modes. It also expanded its Microwave Drawer TM line with the Deco Series in white and matte black finishes, and introduced new microwave ovens, including a 3-in-1 countertop model, counter-depth refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers. More details here.
Chapter Updates
Competition Tips in Canada: The Ontario/Canada Chapter is hosting a free virtual event offering “Tips and Tricks for Entering the Ontario Design Competition” on April 27 from 12 noon to 1 pm. Three past winners — Diana Bastone, principal designer and owner of Diana Bastone Designs; Gelanaz Hemati, founder and principal of Gelanaz & Associates; and Martin De Sousa, design director and founder of Designström — will share insights and strategies for elevating a submission to make it stand out, what judges look for, presentation tips and how to avoid common mistakes. This virtual event is sponsored by Cambria and may be accessed here. More details here.
Pups for Heroes With Metro New York: Join the Metro New York Chapter on May 14 for an evening supporting Paws of War, an organization dedicated to helping U.S. military veterans, first responders and service members through the training and placement of service dogs. Hosted at the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom,170 Mineola Avenue in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., the event will bring the design and building communities together for networking, connecting and giving back to those who have served the country. It takes place from 6 to 8:30 pm, and the donation is $25 for NKBA members and $50 for non-members. More info here.
Membership Drive in Pennsylvania: The Susquehanna Valley Chapter is teaming up with the Harrisburg Builders Association for Member 2 Member, a membership meet-up, on May 19, 3:30 to 5 pm, at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub, 3882 Union Deposit Road, Unit 33, in Harrisburg. This networking event is free to attend, and will share details about NKBA and HBA, bringing industry pros together to make a positive impact on the local industry and community. This Membership Drive is sponsored by Classic Rock & Manor House. RSVP to Rob Ross: rbross@classicrockfab.com.
Industry News
Remodeling Expected to Hit $522B: The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies said remodeling spending by U.S. homeowners is expected to reach $522 billion this year, despite some deceleration forecast for later in the year. The Center’s Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) projects that year-over-year growth in home renovation and repair spending will be 2.9 percent early this year before easing to 1.6 percent growth by the end of the year. Single-family home sales and permits have picked up modestly from very low levels, which should support a nominal increase in remodeling activity this year. More detail here.
Faucet Market Flowing: Faucets are big business. According to Research and Markets, the faucet market is expected to notch sales of $2.57 billion this year and continue growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.67 percent to reach $4.04 billion by 2032. The report said growth is being driven by a “confluence of technological maturation, sustainability imperatives, and channel reinvention. Sensor-activated technology, once limited to high-end commercial installations, now uses more cost-efficient sensors and integration approaches that make capacitive and infrared solutions viable across a broader product set. As a result, adoption patterns are expanding from institutional washrooms into residential kitchens and bathrooms, driven by heightened hygiene awareness and growing comfort with hands-free interfaces.” Learn more here.
