By Donna Heiderstadt
NKBA | KBIS, the world’s largest kitchen and bath association, is excited to debut an exclusive pop-up Design Experience at High Point Fall Market, Oct. 26-28, 2024, in High Point, North Carolina. Located in a modern setting at the heart of Market — on Fred Alexander Place in the vibrant Hamilton Wrenn Luxury District. The NKBA | KBIS Design Experience will offer a unique respite for Market attendees as well as a deep dive into the world of design. The lounge area will feature celebrity speakers, cutting-edge experts, and hands-on demos from talented artisans and master chefs.
The NKBA | KBIS Design Experience will entertain and educate attendees with a daily roster of product innovation demonstrations, culinary artistry, and talks on topics covering interiors, global design, and emerging shifts in aesthetics and wellness. Guests will enjoy exquisite fare, afternoon cocktails, and interactive micro-events including wine tastings from local vintners. The SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite master chef menu will offer steak, seafood, and other culinary delights served daily.
“Exhibiting at High Point Market presents an unparalleled opportunity for the NKBA to showcase our commitment to innovation and excellence in the kitchen and bath industry,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & Chief Executive Officer of NKBA. “It’s a chance to connect with top designers, architects, retailers, and manufacturers, and to reinforce the value that our association brings to the broader home and interiors market.”
Headliners on the NKBA | KBIS Design Experience stage will include:
- Cindy Allen, Editor in Chief of Interior Design
- Karen Carroll, Editorial Director of FLOWER Magazine
- Caleb Anderson, Owner and Principal Designer of Drake/Anderson and a member of the NKBA | KBIS Design Council
- Clodagh, Founder and CEO of Clodagh
- Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS
- Thom Filicia, Designer at Thom Filicia, Inc., Author, and a member of the NKBA | KBIS Design Council
- Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO of the International WELL Building Institute
- Celerie Kemble, Designer at Celerie Kemble Interiors Inc., Author, and a member of the NKBA | KBIS Design Council
- Aliya Khan, Vice President Global Design Strategies at Marriott International
- Michel Smith Boyd, Founder and Designer at Smith Boyd Interiors, and a member of the NKBA | KBIS Design Council
- Manuel Santelices, Artist
“The NKBA | KBIS Design Experience will deliver a unique opportunity for High Point Market attendees in October,” said Tammy Covington Nagem, HPMA President and CEO. “Through this partnership, our guests will gain exposure to new products and insights regarding the kitchen and bath design sector, while also having a chance to visit the lounge and network in a relaxed setting.”
NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy will welcome Market attendees to the Design Experience, which will be open Saturday, Oct. 26, from 2:00pm to 6:00pm; Sunday, Oct. 27, from 9:30am to 5:00pm; and Monday, Oct. 28, from 9:30am until 1:00pm.
Participating partners and hosts include:
SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite: Luxury kitchen appliance brand SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite has become synonymous with driving innovation in the built-in appliance market.
Shaw Floors | Anderson Tuftex: Flooring specialist Shaw Floors | Anderson Tuftex crafts products with timeless, purposeful design.
Fabuwood: Cabinet brand Fabuwood offers a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes designed to make building a luxury kitchen affordable without compromising on quality, comfort, and efficiency.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Online home goods retailer Bed Bath & Beyond stocks a wide array of kitchen and bath products that are easily shopped from home.
Hettich: Hardware manufacturer Hettich specializes in innovative, multi-functional fittings solutions — from drawer and runner systems to folding-door systems — that combine ease of use and design.
Unform Studio: Under the direction of designer Ryan Twardzik, Unform Studio creates uniquely designed furniture with an attention to craft, quality, and local manufacturing in Pennsylvania.
