We celebrated the innovation, connection, and momentum across the kitchen and bath industry.
As 2025 comes to a close, NKBA | KBIS reflects on a year defined by industry-shaping innovation, powerful community moments, and milestone achievements across the kitchen and bath sector. From record-breaking design honors to landmark business moves and high-impact chapter events, these are the stories that shaped our industry in 2025— and set the stage for an exciting year ahead.
NKBA | KBIS Celebrates Winners of the 2025 Design Competition
One of the most anticipated annual traditions at KBIS, the Design & Industry Awards gala once again showcased the best of the best in kitchen and bath design. Eighteen standout projects were selected from hundreds of entries, with designers competing for $100,000 in prize money across six categories: Large Kitchen, Small Kitchen, Specialty Kitchen, Primary Bath, Secondary Bath, and Powder Room.
The year’s Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath winners demonstrated the extraordinary creativity and elevated craftsmanship driving residential design forward. From European-inspired small kitchens to serene Scandinavian retreats, the 2025 winners proved that innovation, functionality, and artistry continue to define the NKBA design community.
With an esteemed jury of CMKBD-certified judges, this year’s competition reinforced NKBA’s longtime commitment to recognizing excellence and elevating industry standards.
Bosch Announces $8B Acquisition of Johnson Controls’ HVAC Business
A major global business story impacted the K&B world this year: Bosch announced its most significant acquisition in company history, agreeing to purchase Johnson Controls International’s residential and light commercial HVAC business for $8 billion.
The purchase—expected to nearly double the size of Bosch’s Home Comfort division—signals intensified global investment in HVAC innovation, sustainability, and performance. The deal also expands Bosch’s U.S. footprint and strengthens its presence in Asia through Johnson Controls’ joint venture with Hitachi.
As global HVAC demand is projected to grow 40% by the end of the decade, this acquisition represents a pivotal shift in the sector. It reinforces the increasing interconnection between home comfort, technology, and design.
A New Video Spotlights Business-Building Connections
This year, NKBA | KBIS released The Power of KBIS: Building Business Through Connections, a new video that illustrates how the show creates unmatched opportunities for designers, brands, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
The video features Jake Slatnick, CEO and founder of FreePower, whose company debuted FreePower for Countertop at KBIS 2024, ultimately earning Best in Show. Slatnick highlights how exhibiting at KBIS opened doors to thousands of contacts—including a significant partnership with Cosentino—and elevated the company’s visibility across the industry.
“What other event is there anywhere in the world where everybody is there—decision makers, influencers—all in one place?” Slatnick reflects.
The video captures exactly what makes KBIS the must-attend event for anyone in the kitchen and bath ecosystem.
Chapter Momentum: Big Ideas in Boise Inspire Innovation and Community
NKBA’s Big Sky and Mountain States Chapters kicked off spring with a dynamic multi-chapter meeting at Boise’s Renegade Hotel—an event filled with learning, collaboration, and future-focused insights.
Highlights included:
- Katye Bennett, CEO of KMB Communications, on the convergence of design and technology.
- Deb Webb, NKBA EVP of Operations & KBIS, is delivering a research deep dive, a KBIS 2025 recap, and the debut of the Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub.
- David Weinstein, Lutron VP of Residential Sales, is demonstrating the emotional power of intelligent lighting.
- Tom Knotts, NKBA Central Florida Chapter President, shares practical guidance on cabinetry innovation and sustainable design.
With sponsor showcases, CEU breakouts, and peer-to-peer learning, the event underscored the strength of NKBA’s chapter network and the value of community in driving industry progress.
The 2025 House Beautiful Next Wave Class
At New York City’s iconic Hearst Tower, NKBA | KBIS hosted an unforgettable breakfast celebration honoring the 2025 House Beautiful Next Wave Designers—a group of rising stars reshaping the future of residential design.
The event featured an inspiring conversation with:
- Jerel Lake, Lake Haus Designs, and 2024 NKBA Design Competition Winner
- Thom Filicia, acclaimed designer and NKBA Design Council founding member
Together, they explored how focusing on kitchen and bath expertise can enhance profitability and technical mastery, and how events like KBIS nurture both creativity and lasting professional relationships.
NKBA | KBIS proudly celebrated this year’s 15 honorees—each poised to make an indelible mark on the industry.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If 2025 demonstrated anything, it’s the unstoppable momentum of the kitchen and bath industry. As design evolves, technology advances, and global shifts reshape supply chains, NKBA | KBIS remains committed to serving as the trusted platform for education, business intelligence, connection, and growth.
We look forward to an even more impactful year ahead—and to celebrating the stories still to come.
