By Crystal Watts

Last week, NKBA | KBIS had the privilege of hosting an exclusive breakfast event at the iconic Hearst Tower in New York City to celebrate the 2025 class of House Beautiful Next Wave Designers. Held inside one of Manhattan’s most striking architectural landmarks, the event brought together a dynamic group of rising stars in residential design.

Heather Shannon, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at NKBA | KBIS opened the morning with a warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations to the new class. She shared the value of NKBA’s community, its commitment to professional growth, and played a lively video recapping the energy and inspiration of KBIS 2025.

Following the introduction, House Beautiful Executive Content Editor Jess Teves led a thoughtful conversation with two special guests: Jerel Lake, owner of Lake Haus Designs, a previous Next Wave honoree and 2024 NKBA Design Competition Winner, and celebrated interior designer Thom Filicia, principal of Thom Filicia Inc. and member of the NKBA Design Council.

Lake shared how his decision to focus more intentionally on kitchen and bath design has helped him build a more profitable and technically informed business. By honing his skills in these high-value areas, he found new ways to grow revenue and expand client opportunities—an insight that resonated with the rising designers in the room.

Filicia reflected on how industry events like KBIS serve as a valuable tool for all design professionals—offering both inspiration and opportunities to build meaningful relationships with brands and peers. Beyond the educational value, he emphasized how meaningful it is to connect directly with the brands—and the people behind them. For Filicia, building relationships at shows like KBIS goes beyond product knowledge; it’s about developing connections that energize creativity and business alike.

This message ties in closely with the recent House Beautiful feature on the power of working with dedicated kitchen and bath professionals—an important read for designers looking to grow both expertise and impact. Explore the article here.

As part of the celebration, NKBA | KBIS proudly acknowledged the full 2025 House Beautiful Next Wave class—a talented group poised to shape the future of residential design:

Lucy O’Brien, Tartan & Toile, Philadelphia, PA

Hance Day Hughes, Cindy & Bridget Tiek, Tiek Byday, Baton Rouge, LA

Brad Thornton, Thornton Projects, New York, NY

Sierra Fox, Studio Mountain, Sun Valley, ID

Ashi Waliany, Cusp Interiors, San Francisco, CA

Regina & Robin Reaves, R&R Interior Design 365, Charlotte, NC

Melissa Oholendt, Oho Interiors, Twin Cities, MN

Autumn Oser & Andre Golsorkhi, Haldon House, Bryn Mawr, PA

Julia Miller, Yond Interiors, Minneapolis, MN

Kelly Collier-Clark, House of Clark, Philadelphia, PA

Stephanie Wiott, Stephanie Wiott Designs, Carmel, IN

Joelle Kutner & Jesse Rudolph, Ome Dezin, Los Angeles, CA

Sara Swabb, Storie Collective, Washington, DC

NKBA | KBIS is proud to support the next generation of design talent and champion those who are not only creating beautiful spaces—but also driving the industry forward. We can’t wait to see where their creativity takes them next.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

BSH Growing in North Carolina: BSH Home Appliances is investing more than $11 million and adding 199 jobs to transform its New Bern, NC, facility into a hub for manufacturing and R&D in the U.S. BSH, parent of the Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau brands, is globally headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has a U.S. base in California. The expansion will focus on cooking and dishwashing innovation, research, and production. KBB has the story.

Clutter’s the Culprit: A recent survey revealed that one of the most important priorities in the kitchen is to reduce clutter — in drawers and cabinets as well as on countertops. Eagle Woodworking, a cabinetry maker based in Lawrence, MA, conducted the survey of 1,000 homeowners, with 74 percent saying they feel their kitchen is cluttered, impacting how often they cook or host, and 58 percent saying the clutter causes daily stress. To help remedy the situation, 82 percent said they’d opt for custom drawer inserts and 63 percent said they’d be likely to hire a contractor to integrate built-in storage features. Learn more about the survey here.

VFTI Deadline Approaching: June 30 is the last day to submit proposals for sessions at the Voices from the Industry Conference at KBIS 2026. NKBA | KBIS invites subject matter experts to propose up to three topics for 1-hour presentations or 1.5-hour workshops in the following categories: Building and Remodeling, Leadership & Management, Design, K&B Trends, Marketing, Technology, and Sustainability. KBIS 2026 takes place Feb. 17 to 19 in Orlando. Interested professionals can submit their proposals here, and comprehensive details are available here.

Chapter Updates

Peaking in Colorado: The Rocky Mountain Chapter and the Interior Design Society of Denver will host the Peak Awards Gala, Colorado’s most prestigious design awards event, on June 26 at the stunning Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9950 East Gateway Drive in Highlands Ranch. This year’s theme is Vintage Glamour and celebrates achievement in kitchen, bath and interior design. The festivities kick off at 6 pm. More info, tickets and registration here.

Volunteer for Ronald McDonald: The Southern Ohio/Kentucky Chapter is hosting a volunteer day on July 10, 10 am to 2 pm, at Ronald McDonald House of Greater Cincinnati, 341 Erkebrecher Avenue in Cincinnati. Ronald McDonald House Charities’ mission is to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and to support their families. One of its three core programs is to provide housing and meals to families of hospitalized children who are far from home. Learn more about the volunteer event here.

Multi-Org Networking in NJ: On July 10, the Northern New Jersey Chapter is holding a networking party with BANNJ, METRO, NARI, AIA, ASID, and the Greater Bergen Realtors. The evening, hosted by Reno’s Appliances, 35 McLean Blvd/Route 20 North in Paterson, NJ, will include music, food, drinks, and door prizes. Cost is $25 per person; RSVP here.

Industry News

Construction Spending Slips: Total spending on new construction dipped 0.4 percent in April from March, and was off 0.5 percent from April 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Private residential construction took a bigger hit, off 0.9 percent from March. However, total construction spending for the first four months of 2025 was up 1.4 percent from the same period in 2024. More details from the Census Bureau here.

A&D Market Day: June 24 is Market Day at the Architects & Designers Building, 150 Ease 58^th Street in New York. The trade-only event includes designer panels, demonstrations, book signings, product launches, and more. Among the presentations are Bilotta Kitchen & Home, SMEG, Ferguson Home, Scavolini, Hastings Bath Collection, Ornare Kitchens, Thermador, True Residential, Bakes & Kropp Fine Cabinetry, Miele, Eggersman Kitchens, Jennair, and Cosentino. Learn more here.

Submit your nomination for Thirty Under 30 today!

By Nicholas Tamarin

NKBA | KBIS is on the hunt for the brightest young minds in the kitchen and bath industry to join the prestigious Thirty Under 30 community: passionate leaders, innovative creators, and forward-thinking professionals. 

Sponsored by Fabuwood, the Thirty Under 30 program aims to recognize and celebrate thirty outstanding young professionals who are poised to become the future leaders of the industry. These are the individuals with the drive, creativity, and brilliance to shape the next generation of kitchen and bath experts.

What does it mean to be a Thirty Under 30 honoree?

If selected, honorees will attend KBIS 2026 in Orlando, where they will help identify key trends, innovations, technologies, sustainable practices, and emerging business models. This is a unique opportunity to network with industry leaders, connect with peers, and make a significant impact within the kitchen and bath trades. Honorees will also be recognized and celebrated during the event.

“Being named a Thirty under 30 was a career highlight, and the experience of networking with other driven professionals at KBIS in Vegas left me feeling inspired and motivated for the future, and eager to deepen my involvement with the NKBA,” Class of 2024 honoree Ashley de Boer says. “Being selected for NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 connected me with inspiring peers who are both industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs,” adds fellow Class of 2024 honoree Jake Hohman, Class of 2024. “The program instilled in me the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset for continuous growth and innovation in the kitchen and bath industry.” 

Who is eligible?

To be considered, nominees must:

• Be born on or after March 1, 1995.
• Be outgoing, passionate, and enthusiastic about networking.
• Work in the kitchen and bath industry.
• Be committed to furthering their career in the industry.
• Have the support of their current employer to participate in the program.

What do Thirty Under 30 recipients receive?

Selected individuals will receive:

• A free trip to KBIS 2026, including airfare and lodging.
• Access to the KBIS show floor, conferences, and NKBA events.
• Media exposure and recognition among top design and trade professionals.
• Pre-event and post-event networking opportunities.

How to improve a candidate’s chances:

Submissions should include information highlighting:

• Sales and marketing accomplishments and figures.
• Community service and charity involvement.
• NKBA Chapter officer positions or other industry association memberships.
• Innovative solutions, improvements, or project involvement beyond daily requirements.

Submission Deadline:

Nominations are open through August 31st. Go here to submit your nomination today!

Top design professionals enjoyed insightful discussions, trend reports, and a showcase of innovative materials.

By NKBA Staff

The intersection of high-end design and environmental responsibility was the focus of a recent Sustainable Luxury Micro-Conference, presented by Fabuwood and hosted by NKBA | KBIS at Cosentino City in San Francisco. The four-hour event on Thursday, May 29, brought together design professionals for insightful discussions, trend reports, and a showcase of innovative materials.

The afternoon commenced with a welcome address and a trend report from Angela Rath, Director of Brand Development at NKBA | KBIS, offering attendees a glimpse into the future of sustainable luxury design. This was followed by a “Spotlight Conversation” featuring Moses Brach, Head of A&D Partnerships at Fabuwood, who shared valuable insights on current innovations driving the movement. Brach shared, “This is where Fabuwood shines—we’re at the forefront of technological innovation, digitally tracking every component of cabinetry, ensuring there’s never any waste. We also have an entire department dedicated to wood recovery, recycling, and reuse.” 

A central highlight of the micro-conference was the panel discussion, “Elevated, Responsible, Beautiful: Designing for a Greener Future.” Moderated by Kelly Buchsbaum, Director of Chapters & Learning at NKBA | KBIS, the panel featured experts Nureed Saeed, Owner/Creative Director of Nu Interiors, and Kathryn Soter, Executive Director of Good Future Design Alliance (GFDA), who explored strategies for incorporating sustainability without compromising aesthetic appeal. 

Saeed inspired the designer audience with her signature strategy on beginning every new client meeting with her commitment to reuse furnishings and materials. An award-winning interior designer, Saeed is also NKBA Northern California Chapter President. Soter explained how GFDA prioritizes low-waste design practices to reduce construction waste and aims to educate designers, architects, and builders as well as encourage recycling as a line-item on every bid. 

Carolyn Flannery joined Saeed and Soter on the panel and shared the latest news from her charitable organization Make It Home, which she founded in 2020 after working as an interior designer in the Bay Area for 25 years. She saw a lot of waste, such as clients replacing perfectly good furniture, and at the same time she volunteered with foster kids who often had nowhere to go after aging out of the system. She created Make It Home so that the problem of furniture waste could solve the problem of furniture poverty.

Following a brief break, the conference continued with a panel, “The Conscious Luxury Conversation.” Moderated by Alisa Carroll, West Coast Contributing Editor for Veranda—along with luminary designers Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Lab CEO/Creative Director and NKBA Board of Directors Vice Chair; and Elma Gardner, CMKBD, By Design Owner and Principal Designer—the panel delved into the evolving expectations of discerning clients who prioritize both elegant interiors and environmental consciousness.

Attendees also had the opportunity to engage directly with cutting-edge, planet-friendly products during a “Materials & Innovation Showcase Walkthrough” with Fabuwood. The event concluded with a networking session, complemented by light bites and refreshments, allowing participants to connect with design industry peers, brand representatives, and fellow NKBA members.

The Fabuwood Sustainable Luxury Micro-Conference served as a significant platform for exploring the growing demand for environmentally sound practices within the luxury design sector, providing valuable knowledge and fostering connections among industry leaders committed to a greener future.

To learn more about Fabuwood, please visit fabuwood.com, and for more information on upcoming events or to connect with an NKBA Chapter, please email chapters@nkba.org.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

SieMatic Expands Urban Collection: Premium German cabinetry maker SieMatic unveiled its SG6 line, part of its Urban Collection, in North America at the Living Luxe Show in Toronto. Features range from warm finishes and soft, warm lighting to fashion-forward staging for a chic, modern ambiance. Curved corners contrast with the linear handle-free profile. Learn more here.

KBB Editor Honored: Leslie Clagett, managing editor at Kitchen & Bath Business magazine, has won two gold Azbee Awards of Excellence for in-depth reporting on the industry’s most important design trends, including sustainability, lighting and outdoor living. The Abee Awards are bestowed by the American Society of Business Publication Editors for outstanding work in B2B media across 68 categories. More detail here.

Chapter Updates

Grillin’ N Chillin’ in Washington State: Grab a burger with the Olympic-West Sound Chapter at its annual BBQ and Membership Drive on June 12, 5:30 to 8 pm. Sponsored by Blum, it will be hosted by Signature Design & Cabinetry, 5720 144^th St. NW in Gig Harbor, WA. Earn .01 CEU in a hands-on experience with the Age Explorer Suit, used in R&D at Blum, that simulates having arthritis, reduced sight and hearing, and diminished strength. NKBA Members are $25, non-members are $35, and first-time attendees and students are free. More info and registration here.

Surfacing Seminar in Louisiana: The Louisiana/Mississippi/Arkansas Chapter is hosting an insightful CEU event, “Ultracompact Surfacing: Redefining Boundaries of Interior and Exterior Spaces,” at Cosentino Center New Orleans, 5800 Jefferson Hwy, Ste C & D, Elmwood, LA. The event takes place June 18, 5 to 7 pm, and includes drinks, light bites, and time for networking. Ultracompact surfacing is a unique material that combines the look and feel of natural stone with superior durability and design flexibility. There’s no cost to attend but registration is required. Learn more here.

Summer Design Soiree in Georgia: The Georgia Chapter’s Summer Design Soiree takes place June 19, 5:30 to 8 pm, at MSI Surfaces, 7950 Troon Circle, #7758, Austell, GA. Networking, food, drinks, an ice cream station, and presentation by Emily Holle, MSI’s Creative Director, will celebrate the season and kick off the summer. Tickets range from $25 to $45; more details and registration here.

Happy Hour in Minneapolis: Join the Minnesota State Chapter for a complimentary Summer Happy Hour, June 25 from 4 to 7 pm. Mix, mingle, and grab a brew at Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1315 Tyler St NE in Minneapolis. This is a free event with no registration required. Just show up to join the fun!

Industry News

New Home Sales Spike: Sales of new single-family homes jumped 10.9 percent in April compared to March, and were up 3.3 percent from April 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The inventory of new homes for sale at the end of April was 504,000, representing about 8.1 months of supply at the current sales rate, down marginally from 9.1 months in March. The average sales price of new houses sold in April was $518,400, 3.7 percent higher than the March average of $499,700, and 3.6 percent above the April 2024 price of $500,600. More details here.

CEDIA/CIX Registration Open: Registration for this year’s CEDIA Expo/Commercial Integrator Expo (CIX) is open. Conference and trade show, running Sept. 3 to 6 in Denver, is a comprehensive gathering of integrators, installers, designers, and architects in smart-home technology and professional audio/video. The show combines residential and commercial AV systems integration and includes integration of Wi-Fi-enabled home appliances. Educational sessions at the conference run Sept. 3 to 5, and the expo floor is open Sept. 4 to 6 at the Colorado Convention Center. More info here.