You’ve seen porcelain slabs at shows and now more than ever in slab yards. However, how can you be sure that your favorite tile installer or stone shop is properly fabricating and installing this beautiful and expensive porcelain slabs? Are there steps you should be considering in the design phase to create a successful project? Let’s go over proven methods to ensure your design is a winner.
Learning Objectives:
How should you select the proper labor for your project?
How should I design with my porcelain slabs selected?
What procedures should we anticipate or require of our fabrication and install labor?
Featured Presenter
Nathan Parsons, CEO of The Porcelain Slab Co.
When you are an early adopter, you tend to learn things the hard way. This is true for Nathan Parsons of The Porcelain Slab Company located near Raleigh, NC. Working with porcelain slabs since 2014, Mr. Parsons has found more than a few unique ways to fail with porcelain panels, but its through those failures that he has found a knack for explaining the process to designers, fabricators, and installers alike. As the market shifts towards more and more acceptance of porcelain slabs in all facets of architectural design, Mr. Parsons hopes to assist those new to the material in how they should design, fabricate, and install to meet industry norms and long lasting impressions.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to examine four major ancient design cultures. What can we glean from each of their respective legacies about how to think about our built environment? Beyond the surface, is there an underlying story beneath them about how to create something enduring? And if so, can the ancient built environment become a resource for the contemporary mind seeking spaces of true sanctuary.
Learning Objectives:
Understand why it is important to integrate ancient principles in contemporary design practices to support the creation of a sustainable and healthy environment that enhances and regenerates the planet and people’s health and wellbeing.
Explore how 4 distinct ancient design theories utilized their relationship to color from cultural, geographical or ecological contexts to drive the iconic historical architecture that is recognized in the modern day. Recognize how the early history of color psychology influences modern color trend cycles.
Learn how 4 ancient design theories apply to current design practices and how to implement the basics of ancient design principles to modern interiors to enhance wellness benefits for occupants.
Featured Presenter
Annie Miranda Sommer, Architectural & Design Representative of Benjamin Moore
Annie Miranda-Sommer is one of our Architectural & Design Representative for Benjamin Moore, North America’s favorite paint, color and coatings brand. As part of the Benjamin Moore Houston| San Antonio, Louisiana, and Arkansas team – Annie plays an integral role in the development of color tools, and architectural and design specifications with educating product development that further positions Benjamin Moore as a color and product leader for both professionals and consumers.
During her tenure at Benjamin Moore, Annie has been intimately involved in various aspects of color, interior design, project construction management, and the paint industry. She has played an essential role in the development and advancement of designer and architect-focused events, educational programs with color and product knowledge. Annie serves as a reference on color and design inspiration. She has managed three of our Benjamin Moore retail business’s – a trained-certified paint mixologist/color-match and Color-Training as a certified color specialist.
Annie began her career as an owner of one of Louisiana’s fine Men’s Clothing stores to then purse her buying career with Macy’s Herald Square and Bloomingdale’s in Manhattan New York. Later was a part of numerous high-end residential design projects as an Interior Designer & Color Consultant for Design teams and consumers in the NY metro and NJ areas. Has a real toolbelt with many years of residential building experience and Project Management. She graduated from Wade’s College with a degree Interior Design with Retail Management in Dallas, Texas. She has returned from 30 years in 2015 from the Northeast to the Houston area to continue her career back in her southern region. She is an allied member of ASID, NKBA, IIDA, IFMA, GHBA and AIA. 2022-23 Program Chair NKBA Texas Gulf Coast Chapter. NKBA & ASID Student Chair.
All Hail the Hue: Harnessing Color in Kitchen and Bath Design
When:
June 3, 2025 | 12:00 PM ET
CEUs: .1
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What You Will Learn
This webinar will unravel the science of color, providing you with a solid foundation in understanding hues, tones, and the emotional impact of color choices. We’ll explore today’s hottest color styles, including the trendy techniques of color drenching and hue layering, which can transform any kitchen or bath into a masterpiece.
Discover how to harness the power of color to create stunning, cohesive designs. Learn the fundamentals of color theory and gain practical insights into how to apply these principles in your projects. By the end of this seminar, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make bold, informed color choices that elevate your kitchen and bath designs.
Learning Objectives: -Understand the Science of Color: Grasp the basics of color theory, including the color wheel, color harmony, and the psychological effects of different colors.
-Explore Hot Color Styles: Get acquainted with contemporary color trends like color drenching and hue layering, and learn how to incorporate them effectively into your designs.
-Gain Practical Skills: Develop practical techniques for selecting and combining colors, ensuring your designs are both visually appealing and functionally effective.
Featured Presenter
Tressa Samdal, Director of Trends and Innovations of Cabinetworks Group
With nearly two decades of expertise, this accomplished Marketing, Trend, and Product Expert has sculpted her impactful journey in color, design, and interior products. From her early days at Colwell North America, where she discovered her passion, to pivotal roles at Mullican Flooring, Mohawk/IVC US, and Florida Tile, she consistently shaped product lines, forecasted consumer needs, and differentiated her brands. In 2022, a significant chapter unfolded as she entered the cabinet industry, assuming the role of Trend and Innovation Director for Cabinetworks Group. Leveraging her established track record and exceptional storytelling skills, she navigates the confluence of innovation and style and continues to make a lasting impact at Cabinetworks Group. Throughout her remarkable journey, she has been a driving force behind transformative initiatives, seamlessly blending creativity, market acumen, and strategic vision. As a Trend and Product Expert, her story continues to unfold, positively shaping the future of design and aesthetics in the industries she touches.
NKBA | KBIS’s Global President and CEO breaks down Home Depot’s Q1 earnings and the outlook for the home remodeling market.
As I shared in my recent interview with Yahoo! Finance, our industry is navigating a period of short-term uncertainty driven by tariffs, rising material costs, and high interest rates. These factors are understandably causing many homeowners to hit pause on their renovation plans. For our NKBA members this uncertainty is making it more difficult to price products and guide clients accordingly.
Despite these headwinds, I remain confident in the long-term strength of the remodeling market. The home—especially the kitchen and bath—continues to be the center of our lives. For homeowners considering a remodel, my advice is to continue with your planning. Work closely with your designer or specifier, ideally an NKBA member, who can help you make informed decisions. NKBA members are doing their best to absorb rising costs. While the current environment may feel unstable, these challenges are temporary—and the benefits of investing in your home will far outlast the moment we’re in now.
Tune in to listen to the Yahoo! Finance interview below:
BSH’ New EDC: BSH Home Appliances, a division of the Bosch Group and parent of Thermador, Bosch, and Gaggenau premium appliance brands, has opened an Experience and Design Center in Washington, DC. The 7,0000 square-foot space in the upscale CityCenterDC complex has a neoclassical ambience, reflecting the city’s architecture, and serves as an immersive showcase for its luxury appliances, offers cooking and training sessions, and design inspiration. This is the 10th BSH EDC in North America, including locations in Beverly Hills and Irvine, CA; Chicago; New York; Miami; Houston; Toronto; Vancouver, and Montreal. Learn more here.
Cyncly’s New Websites: Cyncly, a leading provider of design software solutions, has launched Cyncly Websites, a website platform that helps K&B designers, retailers, and remodelers enhance the shopping and design experience for their clients.The platform helps businesses grow by attracting more customers, improving and protecting online presence, and showcasing their expertise and product offering with features including an AI design tool, a project gallery, lead generation, a product catalog and more. Cyncly was formed in 2022 after Compusoft and 2020 merged in 2021. Discover more here.
Designed by: Rachel Hills. Photo by: Kat Alves
Design Competition Open: The professional NKBA | KBIS 2026 Design Competition is accepting entries through July 25. More than $150,000 in cash prizes are up for grabs, including $25,000 each for Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath winners. New this year: Winners who are NKBA Certified Designers win a $25,000 bonus. For all details and an entry packet, click here.
Chapter Updates
Aloha in Las Vegas: Join the Southwest Desert Chapter at Inspired Closets, 6445 W Sunset Road in Las Vegas, for “Say Aloha to Summer.” Earn a CEU as you learn “How to Communicate Your Value With Branding,” presented by Home Designer Marketing. You’ll also test drive the newest AR technology in a live demo with Envision to see your client’s dream closet before it’s built. Enjoy Hawaiian sliders and summer cocktails at the event, sponsored by Hydro Shield, on May 28, 5 to 8 pm. It’s free for NKBA members, $15 for non-members. Details here.
Bean Bags on the Cape: For its June meeting and membership drive, the Northern New England Chapter is hosting a cornhole tournament on June 10 at Kam Appliances, 6 Aggregate Way in Hyannis, MA, on Cape Cod. The event is sponsored by JennAir and is free to attend. To participate in the tournament, teams of two may register for $25. Info here.
Industry News
New Silica Safety Guidance: The Natural Stone Institute and the International Surface Fabricators Association (ISFA) have released new medical surveillance guidance and announced expanded silica safety research efforts aimed at enhancing workplace safety. Guidance includes information on air respirator selection and use as well as studies evaluating the effectiveness of silica safety best practices through employee air sampling and medical surveillance data. This important update builds on ongoing efforts to improve health and safety practices industry-wide and provides actionable guidance for employers and fabricators. Learn more here.
Energy Star Program in Danger: The Trump Administration is preparing to eliminate two key divisions of the Environmental Protection Agency that are focused on climate change and energy efficiency. These include the Energy Star program, which certifies energy-efficient appliances and helps consumers find products and tax credits to reduce the cost of buying and using household appliances. Since Energy Star began under President George H.W. Bush in 1992, it has helped save consumers more than $500 billion in energy costs and 5 trillion kWh. The White House also proposed eliminating the EPA’s climate change division and climate protection partnership division, both of which sit within the agency’s office of air and radiation. These moves will impact several climate programs, including the greenhouse gas reporting program and EPA’s partnerships on methane emitted from burning fossil fuels. Read more here.
Prices Up, Sales Down for Existing Homes: Sales of existing homes fell 5.9 percent in March from February, and were off 2.4 percent from March 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales fell in all four major U.S. regions. At the same time, the median price for these homes rose 2.7 percent YOY to $403,700, an all-time high for the month of March and the 21st consecutive month of YOY price increases. NAR said elevated mortgage rates are contributing to the sluggish environment, and that housing inventory was up 8.1 percent from February and up almost 20 percent YOY. More details here.
Tariff Update: A lot of products, components, and raw materials used in the kitchen and bath industry are imported, especially from Canada, China, and Mexico, the three largest trading partners of the U.S. And the mercurial nature of tariff negotiations, along with other variables emanating from Washington, mean the situation is far from stable. Sunderesh S. Heragu, Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University, explores factors including increased costs, inflation, interest rates, and the labor shortage, in an in-depth article in KBB.
Applications are now open for the next generation of Association leaders.
By Nicholas Tamarin
NKBA | KBIS chapter officers directly contribute to and benefit from the growth of the kitchen and bath industry’s leading Association. Officers serve as member advocates and peer representatives to the Association and the industry, as well as a mentor for student members to develop potential and build skills.
Through leadership training, officers also gain the tools and skills necessary to become a stronger manager. This knowledge can be invaluable to your own business and the experience is a great addition to your personal portfolio.
Chapter Meeting Benefits
Being active at the local level builds business through networking and gives members an opportunity to learn successful ideas and exchange business leads. Chapter officer positions provide an excellent opportunity for members to significantly impact the industry, Association, and local communities. By taking on a leadership role within the association, you can influence the direction of your chapter, network with other professionals, and gain invaluable experience.
Self Nomination Form
This election cycle includes the three positions below. All current incumbents of these positions must self-nominate if they wish to be considered for a new term, as there is no automatic continuation of the role.
Programs Chair
Communications Chair
President
The chapter officer self-nomination form can be accessed by clicking here. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of becoming a chapter leader, please click here. All NKBA members, with the exception of students, are eligible to self-nominate for these positions.Note: Self-nominations for chapter officer positions opened on May 15 and will run through July 31. All elections are conducted at the chapter level.
Soself-nominate today! And if you have any questions about Chapter Officer Elections, please contact info@nkba.org.
For nearly three decades, Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, has been transforming spaces and exceeding client expectations. As the Founder and Creative Director of EL Design Studio, established in 2014 in the Long Island, New York, town of Hicksville, she’s built a reputation for blending client needs with a sharp eye for both current trends and timeless style. Her award-winning designs and industry involvement, including significant contributions to NKBA | KBIS, highlight a career marked by passion and dedication.
In this interview, we delve into Ellen’s journey, from her early inspirations to her current role as a leading voice in kitchen and bath design, exploring the experiences that have shaped her approach, fueled her success, and ultimately led to her NKBA | KBIS Certification.
What is your background?
My journey to becoming a CMKBD began when my three children were school age. Today, they are successful adults, and my husband and I enjoy being grandparents to two adorable grandsons. Currently, I run a successful design studio on Long Island where my team and I specialize in kitchens and baths. I have honed my skills to be recognized as a millwork specialist among my peers.
In addition to millwork, my services include whole-home design. I work with clients to create flow and function, ensuring effortless movement in their daily tasks. I consider all their future wants and needs before construction begins, presenting all information in a complete set of construction documents. Taking my business to this level of detail stems from learning proper documentation from the NKBA Graphics and Presentation Standards.
How did you first get into design?
Initially dreaming of a fashion career, I studied buying and merchandising at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and worked for Charles Jourdan. However, my passion truly lay in design. I returned to FIT for textile design and worked in home furnishings, creating patterns and overseeing production. After staying home with my children, I pursued kitchen and bath design in 2006, opting for certification over another degree. I gained experience at Home Depot, an installation company, and a luxury design center before founding EL Design Studio in 2014.
Tell us about your NKBA Certification process?
For the AKBD exam, I studied with a partner through the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. We met in a Starbucks regularly for 2-3 hour study sessions with our NKBA flash cards. I earned my CKD by taking a CAD exam in Brooklyn. I achieved my CMKBD in 2020-2021 through the NKBA’s “Level Up” opportunity, completing the CBD portion remotely and submitting my experience documentation. The NKBA was so supportive throughout my journey to CMKBD.
Why did you take the time to get NKBA Certified?
Obtaining my certification enhances my professionalism and distinguishes me as a designer rather than a cabinet salesperson or decorator. Adhering to guidelines established by a professional organization and governing body ensures a standardized approach to documenting our work, facilitating effective communication with peers and trades.
How has NKBA Certification helped?
My journey, grounded in training, testing, and continuing education, instills confidence in my abilities. My affiliation with this organization and the upkeep of my certification through ongoing education are reflected in all aspects of my work. Whether providing product information or mastering the technicalities of designing kitchens, baths, and more, this foundation defines our professionalism.
If you’re interested in learning more about benefits and options, check out our NKBA Certification page.
The industry-leading organizations announce a long-term partnership designed to enhance service to the design community through custom experiences, brand connections and industry education.
Left to right: Tammy Covington, President & CEO of High Point Market Authority and Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS.
Bethlehem, PA – (May 14, 2025) –The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS), the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry and owner of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), today announced a strategic alliance with the High Point Market Authority (HPMA), the official sponsor and organizer of High Point Market, the world’s largest home furnishings trade show held every April and October in High Point, N.C. This partnership marks a convergence of the kitchen and bath sector with the furnishings industry, expanding both organizations’ influence among the design community and growing focus on the whole home.
“Our partnership with High Point Market Authority represents a powerful alignment between two organizations committed to inspiring, empowering, and supporting the interior design community,” said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “At NKBA, we’ve seen kitchen and bath design trends expand their influence across the entire home, driving new ideas and inspiration for the broader interiors industry. Through this alliance with High Point Market Authority, we’re excited to share NKBA’s unique brand experiences, educational resources, and foster business-driving connections that add value to the design community as a whole.”
“High Point Market is the platform by which the future of our industry is tested, tried, and solidified. It’s where the principals connect and the changemakers push. It is a biannual convergence of the best and brightest in our industry,” said Tammy Covington, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority. “The conversations that happen here lay the groundwork for the years ahead. There have always been elements of kitchen and bath here in High Point, but this alliance with NKBA will allow us to bring it forward, to highlight it, and to serve the industry in new and exciting ways.”
The NKBA’s first presence at High Point Market was in 2018 when they offered members a day and a half long event blending Market tours with conference-style education. They returned again last October with “The Tent,” which played host to educational programming led by kitchen and bath designers and manufacturers. In partnership with HPMA, the two united in NKBA’s mission to deliver cutting-edge trend analysis, valuable educational resources, and innovative product showcases—all aimed at empowering designers and their businesses to thrive. Most recently at Spring Market, NKBA hosted a panel at The Point with leading designers Michel Smith Boyd and Sharon Sherman discussing emerging trends in kitchen and bath design. As the kitchen opens up to the whole home and bath spaces expand, sharing industry knowledge is critical to supporting designers both well-versed in and new to kitchen and bath design.
“As the owner of an interdisciplinary design firm, I understand the importance of integrating kitchen and bath into the High Point conversation,” said Christi Barbour, Chair of the High Point Market Authority’s Board of Directors and founder and partner of Barbour Spangle Design. “Designers have long looked to High Point for education, inspiration, and innovative products. Having NKBA here to spotlight the opportunities in the kitchen and bath space—and to connect designers with new brands and partners—is both exciting and a natural evolution of what High Point offers to our design community.”
Kerrie Kelly, Vice Chair of the Board for NKBA and CEO + Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studioadded, “Designers today are shaping experiences across the entire home, and that holistic view demands collaboration between all facets of the industry. NKBA’s partnership with High Point Market Authority underscores the Association’s commitment to helping designers navigate new opportunities in kitchen, bath, and beyond — bringing inspiration, innovation, and valuable connections to the forefront at every turn.”
By solidifying a long term partnership, NKBA and HPMA combine forces for the overall success of the design industry. Together, they offer unique educational programs, inspire innovation, and deliver on the goal to ensure support for the design community throughout the whole home. As part of the partnership, NKBA will offer its valuable research and expertise to the design community at High Point Market with an expanded presence at Fall Market.
“We’re proud to bring our partnership with High Point Market Authority to life at the upcoming Fall Market to highlight new and exciting brands through elevated, immersive experiences,” said Heather Shannon, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, NKBA | KBIS. “I look forward to reconnecting with and reaching new designers through our activations that showcase the latest innovations and inspiration for the home, rooted in kitchen and bath, but expanding well beyond.”
NKBA | KBIS is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS). With 55,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA has informed, educated and supported the industry since the association was founded in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through community, professional certification and learning, and events. For more information, go to NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522). KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
About the High Point Market Authority
The High Point Market Authority is the official sponsor and organizer of the High Point Market in High Point, N.C. Featuring an extensive selection of exhibitors spanning every category, style, and price point, and attracting tens of thousands of visitors from more than 100 countries twice each year, High Point Market is the driving force of the home furnishings industry. Find High Point Market online at highpointmarket.org, and follow on social media using the hashtag #HPMKT.
A selection of our most discerning judges dish on what makes a successful submission.
By Nicholas Tamarin
The NKBA | KBIS Design Competition is considered the Oscars of the kitchen and bath industry, renowned for its prestige and the significant rewards it offers. It provides a critical platform for professionals to showcase their talents and advance their careers. But what truly goes on behind the scenes of this esteemed event? What are the judges looking for, and how can entrants maximize their chances of success? Let’s delve into the judging process and reveal the secrets to creating winning designs.
Judges dedicate considerable time and effort to thoroughly evaluate each entry, acknowledging the significant investment entrants make in professional photography and comprehensive submissions. On average, judges spend around 15 minutes per entry, providing valuable feedback and numerical scores. This feedback is essential for entrants, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement.
Entries are evaluated based on several core areas: creativity; presentation; design planning; elements and principles of design; safety and ergonomics; and adherence to the NKBA Planning Guidelines (4th Edition). Judges also consider the overall wow factor, the longevity of the design, and the functionality of the layout. Each entry receives careful consideration, with judges striving for fairness and thoroughness. We asked a trio of our most experienced judges to share valuable insights into their evaluation process:
Insights from the Judges
Doug Walter, AIA, CMKBD, highlights critical areas such as lighting and adherence to the Design Guidelines, pointing out issues like incorrect lighting placement and the need for clear graphics. He also stresses the importance of accurate graphics and dimensions. “It takes a lot of time and money to professionally photograph a project, then to pull everything together to enter it,” Walter says. “We therefore owe it to each entrant to give their entry our full attention, and not to rush through them. What ultimately separates the contenders from the finalists isn’t just the photography—it’s the clarity and completeness of the design statements and plans. Judges understand that your photographer may Photoshop their photos, but do NOT let them photoshop out the recessed lights, as I’ve seen in many projects, as that’s one of the judging criteria – lighting! My advice would be to do a combination of shots with lights on and lights off. Particularly effective is daytime natural light shots, and then coming back after sunset and doing several shots with lights blazing, and include at least one of them in your final submittal. But perhaps the number one tip I would give designers, besides making sure the project meets the Design Guidelines, is to triple check that the graphics are to full NKBA standards. Not dimensioning aisleways, not putting ceiling height on the plan, or not including a centerline string can lose you a point or two.”
Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, CID, stresses the importance of supporting documents, stating they are just as critical as visuals. “What ultimately separates the contenders from the finalists isn’t just the photography—it’s the clarity and completeness of the design statements and plans,” McCarthy says. “What many entrants may not realize is that these supporting documents are just as critical as the visuals for the judges to each segment of the score sheet. A well-crafted design statement that clearly aligns with the plans and the NKBA guidelines helps us, as judges, fully understand the intent, process, and function of the space. When the narrative is incomplete, disorganized, or missing key details, it’s difficult to give a high score on those segments specifically on the score sheet—even if the photos are stunning. These should be easy areas to score high in and you do not want to give away points. If I could give one piece of advice to future entrants, it’s this: Treat your design statement and plans like your backstage pass.”
Cailin Thelen, CMKBD, focuses on uncluttered plans, clear dimensions, safety, staged photos with close-ups, concise design statements with bullet points, and introductions that add personality. “Safety in design—think water closets with pocket or outswing doors, shower controls at shower entrances, and ranges flanked with open counter space as a starting place,” Thelen says. “I also like nicely staged photos, but especially with close-ups of specialties or materials. Design statements should be concise with bullet points and a short introduction that gives the project and designer/client relationship personality. NKBA’s recommended elements are also a foolproof system for showcasing your project—even if it’s not for an NKBA competition. They are: Objectives, Design Challenges along with the Solutions, and Special Features. Don’t hide the highlights in a block of words.”
Key Takeaways for Entrants
To increase their chances of success, entrants should keep the following in mind:
Pay Attention to Detail: Every aspect, from photography to design statements and plans, matters. Ensure all graphics meet NKBA standards, including accurate dimensions and centerline strings.
Follow NKBA Guidelines: Adherence to guidelines is crucial, especially regarding safety, lighting, aisle widths, and vent hood sizes. Thoroughly review and follow the NKBA Planning Guidelines.
Provide Clear Documentation: Ensure plans are clear, dimensions are accurate, and design statements are concise and informative. Treat your design statement and plans like a “backstage pass.” Include detailed descriptions, appliance/product lists, and before plans/photos for remodels.
Don’t Neglect Graphics: Triple-check that graphics meet full NKBA standards. Pay attention to accurate graphics and dimensions, as even a single point deduction can be detrimental.
Highlight Special Features: Showcase unique elements and materials with close-up photos.
Focus on Safety: Design for safety, including clearances, landing zones, and proper lighting.
Seek Feedback: Understand that judge comments are invaluable for improvement.
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Write a clear and well-organized design statement that aligns with the plans and showcases the project’s intent.
Capture High-Quality Photos: Submit both natural light and lit photos, ensuring lighting is accurately represented. Avoid photoshopping out recessed lights.
Showcase Creativity and Functionality: Design spaces that are innovative, practical, and built to last.
The NKBA Design Competition is a rigorous process that demands excellence in every facet of design. By understanding the judging criteria, insights from the judges, and incorporating these tips, future entrants can better prepare and present their work, significantly enhancing their chances of success.
To learn more about the NKBA | KBIS’s Kitchen and Bath Design Competition please visit click here.
Over $150,000 in total prize money will be awarded.
Designer: William Adams. Photographer: Tetiana Sokolova of Capture Studio.
By Nicholas Tamarin
The NKBA | KBIS Design Competition 2026 is now officially open for entries, offering kitchen and bath designers a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent on an international stage. This is your chance to gain industry recognition and compete for significant cash prizes—with over $150,000 in total prize money, the stakes are high! Top winners in the Best Overall Kitchen and Best Overall Bath categories can earn $25,000 each, and an additional $25,000 if they are NKBA certified, for a potential total of $50,000! Even first, second, and third place winners receive substantial cash awards.
Beyond the monetary prizes, recognition from the NKBA Design Competition is a significant achievement. It’s one of the most prestigious competitions in the K&B industry, and winners are honored at the NKBA’s Design + Industry Awards Ceremony at KBIS 2026 in Orlando from February 17-19. Winning can also lead to increased exposure through media outlets and open up new career opportunities.
Projects will be judged in two rounds by top trade publication editors and NKBA-certified designers, who will be looking for creativity, innovation, and that wow factor. So don’t miss your chance to become the next K&B superstar!
The submission deadline is July 25, 2025. Visit the NKBA 2026 Design Competition page for more information and to submit your entry today!
The essential hour-long webinar is now available on-demand.
By Nicholas Tamarin
The kitchen and bath industry is facing a dynamic economic landscape in 2025. Headlines, policy changes, and market signals are presenting new challenges that will significantly impact demand, project pipelines, and pricing power throughout the year.
To help industry professionals navigate this uncertainty, NKBA | KBIS and John Burns Research & Consulting just released a one-hour webinar delving into the latest economic developments through the lens of the Q1 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI). This session is designed to provide timely and actionable insights, helping kitchen and bath professionals stay informed and make strategic decisions in a changing market.
What to Expect
The webinar features findings from leading experts, including Heather Shannon and Tricia Zach of NKBA | KBIS, and Nishu Sood and Elizabeth La Jeunesse of John Burns Research & Consulting.
Macroeconomic Outlook: Sood provides an updated macroeconomic outlook for 2025, highlighting slowing job growth, rising recession risks, and the influence of media sentiment on market behavior. He also discusses major policy shifts, such as potential tariffs, and their anticipated impact on renovations, material costs, and labor availability.
Industry Perspectives: Zach and La Jeunesse share findings from the latest KBMI, drawing on input from professionals across design, construction, retail, and manufacturing. They examine how these segments are responding to current economic uncertainty, including the potential effects of new tariffs, rising product costs, labor shortages, and shifting consumer confidence.
Elizabeth La Jeunesse: Vice President of Building Products Research at John Burns Research and Consulting. La Jeunesse brings a wealth of experience in researching remodeling industry trends and macroeconomic forecasting, including previous work at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Nishu Sood: Principal, John Burns Research & Consulting. Sood focuses on research across the residential sector and has extensive experience as a lead equity research analyst for the homebuilding and building products sector.
To participate as a judge, you must meet the following criteria:
Be comfortable navigating NKBA’s digital judging platform, Award Force
Evaluate and score entries according to the official NKBA Design Competition Guidelines
Conduct an individual review of all entries within your assigned categories
Complete Round 2 judging within a two-week timeframe (estimated time commitment: approximately 3 days, which can be spread out as your schedule allows)
Join a 2–3 hour virtual Zoom session following Round 2 to discuss entries and finalize the top selections
Benefits
Each judge will receive the following:
Receive a KBIS 2026 package that includes a Voices from the Industry (VFTI) Conference Pass
A KBIS 2026 Expo Pass
One (1) ticket to the Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards program in Orlando
One (1) ticket to The BASH
Recognition during the Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Award Show
Profile on NKBA.org and across social media platforms
Submissions will be accepted until June 1. Selected judges will be notified in mid-June.
Please note: Judges may not submit entries to the 2026 NKBA Design Competition.
The new Mondial Style Collection from SieMatic. Courtesy of SieMatic.
By Dianne M. Pogoda
Company News
SieMatic’s New Line: Premium German kitchen maker SieMatic has introduced the Mondial Style Collection of kitchen cabinetry, workspaces, and storage solutions. The line is characterized by its minimalist geometric forms, luxe finishes, and handle-free door systems. Shapes include cubed glass-front cabinets, semi-circular bars, round tables, customized drawer inserts and varying cabinet elevations. Learn more here.
LOTTE Links with EKO: LOTTE Chemical, a manufacturer of high-end engineered quartz surfaces under the Radianz Quartz brand, had entered a deal with EKO Stone to promote, sell, and distribute Radianz across the Midwest U.S. market. LOTTE has facilities all over the world with an office in California. EKO, which manufactures and distributes quartz and natural stone surfaces, is headquartered in the Chicago area. The deal will make Radianz more readily available to the Midwest and cut lead times. Learn more about Radianz here and EKO here.
A Launch and a Purchase for Wilsonart: Engineered surfacing giant Wilsonart has introduced a new series in its Thinscape® Composite Tops collection. Sixteen new designs of the durable composite material are available, including woodgrain, stone, solid, and textile patterns. Ultra-thin (half-inch thick) surfaces are available in multiple sizes and are certified eco-friendly. Wilsonart also acquired Virginia Tile’s woodworking products distribution business. The acquired operations are headquartered in Kansas City, KS, with branches in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK; Wichita, KS; and Springfield, MO. These locations distribute decorative surfaces, cabinet accessories and decorative and functional hardware. More detail here.
Courtesy of Officine Gullo.
Officine Gullo Opens in Dallas: Florence, Italy-based luxury Italian appliance and kitchen manufacturer Officine Gullo, an NKBA Global Connect member, has opened a showroom in Dallas. The 4,000 square-foot space on Oak Lawn Avenue was previously an art gallery and it retains the “artistic atmosphere” to showcase each product “like a piece of art,” according to Matteo Gullo, managing director. This is the company’s seventh flagship gallery in the U.S. It has two locations in New York, and galleries in Boston, Miami, Palm Beach, and Los Angeles. KBB has more.
Chapter Updates
Win Big With Metro New York: The Metro New York Chapter is hosting its annual Casino Night on May 22, 6 to 9 pm, at UMI Stone, 3 Dubon Court, Farmingdale, NY. Enjoy blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker tables, catered food and cocktails, and chances to win raffles and giveaways and a three-night stay at a luxury beach resort in Panama. The evening is free for NBKA members, $40 for non-members. Register here.
Sharp Showers With West Michigan: Learn about Schluter with the West Michigan Chapter on May 28, 5 to 7 pm, at the new Floor & Decor showroom at 4250 28th Street SE in Grand Rapids. Casey Bossard from Schluter will demonstrate how to install the Schluter Kerdi system for a great-looking, high-performance shower. Pasta dinner is included with registration, which is $20 for NKBA members, $30 for non-members. Info and registration here.
Industry News
New Home Sales Spike: Sales of new single-family homes jumped 7.4 percent in March over February, and were 6 percent over March 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Part of this can be attributed to the median sales price of a new home falling 1.9 percent in March from February, as mortgage rates held steady in March, with the 30-year rate hovering just under 7 percent. Housing permits also edged up 1.6 percent in March from February, but starts were down 11.4 percent on a monthly basis. More detail here.
Design by Jenni Jacobs. Photo by Regina Mallory Photography.
As of this writing, the news of significant, new tariffs on products from U.S. trading partners — and their potential impact on the American economy, companies and individual consumers — continues to make headlines. The ultimate outcome of this fundamental reshaping of U.S. trade policy is still to be determined. In the meantime, the K&B industry is contending with yet another element of uncertainty, something that tends to adversely affect short-term growth.
Going into 2025, industry pros expressed cautious optimism about a return to gradual growth for the residential kitchen and bath market following two consecutive years of decline. Our NKBA Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook Reportprojected that U.S. residential kitchen and bath spending would grow by +0.8% to $235 billion in 2025, up $2 billion from last year.
I mentioned in my State of the Association address at KBIS that we would be keeping our eye on two big unknowns that represent downside risk to our 2025 forecast. The first is what will happen with the so-called “missing middle,” the large group of homeowners who are chomping at the bit to start mid-range renovations but have held off, in large part, because of stubborn borrowing rates. They remain the key to a full recovery in K&B remodels.
The second unknown is the impact of tariffs and changes to immigration policy. We are still waiting to see how much these factors will change the cost of K&B materials and labor – and how those increases will alter consumer behavior.
We do have some early indications, based on findings in our latest 1Q25 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report. In short, uncertainty about tariff policy is heavily influencing the K&B industry’s more muted outlook for 2025 – professionals now rate trade issues as their number one concern impacting the industry.
A few important tariff-related insights:
Tariff-related concerns and fears of a recession impaired consumer and business confidence in 1Q, diminishing the industry’s ability to plan.
K&B manufacturers’ orders rose +4.4% YOYin 1Q25, due in part to pre-buying by downstream firms anxious about pending tariff-related price increases.
Input costs rose significantly in 1Q, adding to inflationary pressures.
K&B retail and distribution firms report that their suppliers raised prices by +5.2% YOY in 1Q25, reversing previous progress on kitchen and bath product inflation.
Markups in 1Q25 were highest (+7% YOY) for appliances, which have heavy exposure to countries impacted by recent tariff policy shifts.
Many firms had no choice but to raise prices in response. Kitchen and bath builder and remodeler pricing grew to +5.2% on average in 1Q25.
Two-thirds of K&B firms (68%) reported that consumers either held steady on product quality or downgraded to lower-grade products in 1Q25, reflecting caution in the planning of kitchen and bath renovations.
The industry expects supply chain disruptions to increase and pricing to continue to drift upward as tariffs re-shuffle the international trade balance.
While NKBA isn’t a lobbying organization, we do have an important role to play in facilitating dialogue and surfacing data and other insights from our members – both here in North America and in other global markets — about how federal policies are affecting the health of our industry.
To that end, I encourage you to register for our new webinar – airing May 2 at 12 pm (Eastern Time) – featuring the perspective of Nishu Sood, Principal of Research, at John Burns Research & Consulting, about the major macroeconomic events we are all closely following. Among other insights, Nishu believes the glaring headlines about tariff policy changes may be having an inflated impact, and that there’s reason for some optimism that business and consumer sentiment will ultimately improve based on actual experiences.
Nishu’s presentation will be followed by an overview of key findings from the new 1Q25 NKBA Kitchen and Bath Market Index (KBMI) report about K&B consumer and business sentiment.
It’s a volatile period for our industry, which means that now, more than ever, it’s essential to stay informed and connected.
The economic landscape is shifting — and so are the dynamics within the kitchen and bath industry. Headlines, policy changes, and market signals are creating new challenges that will shape demand, project pipelines, and pricing power throughout 2025.
Join Heather Shannon and Tricia Zach of the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), along with Nishu Sood and Elizabeth La Jeunesse of John Burns Research & Consulting (JBREC), for a one-hour webinar designed to help kitchen and bath professionals cut through the noise and plan ahead with confidence. This session will explore the latest economic developments through the lens of the Q1 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) and what they mean for your business.
Drawing on the latest KBMI findings—produced jointly by NKBA and JBREC—Tricia Zach and Elizabeth La Jeunesse will share insights from industry professionals across design, construction, retail, and manufacturing. They will examine how K&B professionals in these segments are responding to current economic uncertainty, including the potential effects of new tariffs, rising product costs, labor shortages, shifting consumer confidence, and more.
Nishu Sood will present an updated macroeconomic outlook for 2025, highlighting slowing job growth, rising recession risks, and the powerful influence of media sentiment on market behavior. He’ll also examine major policy shifts — including potential tariffs — and their anticipated impact on renovations, material costs, and labor availability. Plus, Nishu will walk through key macroeconomic indicators and the unusual patterns adding new layers of complexity to today’s market.
Don’t miss this timely and actionable discussion designed to help you stay ahead in a changing market.
Elizabeth La Jeunesse, Vice President of Building Products Research at John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC)
Meet Elizabeth La Jeunesse, Vice President of Building Products Research at John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC). Elizabeth has a rich background researching emerging trends in the remodeling industry and macroeconomic forecasting. She oversees several projects informing forecasts of the US repair and remodel market and manages the quarterly Kitchen and Bath Market Index. Elizabeth previously worked as an economic researcher at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, where she honed her skills sizing the market for remodeling activity and conducted regular surveys to understand contractor trends.
Featured Presenter
Nishu Sood, Principal, John Burns Research & Consulting
Nishu Sood is a Principal at John Burns Research & Consulting, focusing on research across the residential sector. Before joining JBREC earlier this year, he was the Head of Real Estate Research at Pretium. Prior to that he spent nearly two decades as the lead equity research analyst for the Homebuilding & Building Products sector at UBS, Deutsche Bank and Citi. He also spent five years at consulting firm Stern Stewart, living and working in Johannesburg, Sydney and London. Nishu graduated from Columbia College and Columbia Business School in New York. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute and the CFA Society of New York and lives in the New York area.
