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February 2026

Message from the Chapters Team

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Dear Chapter Officers, 

It’s February – and we love our Chapter Officers and NBKA | KBIS! 

Countdown is on for Orlando. Kicking off our KBIS week will be Leader2Leader on Monday, February 16, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Orange County Convention Center. We have planned an inspirational and informative day for all of you. For your planning, please note shuttles will depart Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa at 7:00 AM for Leader2Leader and return to the hotel at 2:30 PM. Transportation is on your own for Monday night’s NKBA | KBIS Design Industry Awards at Rosen Centre. Throughout KBIS February 17-19, shuttles will be running to/from our hotel to the convention center.

Kudos to our Chapter Officers for driving KBIS registration! Leading the overall registration attendee numbers is Central Florida Chapter in first place with the most registrants, followed by Georgia and Mid Atlantic Chapters. There’s no better place to grow and network with the K&B industry than KBIS – and there’s still time, so spread the word to your members to register now for KBIS 2026.

New for KBIS 2026: VFTI Wine & Design Events. Each day will wrap with an engaging and educational Wine & Design event, an opportunity to connect in a relaxed social setting centered around learning. VFTI attendees need to register in advance for these exclusive experiences.

We’re excited about another new-to-KBIS event from the Chapters & Professional Development team: join us for NKBA’s NextUp Skilled Trades Student Engagement Session on Tuesday, February 17, 3:30 PM in Room S210A. This free session offers 1.5 CEUs and includes the presentation From Concept through Construction: How Skilled Trades Bring Design to Life, featuring SO/KY Chapter’s Jennifer Fiorenza of The English Contractor, plus open forum discussion and a hands-on electrical “test the trade” experience. Open to students and NKBA members interested in learning more about skilled trades initiatives and workforce engagement.

Apply here today for a Skilled Labor grant. Managed by the National Housing Endowment, the Skilled Labor Fund Career Connections VII grant application is open now through March 15. NKBA Chapters are encouraged to apply for funding up to $4,500 to support local skilled trade events. Any 2026 activity intended to introduce high school, middle school, or elementary school students to careers in residential trades will be considered. 

Be sure to tune in to our February Webinars featuring Software and Systems. Lots of great information and CEUs coming your way this month!

February is full of love for our Chapters and members with engagement prior, during, and after KBIS! Please check out just a few of the many fabulous February events our Chapters have planned this month: Central Coast and Valleys February 3, 5th Annual Mini Trade Show; Nebraska/Kansas February 3, New Year, New Hue an uplifting event focused on style, confidence and giving back to benefit the Rose Brooks Center; California Capital February 11, Valentine Social and KBIS Networking; South Florida February 12, “Love at First Fixture”; Minnesota State February 26, Super Orgs Social, a collaborative Industry event bringing together leaders and professionals from across the construction, remodeling, and interior design industries.

While at KBIS, Central Florida Chapter invites you to join them in West Hall on Wednesday, February 18 at 9:00 AM at their “KBIS Rise and Design” program featuring a luxury panel on 2026 trends. 

Thanks for sharing the love, Central Florida – and heartfelt thanks to all our Chapters for the wonderful work that you do!

Warmest wishes,

Kelly

Kelly Buchsbaum

Director, Chapters & Professional Development

kbuchsbaum@nkba.org 

February 2026

Chapter Officer Update

Thank you to our Partners:

“Countdown is on for Orlando. Kicking off our KBIS week will be Leader2Leader on Monday, February 16, 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM at the Orange County Convention Center…“

View Full Message from National →

Important Dates

February 3 – Presidents monthly Zoom meeting – 4 PM EST

February 10 – Programs Chair meeting – 3 PM EST

February 10 – Communications Chair meeting – 4 PM EST

February 11 – Membership Chair meeting – 3 PM EST

February 11 – Secretary/Treasurer meeting – 4 PM EST

February 16 – Leader2Leader at KBIS Orlando – 7 AM EST shuttles depart hotel

February 16 – NKBA | KBIS Design Industry Awards – 6 PM EST

February 17-19 – KBIS 2026, Orlando, FL – Orange County Convention Center

Chapters

NKBA’s Chapters Team is here for you – reach out to us via email or call 610-988-6035.

Kelly Buchsbaum, Director, Chapters & Professional Development

Kristin Shechter, Chapters Engagement Manager

Melissa Flynn, Chapters & Skilled Trades Manager

Elizabeth Mace, Project Manager, Chapters & Professional Development

General info, meeting notices, and roster requests:

chapters@nkba.org

Research

Exciting news this week! On February 4, NKBA will launch two must-read reports—the 4Q25 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) Report and the 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Outlook Report. Be sure to visit nkba.org/research to check them out.

Attending KBIS? Please join us on the NEXTStage (S28201) for our research presentations on Wednesday, February 18 at 9:30 AM for “The Look and Language of Luxury” and again on Thursday, February 19 at 9:30 AM for “The Themes Shaping the Future of the Home.” 

Also, help us celebrate the first anniversary of the K&B Pro Hub, NKBA’s online research community! Join us Wednesday morning during KBIS in the NKBA Booth (S25058) at 10:30 a.m., right after the SOA/SOI, for a brief overview of the K&B Pro Hub and a special reception recognizing the community that has made it such a success.

Whether you’re already a member or just curious, we’d love to see you—stop by to celebrate, learn more, and sign up if you haven’t yet!If you won’t be able to join us in person and aren’t yet a member, you can register online here to be part of what’s shaping the future of the industry.

Marketing

NKBA presents the following February Webinars with a focus on Software & Systems, delving into AI, SEO, and design software. Webinars begin at 12:00 PM ET with 0.1 CEU per webinar.

Tuesday, February 3 | Always-On Marketing: AI + Automation to Stay Visible and Booked
Wednesday, February 4 | Local Maps Mastery: AEO Beats SEO for Remodeling Success
Tuesday, February 10 | Sink Into Search: Mastering SEO for Kitchen & Bath Designers
Wednesday, February 11 | AI Note-Taking for Client Meetings: Enhance Service and Boost Client Satisfaction
Tuesday, February 24 | 3D Kitchen and Bath Design with Chief Architect Software
Wednesday, February 25 | Designing with Autokitchen 26

Students & Educators

Reminder! Our Student & Educator Coffee Break at KBIS is coming up soon on Wednesday, February 18, from 2:30 – 4:00 PM at the Orange County Convention Center. Students, Educators, and Chapter Officers interested in connecting with these groups can register here. This year’s featured speaker is Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, who will explore important, yet often overlooked, human dimensions of design in “Spaces That Care: The Real-Life Impact of Kitchen and Bath Design.”

Are you an NKBA-certified designer who may be interested in working on the next NKBA Student Design Competition? Contact kryan@nkba.org to learn more about opportunities for contributing to the competition design scenario or judging.

We continue to prepare for the release of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, Fifth Edition. We recommend educators use the remaining months of the spring semester and the summer to review the guidelines and prepare to implement them in the Fall 2026 semester.

Government Relations

NKBA actively monitors legislation and public policy developments impacting the kitchen and bath industry, sharing key updates each month through our Government Relations Newsletter.

Hot topics this month include:

U.S. Housing Affordability:

  • The House Financial Services Committee approved the Housing for the 21st Century Act with key provisions related to addressing housing affordability including streamlining regulatory requirements, modernizing existing housing programs, expanding affordable housing finance options, and enhancing oversight of housing providers. 
  • The House passed the HOMES Act which would repeal section 413 of The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires the Department of Energy (DOE) to regulate the energy efficiency of manufactured homes. 

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): The House passed H.R. 4593, known as the Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing Act or SHOWER Act, which would align DOE’s definition with the 2024 ASME standard.

Missouri: State legislature considers House Bill 2353 and Senate Bill 991 which would dissolve the Interior Design Council and transfer its functions to the expanded Missouri Board and change the terminology from “registered interior designer” to “licensed interior designer.”

We hope you benefit from the value these resources bring to you, your profession, and the kitchen & bath industry. Please reach out directly to Steven Campeau, NKBA’s Senior Manager, Global & Government Relations at scampeau@nkba.org, for any specific questions.

Professional Development

Voices from the Industry (VFTI) is a valuable opportunity for learning and professional development, offering a wide range of educational sessions led by industry experts during KBIS. We encourage all members to visit the VFTI landing page at kbis.com to view the upcoming conference schedule and access the registration link. Chapter Officers receive free VFTI access throughout KBIS, and members can take advantage of discounted rates by registering early—encourage your members to register now before prices increase. Please help promote VFTI registration within your chapter so members don’t miss out on this enriching experience and chance to earn CEUs.

Each day of the conference will wrap up with an engaging and educational Wine & Design event, an opportunity to connect in a relaxed, social setting centered around learning. VFTI attendees are invited to register in advance for these exclusive experiences.

Gain CEU credits with NKBA’s webinars. CEU reporting deadline is June 30, 2026 – earn and report today!

Please join NKBA in congratulating our newest NKBA Specialty Badge earners.

Student Member:

Congratulations to Catalina Londono, Cabinetry, Ontario/Canada, Student

Members:

Deborah Lockett, Interiors Reimagined, Universal Design, Northern New England

Sierra Parsons. Cabinets Plus Inc, Lighting, Chicago Mid-West

Ola Elmaghraby, Laurysen Kitchens LTD, Sales & Marketing, Ottawa

Anneke Huisman, KSI Kitchen & Bath, Universal Design, West Michigan

Joe Vance, Vance Home Remodeling, Remodeling, Mid Atlantic

Kristen Weese, Laurysen Kitchens LTD, Sales & Marketing, Ottawa

Kristin Yaremko, Wilbanks Kitchen Design Group, Cabinetry, Southwest Desert

Amanda Kelly, Beyond the Box Inc, Color, Cabinetry Big Sky

Stephanie Jarol, Cabinets Plus, Cabinetry, Chicago Mid West

Bobby Tucker, Universal Design, Manhattan – Student

Aron Stallone, Dilfer’s Custom Design, Appliance, Mid Atlantic

Stephen Vozzola, Wilbanks Kitchen Design Group, Cabinetry, Southwest Desert

Katie Gladden, Wilbanks Kitchen Design Group, Cabinetry, Southwest Desert

Brenda Fritsch, Universal Color, Puget Sound

Sierra Parsons, Cabinets Plus, Cabinetry, Chicago Mid-West

Colleen Primm, Colleen Primm Designs, Color, Ohio State

Jen Royce, RL Rider Remodeling, Floor Plans & Specifications, West Michigan

Carol Peterson, Arizona Designs Kitchens and Baths, Lighting, Arizona South

Jason Smith, Redbud Plumbing, Remodeling, Texas Hill Country

Curt Nasipak, Home Depot, Color, Ohio State

Jack Johns, Atlantic Kitchens, Universal Design, GA/SC Coastal

Kristen Weese, Laurysen Kitchens LTD, Lighting, Ottawa

Deneesha Williams, Luna’s Fine Cabinetry, Cabinetry, Bahamas

Colleen Primm, Colleen Primm Designs, Floor Plans & Specifications, Ohio State

Lauren Forlow, Cabinet Joint, Cabinetry Sales & Marketing Remodeling, Chicago Mid West

Kim Doherty, KADI Designs, Lighting, Southern California

Tim Whitbeck, Cabinet Joint, Cabinetry, Sales & Marketing, Chicago Mid-West

TracyAnn Schuur, The Design Studio MTS Renovations, Floor Plans, Prairie Provinces

Bitsy Littlefield, MLS Construction LLC, Appliance Sustainability, Tennessee

Membership

Frequently Asked Questions and Member Videos for the most frequently asked questions.

New Members are vital to the success of NKBA and our Chapters. Please send prospective members to membership@nkba.org and we will send detailed information on member benefits, membership cost, certification, badges and more.

NKBA Membership Signup. Please share this link. If anyone needs a hard copy of the application, please email info@nkba.org. There is an updated 2025 membership application with new rates.

Company admins can remove employees who are no longer with the company directly through the company profile on www.nkba.org.

To add new employees, please email info@nkba.org and our Member Relations Team will be happy to assist. We’ll need:

  • First and last names
  • Unique email addresses

Any employees working directly for an NKBA member company can be added at no charge—including Sales Reps who work from a home office.

If you have individuals on your roster without email addresses, please send those names to info@nkba.org as well. We’ll reach out to confirm their status with the company and, if applicable, secure an email address.

Have questions? We’re always glad to help—just reach out to info@nkba.org.

Thank you!

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NKBA Plans Array of Programming in KBIS 2026 Booth

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 27, 2026 2:05 pm

KBIS 2026News
The association has a full slate of activations set for its KBIS Booth (#S25058), including NKBA Global Connect and general sessions.
Image courtesy of PWP Studio.

By NKBA Staff

NKBA’s booth at KBIS 2026 will feature a full lineup of informative and engaging sessions. From general information to custom events and detailed advice from the NKBA Global Connect team, the association’s South Hall home (booth #S25058) will be a hub of activity.

KBIS runs Feb. 17 to 19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Visitors will learn about the valuable benefits of NKBA membership, exclusive events throughout the year, opportunities for professional and career growth, and NKBA’s proprietary research included in the membership fee. Highlights include events with NKBA Global Connect and the association’s highly successful collaboration with High Point Market. There will also be a complimentary headshot booth sponsored by Ferguson Home.

The NKBA Global Connect international business membership program offers programming, brand spotlights, custom events, access to market research and expert advisors, and opportunities designed to build awareness of the North American market and help international companies gain a deeper understanding of how to do business across the region. The program also brings international business journalists to KBIS to learn about the innovations, technologies, and new products emerging in the U.S. and Canada.

Here’s a preview of the exciting programming on tap.

TUESDAY, FEB. 17

9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots

Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.

11:30 am – 12 noon: NKBA Global Connect Welcome Reception

Join the Global Connect team at the NKBA Booth to kick off your KBIS experience and learn about the exciting Global Connect programming occurring throughout the show.”

12 noon – 1:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: Ballerina-Küchen    

The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color features a design experience with Ballerina Küchen® premium German cabinetry and The COLORNETWORK®. Guests will explore how Ballerina’s future-forward craftsmanship, defined by clean geometry, tactile materials, and individualized design solutions, harmonizes with The COLORNETWORK’s bold, expressive palettes.

4:15 pm – 5:30 pm: High Point Market x Design Edge Reception
Join NKBA strategic partners High Point Market Authority and Design Edge for a mix-and-mingle reception in the NKBA booth. Connect with leadership, learn more about how these groups can benefit your business, and engage with fellow designers and industry members who are also connected to or curious about these shows. Light bites will be served. 

WEDNESDAY FEB. 18

9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots

Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.

10:30 am – 11:15 am: The Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub Reception

The Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub is NKBA’s innovative online research community. Founded last year, this powerful platform connects pros across the industry, and delivers cutting-edge insights and the the knowledge needed for success in this ever-evolving sector. Carrie Kennedy, NKBA Research Manager, will take a deep dive into the progress, insights, and standout moments that defined the Hub over the past year. She’ll highlight the resources that drove the most engagement, and explore the trends and conversations that helped elevate the K&B community. Attendees will get a clear view of how the Hub is evolving and what professionals find most valuable in this collaborative space. After the overview, enjoy a relaxed mix-and-mingle, spark new connections, share ideas, and celebrate another year of growth and innovation across the industry. And if you haven’t joined the K&B Pro Hub yet, this is the perfect chance to stop in, learn what the Hub offers, and get signed up on the spot. It’s free to join for NKBA members!

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlight: SCHOTT & IAPMO  

Noëlle C. Lavery, Director of NKBA Global Connect, hosts Brand Spotlights — rapid-fire presentations with Q&A by new-to-KBIS international brands and global partners — highlighting innovative products for the North American market.

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: L&S Lighting – We Make Your Project Shine!         

L&S Lighting’s event celebrates Italian light, design, inspiration, and the art of illumination, where refined aesthetics meet advanced LED technology. Discover how L&S creates functional, bespoke, architectural lighting that’s easy to install. Its latest residential solutions blend elegance, innovation, and user-centric design, transforming everyday spaces into comfortable and stylish experiences. Enjoy Italian bites and a glass of wine while learning how “we make your projects shine!”

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm: Secrets from Consumer Reports’ 90 Years of Product Testing – and What They Mean for Your Home

Ever wonder what goes on in the Consumer Reports labs? For 90 years, CR’s engineers and scientists have tested kitchen and bath appliances — among many other home products — to determine how they perform in real-life conditions and help people make regret-free buying decisions.  Every year, CR’s testing and member surveys reveal which products perform best over time, along with the features worth paying for and the brands that consistently deliver. In this lively panel discussion, CR’s testing, data, and content insiders share lesser-known truths gleaned from decades of evaluations. Attendees will gain evidence-based insights on what truly matters when choosing products for a well-designed, better-performing home—and have the chance to get their questions answered by CR’s pros.

Host: Elliot Weiler, Director, Video. Panelists: Breann Chai, Kitchen Test Project Leader; Daniel Wroclawski, Sr. Kitchen Content Creator; Jacob George, Account Executive, Data Intelligence

3:30 – 5:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: SCHOTT

The Hidden Ingredient Experience  

Great kitchens, homes, and futures are built on hidden ingredients. Like seasoning in a delicious dish, SCHOTT® glass is rarely noticed, but it’s essential to what modern kitchens can do. Discover how SCHOTT glass-ceramic and specialty glass draws on 130+ years of experience to enable performance under extreme heat and stress, unlock sleek design freedom, and support more durable, innovative, energy-smart solutions for the home.

THURSDAY, FEB. 19

9:00 am – 5:00 pm: Free Professional Headshots

Visit the NKBA | KBIS Booth (#S25850) for a free professional headshot, sponsored by Ferguson Home.

10:00 am – 10:45 am: North American Trends Talk

France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026
From Paris ateliers to Palm Beach homes, design ideas travel far before they reach the American luxury market. Paris-trained designer and U.S.-based principal Laetitia Laurent explores how French and European design movements emerge, evolve, and ultimately influence selections, finishes, and American consumer expectations. With studios in Paris and Boca Raton, Laetitia offers a clear and unique perspective on how global aesthetics translate into American lifestyles. She will highlight current European trends, why they matter for NKBA members, and what is coming next.

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: NKBA Global Connect Sendoff

Join the Global Connect team to review your KBIS experience and chart what’s next for your brand. Discover how the Global Connect program can help boost your presence, expand your business, and learn about upcoming Global Connect events for 2026.

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Catherine Wright Scores 2nd-Place Win in Student Competition

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 27, 2026 10:43 am

KBIS 2026Students and Educators
Wright, a Century College design student, took second place in the bath category.
Render provided by Catherine Wright.

By NKBA Staff

Catherine Wright, a design student at Century College in White Bear Lake, MN, earned a second-place win and a $2,500 scholarship for her “Private Retreat in Style & Function” project in NKBA’s prestigious Student Design Competition.

NKBA | KBIS honors six outstanding Student Design Competition winners — three kitchen winners and three bath winners — in the annual contest, which is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel.  Awards include a $5,000 scholarship for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place. Winners will be recognized on Monday, Feb. 16, during the Design & Industry Awards at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando during KBIS 2026.

Judges included Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, CKBR, senior designer at Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas; Jenni Russell, CMKBD, of Design in Perspective in Colorado Springs, CO; and Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, owner of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle and an educator at the Heritage School of Interior Design.

In the 2024-2025 competition, aspiring designers were tasked with renovating a kitchen and/or bathroom using floor plans and a client profile that described specific lifestyle needs. Their fictitious client was Lydia Bachman, an anthropology professor who recently retired to Colorado Springs. Lydia wanted to make the kitchen and bath areas more accommodating for frequent overnight guests, and the renovation needed to consider her two Labrador retrievers as well. A history buff, the homeowner wanted the space to be simultaneously modern, luxurious, and charming, updated but respectful of the 1895 Craftsman-style bungalow’s heritage.

The guest bathroom was small and cramped, so Wright’s primary challenge was expanding it to create a more spacious and luxurious room. She took space from a closet in the guest bedroom and reworked a hallway, thus increasing the bathroom footprint to install a larger, zero-threshold shower and more storage. The bathroom had to accommodate guests with mobility issues, so Wright applied universal design principles, such as increasing doorways to 30 inches, installing a fold-down seat in the shower, selecting a comfort-height toilet, and installing grab bars. She also specified easy-to-clean materials, including large-format porcelain tiles with minimal grout lines and quartz countertops, to make maintenance a breeze.

Aesthetically, she connected the exterior environment to the interior design. “Bringing the ‘outdoors in’ provides a calming feel of nature into the bathroom and is in keeping with the Craftsman style and in harmony with the kitchen design,” she wrote in her design statement. “The deep green vanity, linen closet, and vanity/floor tile are complemented by the wood walls of oak slat fluted tambour panels, and the creme/tan swirls on the quartz countertops and shower wall slabs bring the theme together.”

About the NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition

The NKBA Student Design Competition allows emerging designers to showcase their talent on an industry-wide stage and gain invaluable visibility. Winning entries are recognized at KBIS, featured in NKBA editorial content, and awarded scholarships.

How to Enter

The competition is open exclusively to NKBA Student Members enrolled in an educational institution at the time of submission. Students may enter the kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both.

Entries must follow NKBA Graphics & Presentation Standards and include dimensioned drawings, renderings, a concept board, and a design statement between 500 and 1,000 words. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Projects must be submitted through Award Force, where students can upload, edit, and finalize materials, and the submission deadline is June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

Winners also receive complimentary registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, and access to KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas.

Competition Scenario: 2025–2026 — “The Great Indoors: Texas Edition”

This year’s participants are tasked with reimagining the kitchen and primary bath of the Williams-Garcia family home in Dallas’s Preston Hollow neighborhood. The challenge invites students to design for a bustling household of five that values hospitality, family connection, and high-functioning spaces for cooking, gathering, and retreat.

Students must balance bold style, functionality, accessibility, and clever space-planning to create environments that support the family today — and adapt gracefully for years to come.

For more information, visit the Student Design Competition page at nkba.org.

Thanks to our 2024-2025 Student Design Competition Sponsor:

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Bill Darcy to Deliver Annual State of the Association Address at KBIS

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 27, 2026 10:33 am

KBIS 2026News
The Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS will share insights about 2025 accomplishments and plans for the year ahead, before introducing futurist Jaye Anna Mize of Future Snoops for the State of the Industry presentation.
NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy giving his 2025 State of the Association presentation.

By NKBA Staff

Bill Darcy, NKBA | KBIS Global President and CEO, will deliver his annual State of the Association address at KBIS 2026 on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 8:30 am in Room S320/320E at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. It’s one of the must-see events at the expo, which has its three-day run, Feb. 17 to 19.

Following his address, Darcy will introduce Jaye Anna Mize, vice president of Advisory + Partnerships at Future Snoops, to deliver the State of the Industry presentation. The event is open to all registered KBIS attendees.

Darcy will detail some of the challenges the industry faced in 2025, including tariffs and changing tariff policies, the rising costs of building materials, the persistent labor crisis, and the housing shortage.

He’ll discuss some of the year’s highlights as well, including NKBA’s successful strategic alliance with High Point Market Authority, the thriving Women2Women initiative for leadership development and mentorship, the groundbreaking research collaboration with home technology integrators association CEDIA, and the continuing success of the Global Connect international business membership program, among other bright spots.

Then, he’ll dive into some of the factors likely to influence the year ahead for design, construction, and renovation. These include economic indicators like interest rates, rising home equity levels, and consumer sentiment; the growth of sustainable practices, AI, and other emerging technologies; and the overall resilience of the kitchen and bath industry.

After Darcy concludes his remarks, he will introduce Jaye Anna Mize of Future Snoops, a global trend forecasting agency that helps companies — including popular home furnishings brands — see around corners and develop insight-driven strategies that future-proof their businesses. Mize is a highly respected creative strategist, trend forecaster, and a prominent voice for future-forward design and innovation. She brings nearly two decades of experience in diverse sectors, from media to retail, and has collaborated with Drew and Jonathan Scott of “Property Brothers” on the Scott Living brand and a multi-tier licensing program with Kohl’s. Other high-profile collaborations include High Point Market Authority, Unilever, Target, Mattel, and BuzzFeed.

She will share key strategies for how design and remodeling firms can navigate changing and emerging behaviors, shifting economic and generational realities, how to develop and grow their brands, prepare for the unexpected, and connect cultural insights with savvy business decisions.

There’s still time to sign up for KBIS.

Learn more and register here.

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Custom Events Highlight NKBA Global Connect at KBIS

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 26, 2026 10:30 am

Global ConnectUncategorized
The association’s international business membership program will have five special activations as part of its programming at NKBA’s booth in South Hall.

By NKBA Staff

NKBA Global Connect members Ballerina Küchen, SCHOTT, and L&S Lighting, along with global partner IAPMO and advisor Laetitia Laurent, will present exciting special events as part of the array of programming during KBIS 2026. These events will share the brands’ stories and innovative new products that they are bringing to KBIS and the North American market as well as educational resources and design trends for 2026.  

NKBA’s international business membership program is designed to build awareness of the North American market for global brands and help them gain a deeper understanding of doing business across the region. At KBIS, the program will also showcase products and international brands, and offer key trends and thoughtful solutions for the year ahead. The Global Connect hub and programming will be anchored in the NKBA booth (#S25058) at the Orange County Convention Center. 

Global Connect offers valuable benefits to foreign companies seeking to enter or increase their market presence in North America. The Global Connect international media program also brings business journalists from the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Brazil to KBIS to learn about the innovations, technologies, and new products emerging in the U.S. and Canada.

Here’s a preview of the exciting Global Connect custom events on tap.

Tuesday, Feb. 17

12 noon – 1:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: Ballerina-Küchen    

“The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color”

Step into a world where form becomes flavor and color comes alive. Ballerina: The Sweetness of Form, the Taste of Color, is a design experience featuring Ballerina Küchen® premium German cabinetry, in sweet harmony with The COLORNETWORK®. Guests will explore how Ballerina’s future-forward craftsmanship, defined by clean geometry,

tactile materials, and individualized design solutions, harmonizes with The COLORNETWORK’s bold, expressive palettes. This vibrant, design-driven gathering blends German precision with imaginative color storytelling, proving that great design isn’t just seen, it’s felt, savored, and shared.

Wednesday, Feb. 18

11:30 – 12:30 pm: NKBA Global Connect Brand Spotlights: SCHOTT & IAPMO 

Noëlle C. Lavery, Director of Global Connect at NKBA, will host Brand Spotlights — rapid-fire presentations with Q&A by new-to-KBIS international brands and global partners — highlighting innovative products and their brand stories for the North American market. Presentations include Global Connect member SCHOTT and Global Connect Strategic Alliance Partner IAPMO. 

12:30 – 2 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: L&S Lighting

“We make your project shine!”  

L&S Lighting hosts a special event celebrating Italian light, design, and inspiration, and the art of illumination, where refined aesthetics meet advanced LED technology to enhance any interior. Discover how L&S creates functional, bespoke, architectural lighting that’s designed for straightforward installation. Its latest residential solutions blend elegance, innovation, and user-centric design, transforming everyday spaces into comfortable and stylish experiences. Enjoy Italian bites and a glass of wine and relax while learning about how “we make your projects shine!”

3:30 – 5 pm: NKBA Global Connect Custom Event: SCHOTT

“The Hidden Ingredient Experience”  

Great kitchens, homes, and futures are built on hidden ingredients. Like seasoning in a delicious dish, SCHOTT® glass is rarely noticed, but it’s essential to what modern kitchens can do. Discover how SCHOTT glass-ceramic and specialty glass enable performance under extreme heat and stress, unlock sleek design freedom, and support more durable, energy-smart solutions for the home. With 130+ years of expertise and a foundation-owned commitment to responsible innovation, SCHOTT is the hidden ingredient you might not see but can always trust. 

Thursday, Feb. 19

10:00 – 10:45 am: NKBA Global Connect Presentation 

“France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026”

Join Global Connect Advisor Laetitia Laurent for a Trends Talk: “France to Florida: European Design Trends for 2026.” From Paris ateliers to Palm Beach homes, design ideas travel far before they reach the American luxury market. Paris-trained designer and U.S.-based principal Laetitia Laurent explores how French and European design movements emerge, evolve, and ultimately influence selections, finishes, and American consumer expectations. With studios in Paris and Boca Raton, Laetitia offers a clear and unique perspective on how global aesthetics translate into American lifestyles. She will highlight current European trends, why they matter for NKBA members, and what is coming next.

About NKBA Global Connect

The NKBA Global Connect mission is to connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry around the world through an international membership program. The initiative equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America by providing market intelligence, brand-positioning guidance, and connections to key North American audiences. By combining NKBA’s expert marketing execution with access to a diverse and influential member network, we help businesses increase visibility, build meaningful relationships, and generate strong market demand, ultimately accelerating their success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market. Learn more about Global Connect here.

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Global Connect Member Resources

As Global Connect members, you get exclusive access to important news and resources to assist you in your journey in entry/expansion to the lucrative North American market. 

Global Connect News

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Elevate. Expand. Empower.

Navigating the North American Market with Global Connect

NKBA Global Connect equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America.

NKBA Global Connect Membership Benefits

Designed to educate, inform, and connect, reducing your risk as you develop your strategy for entering the North American kitchen and bath market.

Market Research

NKBA Global Connect members have full access to highly valuable, proprietary
NKBA market research tracking economic, design, market sentiment, and lifestyle/
lifestage trends.

Events and Conference

NKBA Global Connect members receive access to international and domestic VIP events, conferences and meetings.

KBIS Program Opportunities

Whether you are visiting KBIS for the first time, want to exhibit in one of our country pavilions, or if you are ready to be a full exhibitor, an NKBA Global Connect membership offers flexible programs to meet your needs at KBIS.

Independent Advisors

NKBA has vetted a group of independent industry experts available for consultation on key topics vital to the success of doing business in North America. Receive one-hour free consultation with advisors of your choice included in this package. This equates to more than 20 hours of consultation and over $5,000 in value. Additional fees apply if you seek additional consultation.
Cost: $2,500

Marketing Package

NKBA offers valuable ways to get in front of our 55,000+ members. Choose this plan if you wish to elevate your brand’s awareness within the NKBA community via our digital marketing platforms. Global Connect members receive this marketing package at a nearly 20% discount.
Cost: $4,500

All-Access (Advisor + Enhanced Marketing Package)

Does your expansion into North America require the expertise of the vetted advisors as well as the support of NKBA’s marketing platforms? Then bundle the two add-on packages and receive a 7% discount!
Cost: $6,500

To learn more about Global Connect, please email GlobalConnect@nkba.org.

Back

Navigating the North American Market: An Overview of the NKBA Global Connect Program

Posted: Jan 20, 2026 2:40 pm

Global ConnectMember + Industry News

The NKBA Global Connect program serves as a strategic bridge for international brands looking to connect with industry professionals in the North American marketplace. By providing a blend of market intelligence, brand positioning, and community access, the program equips global companies with the tools necessary to thrive in the competitive $228 billion North American kitchen and bath industry.

As Christian Käsemann, Head of Export at Global Connect member Ballerina-Küchen, notes: “Only as an NKBA member can you get access to so much valuable information… in the end, it is the people who make the NKBA Global Connect program a home for international brands.”

Mission and Vision

The program is driven by a clear mandate to connect and grow the industry on a worldwide scale.

  • Mission: To connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry globally through an international membership program.
  • Vision: As stated by Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS, the program “forges business connections that drive and engage the kitchen and bath industry around the globe, informing, inspiring, and empowering the industry worldwide.”
Membership and Program Tiers

The 2026 International Business Membership is designed specifically for brands new to the North American market (or those with less than $10M in annual North American revenue).

The International Business Membership is a basic NKBA membership designed for new-to-market brands and costs $3,750.

The Advisor Access Add-On includes approximately 20 hours of consultation with vetted industry experts, representing a $5,000 value, and is available to Global Connect members for an additional $2,500.

The Enhanced Marketing Package offers members elevated digital brand awareness at a nearly 20 percent discount and costs $4,500.

The All-Access Bundle combines Advisor Access and Enhanced Marketing at a 7 percent discount for a total cost of $6,500.

Exclusive Benefits and Resources

Global Connect members receive a comprehensive suite of benefits tailored to reduce risk and increase visibility:

  • Proprietary Market Research: Full access to reports (a $20,000+ value) covering 2026 Kitchen and Bath Trends, Sustainability, Lighting Design, bi-annual  Market Outlooks and quarterly Kitchen & Bath Market Index updates
  • Marketing & Visibility: Opportunities for a unique NKBA.org blog post, a profile page on NKBA.org, and inclusion in the Quarterly Roundup Article distributed to international press.
  • Education & Support: Access to the Online Resource Library, the NKBA Job Board, and opportunities to create CEU (Continuing Education Unit) programs for North American designers.
  • KBIS Advantages: Members receive discounts for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the largest trade show of its kind in North America, featuring over 650 exhibitors and 500,000 square feet of space.
The Global Connect Advisor Network

A cornerstone of the program is access to a vetted group of independent industry experts. These advisors provide consultation on topics vital to North American success, such as sales force development, distribution channels, and code compliance. Featured advisors include:

  • Jeanne Chung (Cozy Stylish Chic)
  • Greg Rohl (The Rohl Model)
  • Bill Morely (HillStaffer)
  • John Watson (IAPMO Group)
  • Andrew Savant (Pinnacle Sales)
  • And many others specializing in logistics, training, compliance, and design.

A Global Footprint: 2026 and Beyond

The NKBA Global Connect network currently includes members and Strategic Alliance Partners from countries including Germany, Italy, Brazil, China, Turkey, and the UK, among others.

The 2026 Calendar highlights the program’s international presence, with NKBA participating in or tracking major global events including KBIS 2026 (Orlando), Maison et Objet (Paris), Salone Del Mobile (Milan), and Unicera (Türkiye).

The Team Behind Global Connect

The program is led by a dedicated team of industry professionals: Noëlle C. Lavery, Director of Global Connect; Steven Campeau, Senior Manager of Global & Government Relations; Kevin Shea, Sales Specialist for Global Accounts; and Geraldine Morrison, Chief Partnerships Officer for Domestic & Global Brands.

Together, they provide the strategic direction and hands-on support that make Global Connect a trusted gateway for international expansion.

Begin Your North American Growth Journey

For global brands ready to enter or strengthen their presence in the North American kitchen and bath market, NKBA Global Connect offers the expertise, insights, and connections needed for long-term success. To learn more about becoming a Global Connect member and gaining access to NKBA’s advisor network and market intelligence, contact Kevin Shea at kshea@nkba.org or visit nkba.org/globalconnect.

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NKBA Global Connect Brings International Journalists to KBIS 2026

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 20, 2026 10:41 am

Global Connect
NKBA’s international business membership program will host editors from five countries to report on the latest developments in the North American K&B market.

By NKBA Staff

NKBA will host a dozen editors from Europe and South America on a guided KBIS experience as part of the International Media Tour in Orlando, FL, Feb. 16 to 19. It is the largest such tour ever organized by NKBA. 

Journalists hailing from the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Brazil will attend KBIS 2026, which is owned by NKBA and is the largest and most comprehensive trade show in North America dedicated to all aspects of kitchen and bath design and remodeling. The expo, held in the Orange County Convention Center, features a wide array of brands and manufacturers in the sector, as well as networking and educational opportunities.

Through the NKBA Global Connect international business membership program, editors will visit a curated selection of Global Connect exhibiting members and learn about North American brands, design directions, market trends, and business nuances throughout KBIS, so they can report to their home markets. Editors will attend sessions designed to help international companies explore a foray into the U.S. and Canada or strengthen and expand their opportunities in the region.

This exclusive NKBA program brings the global kitchen and bath community together through a vibrant exchange of information, market insights, product development, and go-to-market strategies to help international companies with business opportunities in the North American market.

Meet the Journalists on the International Media Tour:

• Javier Gómez, Editor in Chief, Cocina Integral, Spain. Javier is based in Barcelona and heads up the editorial team for the official media outlet of the Spanish Kitchen Manufacturers Association.

• Emma Hedges, Editor, KBB Focus, UK. Emma has logged more than 25 years covering design and interiors across a broad range of national newspapers, trade and consumer publications, specializing in the kitchens and bathrooms sector, including as former editor of Essential Kitchen & Bathroom Business magazine.

• Gabriele Mühlen, Editorial Director, möbel kultur, Germany. Gabriele brings more than two decades of experience in international media and brand development, including editor in chief positions and executive management roles at global outlets such as Bauer Media Group and Hubert Burda Media, and founded GMC Gabriele Mühlen Consult, where she advises brands, publishers, and associations on strategic communication, brand positioning, organizational leadership, and media transformation.

• Diane Larner, Founder, Kitchen Review & Bathroom Review, UK. Diane specializes in news, trends, and product innovation within the kitchen and bathroom industry and has extensive experience covering major international trade shows, including ISH Frankfurt and KBB Birmingham.

• Roberta Mutti, Editor in Chief, The Design Week Guide, Italy. Roberta is a journalist, author, and consultant whose work bridges the worlds of architecture, design, and media. She wrote the bilingual volume “Storia del Fuorisalone” (“History of Milan Design Week”), which traces the evolution of the iconic urban design event and the cultural

phenomenon of Milan’s creative industries, and currently leads The Design Week Guide dedicated to design-focused events around the world.

• Natalia Ramalho, Editor and Founder, The Luxe Resident, UK. The Luxe Resident is a global luxury publication dedicated to interior design, hospitality, and lifestyle. Natalia curates and produces editorial features that spotlight exceptional interiors, design innovation, and the brands and creatives shaping the future of luxury living.

• Antonia Pozo Comas, Journalist, IM Cocinas y Baños magazine; media coordinator for Publimas Digital publishing house, Spain. Antonia, based in Barcelona, currently serves as media coordinator for the publishing group, providing an overarching view of editorial operations and reinforcing the company’s commitment to high-quality, sector-driven communication in specialized business journalism.

• Martin Allen-Smith, Editor, Digital Savvy Media, Colchester, UK. Martin has been writing about kitchen and bathroom design for almost 20 years and oversees all editorial content of kitchen and bathroom design magazine designerati, runs the judging process for the annual designerati awards, and edits The Installer, a UK publication for K&B installation professionals.

• Matteo Lirosi, Journalist, FIRSTOnline, Italy. Matteo joined FIRSTOnline in 2021, initially focusing on social media management and digital communication, and now covers technology, innovation, cybersecurity, and current affairs, with a strong focus on their economic and strategic implications.

• Susanne Koglin, Editor in Chief, Moebelnews, Germany. Susanne has worked in advertising, as a business coach, and in B2B journalism throughout her career, covering the kitchen and furniture sectors for more than 20 years. She joined Moebelnews in 2016 as a freelancer and was named editor in chief in 2022.

• Laura Naito, Global Editor and reporter for Casa e Jardim, Brazil. Laura writes about art, architecture, decoration and design and is based in São Paulo, Brazil.

• Camila Santos, Assistant Design Editor, Casa Vogue, Brazil. Camila is a journalist specializing in digital communication and social media. She has been part of the Casa Vogue Brasil team for over five years, where she works as Assistant Design Editor, focusing on the production and curation of content related to the sector.

Global Connect programming includes daily presentations and discussions in the NKBA Booth (#S25058) in South Hall, international country-sponsored pavilions, spotlight presentations, and more. Learn more here.

About NKBA Global Connect

The NKBA Global Connect mission is to connect and grow the kitchen and bath industry around the world through an international membership program. The initiative equips international companies with the support and professional community access they need to thrive in North America by providing market intelligence, brand-positioning guidance, and connections to key North American audiences. By combining NKBA’s expert marketing execution with access to a diverse and influential member network, we help businesses increase visibility, build meaningful relationships, and generate strong market demand, ultimately accelerating their success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market.

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Students and Educators: Learning and Connection at KBIS

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 19, 2026 5:35 pm

KBIS 2026Students and Educators
Students and educators are invited to participate in an engaging event to learn about the true impact of design and the value of networking in a relaxed, social setting at KBIS.
Image courtesy of PWP Studio.

All students and educators registered for KBIS 2026 are invited to join the NKBA at the annual Student & Educator Coffee Break at KBIS on Wednesday, Feb.18, from 2:30 to 4:00 pm at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

This year’s featured speaker is Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, who will explore important, yet often overlooked, human dimensions of design in “Spaces That Care: The Real-Life Impact of Kitchen and Bath Design.”

In addition to her kitchen, bath, and interior design services, construction and installation expertise, McCarthy is known as an “emergency designer.” She is an expert guide for clients whose homes were damaged or destroyed by fire, water, or other catastrophic natural disasters or overwhelming life-changing events, helping them reclaim their space — and their sanity — and rebuild.

Her discussion is sure to enlighten aspiring designers, remodelers, builders, and educators about how astute design, thoughtful planning, and expert execution affect the way we live in our spaces, as well as how it impacts our overall lives and mental health. This programming will inspire students to think beyond the fundamentals of the classroom and understand the true impacts of design. Learn more about Stacy here.

Additionally, NKBA offers significant member discounts to students and educators to attend KBIS and access the Voices From the Industry Conference, including all live-on-site and on-demand educational sessions. NKBA Student Members can register for a complimentary pass to attend the expo only. If they wish to attend VFTI sessions, the cost is $50 and includes entrance to KBIS as well as access to on-demand sessions throughout 2026.

Students who are not members of NKBA pay $75 for the expo only and $125 for the expo plus VFTI.

NKBA Educator Members may attend the expo and VFTI for $50. Non-member educators/faculty pay $100 for an expo-only pass, or $175 for the expo plus VFTI.NKBA Student Membership is free, thanks to the generous support of Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove. Chapter officers who regularly engage with students or schools in their regions may request an invitation to the Student & Educator Coffee Break by contacting Kelly Ann Ryan, Senior Manager of Professional Development for NKBA, at kryan@nkba.org.

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Kohler’s New Addition; UMI, Precision Stone Open Design Centers; Housing Numbers Slip; Chapter Updates, and More

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 19, 2026 8:50 am

Member + Industry News
Image courtesy of Kohler.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

Kohler Adds to McGee Line: Kohler Co. is introducing a new sink to its exclusive Kohler x Studio McGee collection, a collaboration with acclaimed interior designer Shea McGee. The Audrine kitchen sink, which will be available in February, is a farmhouse-style apron workstation sink with an integrated ledge system and premium powder-coated accessories that match the color of the sink. It is designed for easy access, freeing counter space and streamlining daily tasks, from food prep to cleanup. Kohler has more.

UMI Opens in Florida: UMI Stone has shored up its Florida presence with a 20,000 square-foot showroom in Sarasota, strengthening its coverage of the Gulf Coast between its Tampa and Naples locations. The Sarasota facility features a curated indoor slab gallery showcasing natural stone, Pompeii Quartz, Infinity porcelain slabs, and specialty surfacing materials. KBB has more detail.

Precision Stone Unveils Chicago-Area Experience Center: Precision Stone Design has opened a 20,000 square-foot Experience Center at 1000 N. Nicholas Boulevard in Elk Grove Village, IL, just outside Chicago. The new location complements the company’s existing 20,000 square-foot workshop and warehouse nearby, forming a hub for luxury stone fabrication and sourcing. The Experience Center enhances the company’s full-service approach to stone selection, customized fabrication, and installation. Read more at KBB..

Chapter Updates

A Day in the Life in Toronto: The Ontario/Canada Chapter is hosting its annual event at the Interior Design Show Toronto 2026 on Jan. 22, 1 to 2 pm, at the IDS Toronto – Metro Toronto Convention Centre North Building, 255 Front St W, in Toronto. Designers Jackie Glass, Carly Nemtean, and Laura Thornton will join a panel moderated by Zoltan Kevsehi for a lively discussion exploring what a real workday looks like in an AI-enabled design studio. They’ll cover choosing AI tools that deliver real ROI, building AI into everyday design and business processes, improving consultations and the client experience, and more. Learn more and register here.

Lunch & Learn in SoCal: The Southern California Chapter is hosting a Lunch & Learn event with SKS appliances and designer Joseph DeCasperis on Jan. 28, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, at Universal Appliances Mission Viejo, 25552 El Paseo in Mission Viejo, CA. DeCasperis is a member of the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2020 and served as president of the SoCal chapter from 2022 through 2024. In this CEU session, he will discuss induction cooking, how it works, why it outperforms gas, and key design considerations to help designers specify induction with confidence. The cost is $25 for NKBA members and $35 for non-members. More info here.

“Super Orgs” Social in Minnesota: The Minnesota State Chapter is partnering with NARI Minnesota, ASID Minnesota, and the Contractors Association of Minnesota for a collaborative event to bring together pros from across the design and remodeling industries It’s a free event on Feb. 24, 5 to 8 pm, at Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Ave N, #700, in Minneapolis. Mix, mingle, and make connections at one of the city’s favorite breweries. More info here.

Industry News

Harvard Says Immigrant Labor Is Critical: A study from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies finds that immigrants play an outsized role in the construction workforce in metro areas with the highest levels of homebuilding and remodeling. Foreign-born workers make up about 20 percent of overall American workers, but they account for about one-third of the workforce in the construction trades. And in high-permit regions, foreign-born craftspeople account for 54 percent of the skilled-trades workforce. ProRemodeler has more detail.

Housing Slipped in October: Residential housing permits, starts, completions, and sales all slipped in the month of October, the latest report available from the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Permits for private housing starts dipped 0.2 percent from September and 1.1 percent from October 2024, with single-family permits off 0.5 percent on a monthly basis. Starts fell 4.6 percent from September and 7.8 percent YOY. Private housing completions were up 1.1 percent monthly but fell 15.3 percent YOY. On the upside, single-family starts rose 5.4 percent from September, and single-family completions were up 6 percent from September. Additionally, sales of new single-family homes dipped 0.1 percent from September, but were 18.7 percent above October 2024.  More detail here.

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State of the Association / State of the Industry

Join NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO, Bill Darcy, for the annual meeting of the membership at the 2026 State of the Association. Immediately following, the State of the Industry will feature a keynote presentation by trend forecaster and cultural strategist Jaye Anna Mize, Vice President of Advisory + Partnerships at Future Snoops.

Wednesday, February 18 | 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM | OCCC: S320 E

Key Topics Explored:
  • The End of the Dream Home as We Knew It
    How aspiration is shifting away from size, excess, and perfection toward homes designed for adaptability, longevity, and lived-in reality.
  • Designing for a Hotter, Harder Future
    The convergence of climate resilience and wellness into a new design mandate centered on durability, comfort, and environmental intelligence.
  • Streamlined Shopping, How AI is changing Purchasing
    How AI and curated retail ecosystems are simplifying the shopping journey, reducing friction, and restoring confidence in decision-making.
  • The Kitchen as the New Commons
    Why kitchens are increasingly designed as social and communal spaces that support gathering, routine, and shared experience beyond performance and display.
  • Living Differently, Designing Accordingly
    How evolving lifestyle priorities, including time, mental wellbeing, flexibility, and care, are quietly reshaping expectations for kitchen and bath spaces.
  • After Optimization
    Why the industry is transitioning from feature-led growth and expansion toward refinement, clarity, and confidence, with innovation becoming more integrated and less performative.

RSVP to Attend

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Rachel Mendoza Takes 2nd Place in Student Competition

N

NKBA Staff

Posted: Jan 13, 2026 4:43 pm

KBIS 2026
The Georgian College student earned a $2,500 scholarship for her “Colorado Heart” kitchen design.
Render provided by Rachel Mendoza.

By NKBA Staff

Aspiring kitchen and bath designer Rachel Mendoza has won second-place honors in the annual NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition. Mendoza, a student at Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, impressed judges with her project to transform an 1895 cottage kitchen into a modern space that preserves the home’s historic Craftsman style.

NKBA | KBIS honors six outstanding Student Design Competition winners in the annual competition, which is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel.  Awards include a $5,000 scholarship for first place, $2,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place, and winners will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 16, during the Design & Industry Awards at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando during KBIS 2026.

Judges included Rebecca Sutton, CMKBD, CKBR, senior designer at Kitchen Design Concepts in Dallas; Jenni Russell, CMKBD, of Design in Perspective in Colorado Springs, CO; and Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, owner of Timeless Kitchen Design in Seattle and an educator at the Heritage School of Interior Design.

The project required a space that accommodates Lydia Bachman, a retired college professor and devoted home cook who loves to entertain, her two Labrador retrievers, and frequent guests. The original space was choppy and small, so Mendoza redesigned the main floor, removing walls to create a smooth-flowing, open-concept design, usurping an office and incorporating kitchen and dining areas.

She added a peninsula to accommodate guests and serve as an informal eating, prep, and gathering space, and took advantage of large windows in the original office space to flood the redesigned kitchen with natural light from the Colorado countryside.

Mendoza used Fisher & Paykel’s 36-inch induction range, a microwave drawer, and a French-door refrigerator integrated with the cabinetry. She also added an indoor herb garden to provide year-round fresh ingredients.

Render provided by Rachel Mendoza.

She also incorporated a dog nook and feeding spot nestled in a void over a staircase, so her pets had their own easily accessible space near the action in the kitchen.

The cabinetry, featuring numerous pullouts and storage solutions, included warm Wilsonart walnut woodgrain and white matte finishes, with Cosentino’s Dekton Taga countertops for a stone-like elegance.

“This design honors Lydia’s past while supporting her future, combining the comfort of tradition with the innovation of modern design,” Mendoza wrote in her design statement. “The kitchen is now a refined yet relaxed gathering space for Lydia, her beloved dogs, and the many guests she’ll continue to welcome.”

About the NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition

The NKBA Student Design Competition allows emerging designers to showcase their talent on an industry-wide stage and gain invaluable visibility. Winning entries are recognized at KBIS, featured in NKBA editorial content, and awarded scholarships.

How to Enter

The competition is open exclusively to NKBA Student Members enrolled in an educational institution at the time of submission. Students may enter the kitchen competition, the bath competition, or both.

Entries must follow NKBA Graphics & Presentation Standards and include dimensioned drawings, renderings, a concept board, and a design statement between 500 and 1,000 words. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

Projects must be submitted through Award Force, where students can upload, edit, and finalize materials, and the submission deadline is June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

Winners also receive complimentary registration, airfare, hotel accommodations, and access to KBIS 2027 in Las Vegas.

Competition Scenario: 2025–2026 — “The Great Indoors: Texas Edition”

This year’s participants are tasked with reimagining the kitchen and primary bath of the Williams-Garcia family home in Dallas’s Preston Hollow neighborhood. The challenge invites students to design for a bustling household of five that values hospitality, family connection, and high-functioning spaces for cooking, gathering, and retreat.

Students must balance bold style, functionality, accessibility, and clever space-planning to create environments that support the family today — and adapt gracefully for years to come.

For more information, visit the Student Design Competition page at nkba.org.

Thanks to our 2024-2025 Student Design Competition Sponsor:

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The Impact of Tariffs is Coming into Focus

Posted: Jan 5, 2026 2:45 pm

Global Connect

In his latest edition of CEO Corner, Bill Darcy breaks down what we are seeing regarding tariffs and how NKBA is responding to keep our members informed during this period of uncertainty.

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