By NKBA Staff

Company News

Miele Introduces Cold Drawers: Premium appliance giant Miele has introduced built-under refrigerator drawers. Two undercounter drawers create a flexible cooling solution with independent temperature zones, ranging from 32˚F to 57˚F, and are designed to fit within standard niche dimensions in islands or secondary prep zones. The drawers feature the brand’s proprietary DynaCool air circulation technology, which maintains uniform temperatures throughout each compartment. They are available panel-ready and fit flush with surrounding cabinetry, and the unit retails for $3,999. More detail here.

Lowe’s Expands Skilled Trades Training: The Lowe’s Foundation has committed $250 million to help train a quarter-million skilled tradespeople by 2035 through its Cable Grants program. The new goal expands its original commitment of $50 million over five years to develop 50,000 workers, announced in 2023. It has so far invested $53 million with 65 organizations, and said it is on track to help prepare 50,000 tradespeople by 2027 — a year ahead of its goal. The expansion comes as the Associated Builders and Contractors trade association estimates that 349,000 new construction workers are needed to fill demand in 2026 alone. BuilderOnline has the story.

Sarah Roberston Featured: Sarah Robertson, AKBD, owner of Studio Dearborn in Mamaroneck, N.Y., and a member of the Manhattan Chapter, is the featured guest on The Business of Home Podcast. She tells host Dennis Scully about her journey from corporate consultant to kitchen and interior designer, her continuing evolution and having her son join her business. Learn more and listen here.

Sharp’s New Lineup: Sharp Home Electronics Co. of America launched more than 20 new products in its appliance collections at KBIS 2026 in Orlando. Among the new and expanded categories are the Sharp Celerity^TM High-Speed 30-inch wall oven with True European Convection and nine cooking modes. It also expanded its Microwave Drawer ^TM line with the Deco Series in white and matte black finishes, and introduced new microwave ovens, including a 3-in-1 countertop model, counter-depth refrigerators, ranges, and dishwashers. More details here.

Chapter Updates

Competition Tips in Canada: The Ontario/Canada Chapter is hosting a free virtual event offering “Tips and Tricks for Entering the Ontario Design Competition” on April 27 from 12 noon to 1 pm. Three past winners — Diana Bastone, principal designer and owner of Diana Bastone Designs; Gelanaz Hemati, founder and principal of Gelanaz & Associates; and Martin De Sousa, design director and founder of Designström — will share insights and strategies for elevating a submission to make it stand out, what judges look for, presentation tips and how to avoid common mistakes. This virtual event is sponsored by Cambria and may be accessed here. More details here.

Pups for Heroes With Metro New York: Join the Metro New York Chapter on May 14 for an evening supporting Paws of War, an organization dedicated to helping U.S. military veterans, first responders and service members through the training and placement of service dogs. Hosted at the Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom,170 Mineola Avenue in Roslyn Heights, N.Y., the event will bring the design and building communities together for networking, connecting and giving back to those who have served the country. It takes place from 6 to 8:30 pm, and the donation is $25 for NKBA members and $50 for non-members. More info here.

Membership Drive in Pennsylvania: The Susquehanna Valley Chapter is teaming up with the Harrisburg Builders Association for Member 2 Member, a membership meet-up, on May 19, 3:30 to 5 pm, at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub, 3882 Union Deposit Road, Unit 33, in Harrisburg. This networking event is free to attend, and will share details about NKBA and HBA, bringing industry pros together to make a positive impact on the local industry and community. This Membership Drive is sponsored by Classic Rock & Manor House. RSVP to Rob Ross: rbross@classicrockfab.com.

Industry News

Remodeling Expected to Hit $522B: The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies said remodeling spending by U.S. homeowners is expected to reach $522 billion this year, despite some deceleration forecast for later in the year. The Center’s Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity (LIRA) projects that year-over-year growth in home renovation and repair spending will be 2.9 percent early this year before easing to 1.6 percent growth by the end of the year. Single-family home sales and permits have picked up modestly from very low levels, which should support a nominal increase in remodeling activity this year. More detail here.

Faucet Market Flowing: Faucets are big business. According to Research and Markets, the faucet market is expected to notch sales of $2.57 billion this year and continue growing at a compound annual growth rate of 7.67 percent to reach $4.04 billion by 2032. The report said growth is being driven by a “confluence of technological maturation, sustainability imperatives, and channel reinvention. Sensor-activated technology, once limited to high-end commercial installations, now uses more cost-efficient sensors and integration approaches that make capacitive and infrared solutions viable across a broader product set. As a result, adoption patterns are expanding from institutional washrooms into residential kitchens and bathrooms, driven by heightened hygiene awareness and growing comfort with hands-free interfaces.” Learn more here.

An interactive workshop with rotating stations showcased three challenges–and plenty of opportunity–for the design community

“Interactive” was the key in our Michigan State Chapter’s event “Designing the Business Behind Design”. 

Rather than a traditional lecture format, the creative workshop at Exclusively Cabinets by Cabinetek on March 25th featured a dynamic experience where attendees rotated in small groups between three different stations.

New technology, digital visibility, and rising client expectations mean new challenges in the industry. With that in mind, the Michigan chapter’s goal for the event was to support designers, builders, and other professionals in navigating the evolution of interior design with confidence.

The interactive style created the perfect environment for open discussion, real-world examples, and Q&A. Complimentary professional headshots were also available.

“We prioritized connection just as much as content, and we gave our members the chance to engage with both experts and their peers,” said Michigan State Chapter President Rya Groat.

Each interactive station was dedicated to a critical aspect of modern design business success:

AI for Interior Designers explored how emerging technologies are reshaping workflows–from concept development to client presentations. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into creative industries, understanding how to use it effectively can be a powerful competitive edge.

Social Media as a Business Tool shifted the focus to visibility and brand-building. In today’s digital-first landscape, social platforms are essential marketing engines. This session explained how to use them intentionally to attract clients, showcase work, and build a recognizable professional identity.

Professionalism and Client Expectations brought the conversation back to fundamentals. Clear communication, boundary-setting, and delivering a consistent client experience remain at the heart of any successful design business. This station offered practical guidance on managing relationships, building trust, and maintaining a solid reputation.

By NKBA Staff

Company News

Frank Webb Expands in Vermont: Frank Webb Home has added its ninth Vermont location in Middlebury. The company operates a wholesale division, F.W. Webb Co., and retail interactive showrooms under Frank Webb Home, with outposts in nine states in the Northeast. It encompasses all areas of plumbing distribution, HVAC, kitchen and bath fixtures, lighting and more. Frank Webb Home has a network of 48 showrooms, with other new locations including Schenectady, N.Y.; Maspeth (Queens), N.Y., and Tinton Falls, N.J. It has also recently renovated its showrooms in Pittsfield, Mass., Lewiston, Maine, and Nashua, N.H. Learn more here.

Cooper Pacific Marks 40 Years: Southern California kitchen design firm Cooper Pacific is celebrating its 40^th anniversary in business this year. Founded by Neil Cooper in Minnesota in 1986, the company remains family-owned and is now based in Los Angeles, where it is known for custom kitchens and high-end residential design. KBB has the details.

Chapter Updates

KBIS Review in Maine: Join the Maine Chapter for a presentation by Rick Spencer on the new and exciting finds at KBIS 2026 on April 14, 5 to 8 pm, at Hancock Lumber, 2385 N. Belfast Avenue in Augusta. Earn 1 CEU and enjoy appetizers and a cash bar. The cost is $25 to attend. Learn more here.

Illuminating Evening in Washington State: The Puget Sound Chapter will hold “Elevating Kitchen + Bath Remodels with Advanced Lighting Controls” on April 16, 5:30 to 8:30 pm, at the Bradlee Sub-Zero Wolf Cove showroom, 1400 Elliot Ave West in Seattle. Annie Hart from Lutron and Nathanael Washam from Luminous NW will discuss practical lighting tips, low-cost/high-impact solutions, problem-solving, and more in this 0.1 CEU session. NKBA members are $25, non-members are $35. Learn more and register here.

Two-Chapter Weekender: NKBA’s Mountain States and Big Sky Chapters are hosting a CEU weekend, April 17 and 18, at the Grand America Hotel, 555 South Main Street in Salt Lake City. This “Spring Refresh” offers multiple CEU sessions led by experts, interactive workshops, discussions, networking and more. The weekend starts at 5 pm on Friday and ends at 6 pm on Saturday. More details, the agenda and registration here.

KBIS Review in West Michigan: Earn 0.2 CEU hours with the West Michigan Chapter at its KBIS review, April 22 at Venue3Two, 3232 Shaffer Ave SE in Grand Rapids. Sponsored by Richelieu, the event runs from 5 to 8 pm and will include light bites, refreshments and raffle prizes. More than 15 vendors and representatives will explore the hottest trends and newest products launched at the show, and the chapter will announce the winners of its Student Design Contest. Learn more here.

Industry News

Home Sales Continue Slide: Following an 8.4 percent drop in existing-home sales in January from December, sales of new homes also plunged 17.6 percent in January (month over month) and were off 11.3 percent from January 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Inventories now stand at a 9.7 months’ supply at the current sales rate, which is 21.3 percent above December’s supply. This signals a slowing of the home-buying market, triggered by still-elevated mortgage interest rates and consumer uncertainty. More detail here.

Millennials Drive Home Spending: A recent survey revealed that Millennials are spending more on home projects than any other generation. Angi’s 2025 State of Home Spending Report showed that while this demographic is not yet the largest group of homeowners, they are outspending all others on a per-household basis, signaling their growing influence on how Americans invest in their homes. 77 percent of Millennials said they plan to initiate a major home project in the next five years, while 74 percent said elevated mortgage rates are prompting them to improve their current home rather than move. This compares to 47 percent across all generations. Learn more here.

Our triple-state chapter explored the beautiful relationship between fashion and interior design

NKBA members from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas came together on March 6th for “Fashion & Interiors: Common Threads That Shape Our Spaces”.

The event took place at Acadian House Design + Renovation in Baton Rouge and included a complimentary lunch, giving chapter members a chance to connect while staying at the forefront of design trends.

Guest speaker Annie Miranda-Sommer of Benjamin Moore presented on how trends move between the runway and the rooms we inhabit–including color palettes, layered textures, materials, and mood.

Designing for the times

In the same way that fashion captures the culture and history of its time, so do our spaces. When designers understand this intimate connection, they can better create interiors that are both current and expressive. 

NKBA LA/MS/AR Chapter President Allye Pizzalato said, “Along with myself, our Chapter Officers Lacie Dunigan, Andrea Earp, Paul Blanchard and Peter Webb all had the same goal with this event. We wanted to show connections between fashion and interiors and build relationships among our chapter members.” 

“We were excited to present a program that was more than simply a trend forecast,” said Pizzalato. “Our event invited attendees to think creatively about their work and broaden their design possibilities.”

By NKBA Staff

Company News

LIXIL Exceeds Clean Water Goal: LIXIL, an innovative supplier of plumbing, housing and building materials, has achieved an ambitious milestone of improving sanitation and hygiene for 103 million people around the world. The goal was the primary aim of the Global Sanitation and Hygiene pillar of the company’s “Impact Strategy” commitment to accelerating access to clean systems worldwide. About 3.4 billion people globally do not have access to safely managed sanitation, including 1.7 billion who do not have basic hygiene services at home, and another 354 million who defecate in the open. As a result of diseases spread by unsafe drinking water and inadequate hygiene, more than 1,000 children die every day. LIXIL has shipped more than 10 million toilet and hygiene products from its SATO brand to 59 countries and territories. SATO has successfully developed sanitation markets in Africa and Asia (primarily sub-Saharan Africa and south and southeast Asia), reaching households and expanding the impact in communities through critical non-household settings like schools, healthcare facilities, and most recently, in humanitarian settings such as refugee camps. Its next goal is universal access to safe sanitation and hygiene globally by 2030. More detail here.

Monogram Partners With Chef Maneet Chauhan: Luxury appliance brand Monogram has teamed with award-winning chef, restaurateur and TV personality Maneet Chauhan, pairing the brand’s commitment to elevated, performance-driven design with the chef’s globally inspired culinary vision. She is renovating her home kitchen in Nashville with Monogram appliances and will reveal the space later this year. As a Monogram spokesperson and ambassador, Chauhan will represent the brand at premier industry events, brand activations and featured content on social channels. KBB has more.

Amba Adds To Permanent Collection: Amba Products, a leading provider of heated towel racks, has added its Brushed Modern Brass finish to its Traditional collection as a permanent option. This expands the line that already includes polished nickel, brushed nickel and brushed bronze. The hardwired line is characterized by its warm tones and features a three-year limited warranty. Learn more about Amba here.

ISFA Taps Marquez: Lorenzo Marquez, founder of strategic advisory firm Marqet Group, has been named chief of brand for the International Surface Fabricators Association. In this role, Marquez will oversee the association’s marketing strategy, brand direction and growth initiatives with a focus on strengthening the overall value ISFA delivers to its members. He will also help develop programs that support the entire countertop and surface fabrication supply chain, including fabricators, suppliers, manufacturers and industry partners. Marquez has more than 20 years of experience in the sector. He was previously vice president of marketing for Cosentino North America and a two-term Chair of NKBA’s National Board of Directors. KBB has more detail.

Chapter Updates

KBIS Recap in Albuquerque: The New Mexico Chapter officers will present a curated look at the most impactful products and design trends from KBIS 2026 on April 8, 5:30 to 8 pm, at Arizona Tile, 5800 Venice Avenue NE in Albuquerque. There is no cost to attend, and there will be a door-prize drawing for NKBA Members. Learn more here.

Purple Power in NoCal: The Northern California Chapter is hosting “Discover the Power of Purple with BlueStar,” an interactive seminar that celebrates BlueStar appliances’ 2026 color of the year. On April 8, 5:30 to 8 pm at Friedman’s Appliance, 2304 Monument Blvd., Pleasant Hill, Calif., learn about the various shades of purple, from regal violet to playful lavender, amethyst and modern mauve, and their unique meanings and design personalities. Cost is $15 for NKBA members, $20 for non-members. Learn more here.

Industry News

Share of Women in Construction Grows: An analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by Construction Coverage shows women reached 11.7 percent of the construction workforce in 2024 (the latest figures available) to 1.3 million workers, up from 9 percent in 2016. This is compared to more than 10 million men in the industry.  Delaware, with 14.2 percent of its construction workforce made up of women, leads the nation, with Florida, Alaska and Hawaii each over 13 percent. ProBuilder has more.

Existing Home Sales Drop: Existing home sales fell 8.4 percent in January from December, and dropped 4.4 percent from January 2025, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Month-over-month and year-over-year sales fell in all regions. “The below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation this January make it harder than usual to assess the underlying driver of the decrease and determine if this month’s numbers are an aberration,” said NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Affordability conditions are improving, with NAR’s Housing Affordability Index showing that housing is the most affordable it’s been since March 2022. This is due to wage gains outpacing home price growth and mortgage rates being lower than a year ago. However, supply has not kept pace and remains quite low.”  More details here.

By NKBA Staff

Company News

Kohler Reveals Martha 2.0: Kohler Co. unveiled the next phase of its partnership with Martha Stewart, centered on the craftsmanship of Kohler cast iron. Kohler brought Stewart into its historic foundry in Kohler, Wisc., to film a campaign featuring the cooking and home icon in her role as cast iron ambassador. Captured by renowned photographer and director Douglas Friedman, the work offers a cinematic view inside Kohler’s rarely seen cast-iron manufacturing process. KBB has the full story.

SKS Introduces Luxe Laundry: Luxury appliance maker SKS introduced a luxe laundry lineup at KBIS 2026. This first-ever luxury laundry portfolio marks the brand’s expansion into fabric care and extends its reach beyond the kitchen. Anchoring the new group is the all-in-one SKS WashComboTM, an all-in-one washer and dryer engineered to deliver advanced washing and drying performance in a single, streamlined unit. The portfolio also includes a high-capacity dryer and a Mini-Wash^TM pedestal washer, offering flexible configurations designed to support a range of lifestyles and residential spaces. More detail here.

Vadara Wins ADEX Award:  Quartz producer Vadara has earned a prestigious ADEX Award, presented by Design Journal, for its Braewind quartzite. Responding to the industry’s shift toward warmer, more organic interiors, Braewind features a soft beige foundation accented by nuanced taupe veining. Inspired by the Taj Mahal, its palette aligns with biophilic influences, warm neutrals, and nature-inspired materials. ADEX (Awards for Design Excellence) recognizes superior innovation, function and aesthetics across interior design, architecture, landscape architecture and product design. Learn more about Braewind and Vadara here.

True Caliber Launches: True Caliber has introduced a reimagined Signature Rockwell grill, a 360-degree social drill that mimics the look and feel of gathering around a picnic table or campfire. The grill, which features a fully retractable lid, Weber Knapp hinges and three 20,000 BTU Crossflame^TM burners, launched at KBIS 2026 and won a Best of KBIS award. True also revealed Espresso brown as its 2026 color of the year. Learn more here.

Chapter Updates

Functional Color Seminar with Mountain States: Join the Mountain States Chapter for “The Power of Functional Color Design,” a seminar promoting positivity, health and wellness in interiors on March 17, 5:30 to 8 pm, at the Cosentino Center Salt Lake City, 1650 S. Distribution Drive, Ste. 400, in Salt Lake City. Kathryn Grube, MID, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID + C, will share how intentional palettes and light quality do more than decorate: They optimize biology and enhance well-being. Grube will discuss awareness of color’s power, psychological and physiological effects, and demonstrate how to curate a space that transcends aesthetics to nourish the mind, body, and soul. NKBA Members are $15, nonmembers are $25and students are free. Learn more and register here.

Metals in Michigan: The West Michigan Chapter, along with the Burke Agency, is hosting “Precious Metals in Luxury Kitchens + Baths” on March 19, 4 pm, at the Infusion Kitchen & Bath Showroom by Etna Supply, 1090 36^th Street SE in Grand Rapids. Sponsored by Burke and Infusion, this CEU-eligible course features Native Trails metal-finish sinks, tubs, vanities, accessories and more. The session will explore the history, symbolism, and defining characteristics of precious metals in luxury kitchen and bath design and examine the role of precious metals in today’s interiors. Registration is $15 for NKBA members, $20 for non-members. Learn more and register here.

Chopped Challenge in California: The California Capital Chapter is staging a “Chopped Challenge” in a friendly competition with the Greater Sacramento chapter of NARI, March 19, 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at Ferguson Home, 4525 Madison Ave., Sacramento. One of the most anticipated events of the year, this event is inspired by the high-energy culinary competition format, and the winning team will earn prizes and bragging rights. The event is also a fundraiser for Wellspring Women’s Center, which provides vital resources to support women and children in need. Suggested donations include essentials such as toiletries, non-perishable pantry staples, baby diapers and new clothing. Additional sponsorship is provided by Miele, Sub-Zero Group, Minka, and Hansgrohe. NMKB Members and their guests are $35, non-members are $45. Learn more and register here.

Doubleheader with Puget Sound: The Puget Sound Chapter is hosting two sessions on March 19 at Stratus Surfaces, 19014 64^th Avenue South in Kent, WA. The first is a tutorial on how to enter the Puget Sound Chapter Design Competition, running from 4:30 to 5:15 pm. A veteran designer will walk attendees through the process of entering, a checklist of required documents, tips for a successful entry, how to use the Awards Force platform, and more. Immediately following at 5:30, get a “KBIS 2026 Recap Through the Eyes of our Council Members.” Learn the top trends and Chapter Officer Training, meet Mariah Hebenthal, the chapter’s Thirty Under 30 honoree, and more about the show. Learn more about both events here.