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.
About Global Connect
As an all-industry association, NKBA is truly a unique voice for the kitchen and bath industry. The organization has traveled around the world for years, forging relationships with international businesses and organizations in an effort to create a more connected kitchen and bath community. The NKBA’s Global Connect program is dedicated to this pursuit. Learn more about how you can join this program and accelerate your success in the lucrative and competitive $228 billion North American market.
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
Global Connect Member Testimonial
With all the Global Connect benefits outlined above, now see them in action by reviewing this member testimonial document! Hear directly from Global Connect Member Ballerina Küchen® on why they joined NKBA Global Connect and have maintained their membership year after year!
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.
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 Dianne M. Pogoda
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.
• 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.
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.
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.
Get the latest NKBA member news, products and events.
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
State of the Association
Join us for NKBA Association Updates & Industry Insights with NKBA Global President & CEO, Bill Darcy!
In this annual meeting of the membership, Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA | KBIS, will offer an inspiring session spotlighting the association’s achievements in 2025, share updates on key initiatives like expanding global connections, and reveal exciting opportunities shaping the kitchen and bath industry in 2026 and beyond.
Gain valuable insights into market trends, economic resilience, and strategic growth, and discover how NKBA | KBIS is empowering its members to thrive in a dynamic, evolving industry. Tickets are not required for this event. All attendees are welcome.
Tip: Get there early to get a good seat near the stage!
NKBA State of the Industry
Immediately following the NKBA State of the Association, the spotlight turns to one of KBIS’s premier keynote sessions: the State of the Industry (SOI), presented by trend forecaster and cultural strategist Jaye Anna Mize, Vice President of Advisory + Partnerships at Future Snoops.
In this visually rich and insight-driven keynote, Jaye Anna Mize bridges big-picture cultural shifts with on-the-ground design evolution shaping the future of kitchen, bath, and whole-home spaces. Her presentation translates emerging behaviors, economic realities, generational change, and technology into the colors, materials, layouts, and experiences designers and brands will be working with in the year ahead.
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.
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.
Happy New Year! We are excited to embark with you on a successful 2026, kicking off with KBIS in Orlando in just six weeks.
Welcome again to our new Chapter Officers – your volunteerism and professionalism drive our K&B industry and our Association.
We look forward to seeing you all at NKBA Leader2Leader on Monday, February 16, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Orange County Convention Center.
Prior to Leader2Leader, NKBA Chapter Officers are required to attend virtual Chapter Officer training. Here are the dates for our Zoom meetings: Presidents, Tuesday, January 6 at 4:00 PM ET; Programs Chairs, Tuesday, January 13 at 3:00 PM ET; Communications Chairs, Tuesday, January 13 at 4:00 PM ET; Membership Chairs, Wednesday, January 14 at 3:00 PM ET; and Secretary/Treasurers, Wednesday, January 14 at 4:00 PM ET.
Please make every effort to attend the live virtual training sessions. If you are unable to attend, we will record the sessions and send links via email. All officers must attend or view the training prior to KBIS.
There’s still time to register now for KBIS 2026. Kudos to our Chapter Officers for driving registration! Leading the overall registration attendee numbers is Georgia Chapter in first place with the most registrants, followed by Mid Atlantic and Rocky Mountain Chapters. There’s no better place to be inspired and network with the K&B industry than KBIS!
Apply today – managed by the National Housing Endowment, the Skilled Labor Fund Career Connections VII grant application is open now. 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. The application deadline is March 15! Apply Here
Please keep an eye on your inbox—you won’t want to miss this opportunity. The Q4 2025 NKBA/JBREC Kitchen & Bath Market Index Survey is closing this week, and your perspective as an industry leader truly matters. Share your insights, and you’ll be entered to win $250.
Reminder: Join the Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub
If you haven’t joined the Kitchen & Bath Pro Hub yet, now is the perfect time. Connect with fellow professionals, access exclusive research and insights, and earn rewards—all at no cost. Register now and be part of what’s shaping the future of the industry.
Marketing
NKBA presents the following January webinars with a focus on color, trends, and strategy. Webinars begin at 12:00 PM ET with 0.1 CEU per webinar.
The newest edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines will be released next month. 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. A summary of the changes will be made available for quick reference. The 2025-2026 Student Design Competition will be judged in accordance with the 4th edition.
This month, we will email an invitation to all students and educators to join us at the annual Student & Educator Coffee Break at KBIS on Wednesday, February 18, 2:30 – 4:00 PM at the Orange County Convention Center.
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.”If you’re a Chapter Officer who regularly connects with students or local schools, please email Kelly Ann Ryan (kryan@nkba.org) to request an invitation. We’d love for you to join us and help foster meaningful connections among attendees.
Governance
NKBA is pleased to announce the newest members to its national volunteer committees–the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC), Leadership Recruitment Committee (LRC), and KBIS Exhibitor Committee (KEC). Volunteer committee members serve 3-year terms, commencing on January 1, 2026.
CLC Member Updates
The newest member of the Chapter Leadership Committee is Jason Miller, Owner of Cedar & Fig Interiors. He replaces Julie Schuster, Principal of Julie Schuster Design Studio, New York, NY.
Continuing CLC members include Sadie Anderson, Vice President of Marketing & Design, CKF; Kimberly Kerl, Founder & Principal Designer, Kerl Design; Rima Nasr, Interior Designer, RDesign Studio; and Brianna Weiler, Vice President | Interior Designer, Kitchens by Charles Weiler.
The Chapter Leadership Committee serves as a link between the Association’s grassroots, its chapters, and the National Staff. They are charged with monitoring member needs and requests at the chapter level and conveying these to National staff, while also being tasked with chapter engagement initiatives and other vital activations.
LRC Member Updates
The newest member of the Leadership Recruitment Committee is Montserrat Badiola, Country Manager at Miele. She replaces Basil Larkin, Vice President of Sales, Sub-Zero Group West, Anaheim, CA.
Continuing LRC members include: James Brodsky, CEO, Sharp Think, New York, NY; Kristen Elder, Vice President & General Manager–Consumer Channel for Kitchen & Bath North America, Kohler Co.; Veronica Miller, CEO and Founder of the Designhounds Influencer Network and managing director of M2 Connect; and Dr. Elmar Stumpf, Owner, Conneum GmbH, Germany.
The Leadership Recruitment Committee is charged with identifying and screening potential members for the Board of Directors (BOD) and the Chapter Leadership Committee (CLC). They meet after the national elections to review all self-nominations received during the September election cycle.
KEC Member Updates
The newest members of the KBIS Exhibitor Committee are Vanessa DeKoekkoek, Product Manager, Design, Cyncly; Jessica Egerton, Senior Director, Marketing Strategy, Delta Faucet Company; Jason Keller, Sr. Manager–Marketing, Events, Kohler Co.; and Megan Rushing, Chief Marketing and Product Officer, Hardware Resources. Rolling off the committee is Katie Heaney, founder and Chief Consultant of Your Business Edge, St. Louis, MO.
Continuing KEC members include Nathan Boone, COO, Green Forest Cabinetry, who was elected 2026 Chair; Jonathan Krieger, EVP at Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry; Christina Reed, Director–Brand Experience, GE Appliances, a Haier Company; Andrew Shead, Sales and Marketing Manager, True Caliber; and Isabella Zambrano, Event Manager, Cosentino Group.
The KBIS Exhibitor Committee serves as a link between KBIS exhibitors and attendees and the National Staff, ensuring that their needs are appropriately monitored and evaluated. They also advise National Staff on industry trends and recommend appropriate products, programs, and services to meet the needs of exhibitors and attendees at future KBISs.
NKBA again thanks Julie Schuster, Basil Larkin, and Katie Heaney for their dedication and commitment to these important committees over the last several years!urning board members Nicola Bertazzoni, Chief Operating Officer, Bertazzoni Group; Eduardo Cosentino, EVP Cosentino Group & CEO Cosentino Americas; Jill Ehnes, President of Delta Faucet Company; and Peri Friedman, COO, Fabuwood.
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.
Canadian Energy Efficiency Act: Canada seeks to modernize the 1992 Energy Efficiency Act which aims to reduce the overall energy consumption of energy-using products and allow consumers to make informed purchasing decisions on items such as household appliances.
U.S. Energy: The Energy Choice Act, which would prohibit States or local governments from prohibiting or limiting the connection, reconnection, modification, installation, transportation, distribution, or expansion of an energy service based on the type or source of energy to be delivered, has passed the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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.
Gain CEU credits with NKBA’s January webinars. CEU reporting deadline is June 30, 2026 – earn and report today!
CONGRATULATIONS to our newest Certified members and Specialty Badge earners.
Certified Kitchen & Bath Designers (CKBDs):
Congratulations to Saqib Abdullah and Gia Rushton, our newest CKBDs!
New Members are vital to the success of NKBA and our Chapters. Please send prospective members to membership@nkba.organd 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 onwww.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!
NKBA’s Member Relations team is always available to assist our Members and Chapters. Contact them at 1-800-843-6522 or email info@nkba.org.
The Fabuwood Sponsored Grant Program is for Designers to Pursue Career Goals.
NKBA | KBIS has announced the recipients of the 2025 Certified Designer Grant Program, an initiative designed to support professional growth and certification within the kitchen and bath design industry.
Sponsored by Fabuwood, the 2025 program will provide grant funding to 25 designers pursuing NKBA’s prestigious Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) credential.
The grant reflects a shared commitment between NKBA and Fabuwood to elevate industry standards by investing in education, specialization, and long-term career advancement for design professionals. “Fabuwood is deeply committed to the future of our industry and to supporting designers seeking education and specialization,” said Peri Friedman, COO of Fabuwood. “Through our exclusive NKBA Certified Designer Grant Program, Fabuwood looks forward to working with our future Certified Kitchen and Bath Designers and to making it possible for them to accelerate their careers and achieve their goals.”
Supporting Excellence in Kitchen and Bath Design
NKBA certification is widely recognized as a benchmark of excellence within the kitchen and bath industry, validating a designer’s expertise in design principles, safety standards, construction practices, and professional ethics. The Certified Designer Grant Program helps remove financial barriers associated with certification, allowing experienced designers to further their credentials and strengthen their impact in the marketplace.
Grant recipients were selected based on strict qualifications, including:
Active NKBA membership
Current professional focus on kitchen and bath design
A minimum of two years of industry experience
At least one year specifically dedicated to kitchen and bath projects
2025 NKBA + Fabuwood Certified Designer Grant Recipients
The 2025 grant recipients represent a diverse group of professionals from across the country, each contributing to the advancement of the kitchen and bath industry:
Alli Hutchison, Hutch Design + Build
Alyssa Haggerty, Norfolk Kitchen & Bath
Amanda Cassity, Adalay Interiors
Andrea Robbins, ProSource Wholesale
Bethan Reilly, BR Design Group LLC
Bryan Marquardt, European Kitchen & Bath Works
Cayleigh McCusker, Euro Line Design
Ginger Rabe, Ginger Rabe Designs LLC
Hayden Bolin, Tracy’s Custom Homes
Jana Seda, 360 Construction and Design
Jason Miller, Cedar & Fig Interiors
Jenna Hagan, Residence Design Build Remodel
Jennifer Orr, Studio Red Interior Design
Jeremiah Dick, Cabinetry Ideas
Kacie Atkinson, Nar Design Group
Katherine Switzer-Cole, Design Alternatives
Katia Ribeiro, Katia Ribeiro Design
Katie Hoffstatter, Flatbrook and Co.
Mary Farina, Main Street Kitchen & Bath LLC
Matt Finken, CKF
Michelle Lawrence, Michelle Lawrence Interior Design
Natalie Marzouka-Gould, Six Walls Interior Design
Renee Croome, Sakonnet Kitchen & Bath
Rhonnika Clifton, RJ Clifton Designs LLC
Rosalyn Shelstad, Hilltop Lumber
Investing in the Future of the Industry
By supporting certification, Fabuwood strengthens the professional foundation of the kitchen and bath industry. Certified designers bring increased credibility, technical expertise, and consumer confidence—benefiting clients, firms, and the industry as a whole.
As the demand for highly skilled kitchen and bath professionals continues to grow, programs like the NKBA + Fabuwood Certified Designer Grant Program play a critical role in ensuring designers have the resources they need to succeed and lead. Learn more about Fabuwood and professional development on our NKBA webinar on January 22, 2026.
As one of six winners of the annual NKBA | KBIS Student Design Competition, Montgomery College student Kateryna Ponomarova was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding work, earning Third Place in the Kitchen Category for 2025. Notably, Ponomarova also earned Third Place in the Bath Category, making her a two-time winner of the prestigious competition.
NKBA | KBIS recognizes the industry’s most promising emerging designers through its annual Design + Industry Awards, which include honors for the six Student Design Competition winners. The competition is generously sponsored by Fisher & Paykel, with scholarships awarded as follows: $5,000 for First Place, $2,500 for Second Place, and $1,000 for Third Place. Winners will be celebrated on Monday, February 16, from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando during KBIS 2026.
Ponomarova’s Third Place Kitchen project, Cranberry Bloom, stood out for its sophisticated balance of accessibility, historic preservation, and highly personal living-in-place design. Inspired by the enduring spirit of American craftsmanship, the project reimagines the kitchen of an 1895 Craftsman bungalow in Colorado Springs, Colorado, owned by retired anthropology professor Lydia Bachman.
Designed as a holistic renovation, Cranberry Bloom unifies the existing kitchen, pantry, and former office into a cohesive, open environment—while preserving Lydia’s beloved built-in hutch as an anchor of memory and identity.
Design Objectives
At the heart of the project is a commitment to living in place. The design prioritizes openness, accessibility, and adaptability to support Lydia’s lifestyle today and in the future.
Key objectives included:
Developing an open, accessible layout that supports aging in place while maintaining the home’s historic character.
Achieving a refined Craftsman aesthetic through the thoughtful integration of contemporary fixtures and appliances.
Incorporating seating for four, wine storage, and entertaining zones to reflect Lydia’s love of hosting.
Designing a dedicated dog-feeding area for Lydia’s two golden retrievers, who are integral to daily life.
Including a herb garden to support Lydia’s passion for gardening and cooking with fresh ingredients.
Design Challenges
Ponomarova addressed several architectural and ergonomic challenges inherent to the historic bungalow:
Managing varying ceiling heights resulting from the original gable roof construction.
Ensuring smooth, accessible transitions between spaces for Lydia and her guests, including those with mobility challenges.
Designing for Lydia’s reach distances, accounting for her height (5’1”) and age, to maintain comfort and usability.
Design Solutions
Rather than minimizing constraints, the design leverages them as opportunities.
Ceiling height variation establishes spatial hierarchy: taller ceilings in the kitchen and dining areas create openness and visual flow, while lower ceilings in adjacent rooms foster intimacy and calm.
A galley kitchen layout with more than 60 inches of clearance between activity zones ensures accessible circulation. Continuous flooring supports mobility aids, while dual counter heights accommodate multiple tasks.
Soft-close, pull-out cabinetry minimizes physical strain, reinforcing a user-centered approach.
The kitchen is designed to adapt over time, with the option to expand the east-side unit to accommodate a larger refrigerator or additional workspace.
Entertaining is supported through custom banquette seating for four in the Bordeaux Lounge, designed to maximize space while remaining wheelchair accessible. For daily use, island seating offers casual dining for two.
Special Features & Materiality
Cranberry Bloom blends performance and personality through a series of bespoke details:
Premium Fisher & Paykel appliances, selected for performance, longevity, and design integrity.
A custom dog-feeding station with a wall-mounted pot filler for daily convenience.
A coffered ceiling with an artistic stained-glass light fixture, reinforcing the home’s Craftsman heritage.
Handcrafted walnut room dividers with stained-glass insets, subtly defining spaces while maintaining openness.
A smart, hydroponic herb garden integrated into a wall cabinet, providing fresh produce year-round with minimal effort.
The kitchen’s palette—rich cranberry tones, Rosso Levanto marble, warm ivory cabinetry, and natural textures—adds depth and warmth. A bold cranberry-hued range and pyramid chimney hood by Fisher & Paykel form the visual heart of the space.
Spatially, movement is guided along a central axis: from the dining area toward a curated alcove displaying Lydia’s treasured objects, framed by columns and arches that define public and private zones. The former office becomes the Bordeaux Lounge, a welcoming destination for wine and coffee tastings, while the former pantry evolves into a kitchen extension with island seating and concealed dog-feeding storage.
The result is a kitchen that supports Lydia’s vibrant lifestyle—hosting guests, caring for her dogs, gardening, and cooking—while honoring the home’s historic soul.
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
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 500–1000-word design statement.
Projects must be submitted through Award Force, where students can upload, edit, and finalize materials.
Submission Deadline:
June 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET
Incomplete entries will be disqualified.
Awards:
First Place — $5,000
Second Place — $2,500
Third Place — $1,000
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.
Grohe Launches Luxury Sub-Brand: Premium faucet and fittings brand Grohe introduced a luxury sub-brand, GROHE SPA, dedicated to “wellness through water,” at the World Architecture Festival in Miami. Grohe, part of the LIXIL family of brands, is a founding sponsor of WAF, which made its U.S. debut last month. GROHE SPA represents the evolution of wellness through design, said the company, allowing designers and architects to create multi-sensory bathroom environments with minimalist design and precision engineering in myriad finishes and exclusive handle materials. The brand will roll out nationwide late next year. Learn more here.
Image courtesy of Hestan.
Hestan Opens Napa Showcase: High-end culinary brand Hestan opened its first brand store in Napa, CA, in November. The store was designed by Kerrie Kelly, Creative Director of Kerrie Kelly Studios in Sacramento and Chair of the NKBA Board of Directors. It features its premium Italian-made cookware, U.S.-produced Hestan appliances, wine from Hestan Vineyards in Napa Valley, and includes a restaurant with dishes from Michelin-star Chef Mark Dommen. The design blends sleek, modern style with warm, natural textures and can accommodate up to 60 guests for private events. Homepage News has more details.
SKS was the premier appliance sponsor of the second annual Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, SC. Courtesy of SKS.
SKS Joins Food & Wine Classic: Luxury appliance brand SKS returned to the second annual Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, SC, last month, as the premier appliance sponsor. The brand showcased its “True to Food” philosophy for Technicureans™ with live demos that highlighted the precision and versatility of its appliances, including pro-ranges with built-in sous vide, wall ovens with Gourmet AI™ technology, and wine refrigerators with exclusive preservation features. SKS Executive Chef Nick Ritchie and his team were on hand throughout the two-day event, creating Lowcountry-inspired cuisine like pumpkin-coconut bisque, seared crab cakes with salsa verde, sous vide New York Loin with grilled scallions and black garlic vinaigrette, steamed local shrimp and savory chocolate truffles. SKS coined the phrase “Technicurean” to celebrate home chefs with as much passion for cooking craftsmanship as for high-end home technology. Learn more here.
LIXIL Partners with WorldSkills: Plumbing and housing products manufacturer LIXIL has teamed up as a Global Industry Partner with WorldSkills International, a global movement that raises the profile and recognition of skilled people through competitions, outreach, and by influencing industry, government, and educators across 89 member countries and regions. The collaboration reaffirms LIXIL’s long-standing commitment to vocational education and training to help alleviate the critical shortage of skilled plumbers and installers worldwide, and to address this global issue by partnering to foster and empower a new generation of professionals. KBB has the story.
Ross Bradford is president of Currey & Co. Courtesy of Currey & Co.
Leadership Changes at Currey & Co.: Lighting and home furnishings specialist Currey & Co. has named Ross Bradford president, Mary M. Wilson vice president of key accounts, and Drew Alden as director of furniture. Bradford takes over the president’s role from owner Brownlee Currey, who remains CEO. Bradford has been VP of strategy and business development at Currey, and previously held executive roles with Samsung, Bosch, Thermador, Gaggenau, and others. Wilson joins the company from Cyan Design, where she was director of design, and Alden previously oversaw key categories at Havertys Furniture. Designers Today has more.
Chapter Updates
Chapter Officer Training Dates Set: Incoming NKBA Chapter officers are required to attend virtual training in January, in addition to live training on-site at KBIS on Feb. 16. Virtual training is by officer positions as follows (all times are Eastern). Links will be sent in January. Presidents: Tuesday, Jan. 6, 4 pm; Programs Chairs: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 3 pm; Communications Chairs: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 4 pm; Membership Chairs: Wednesday, Jan.14, 3 pm; Secretary/Treasurers: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 4 pm.
Industry News
Home Sales Edge Up: Sales of existing homes inched up 1.2 percent in October from September and increased 1.7 percent year-over-year compared to October 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors. October saw a 2.1% increase YOY in the median existing-home sales price to $415,200. It was the 28th consecutive month of YOY price increases. The slight bump in sales could be partially attributed to a dip in the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to 6.25 percent, down from 6.35 percent in September and from 6.43 percent a year ago. More detail here.
Frank Gehry Dies: One of the most celebrated architects of the 20th Century, Frank Gehry, died after a brief respiratory illness on Dec. 5 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif. He was 96. His distinctive building designs were inspired by his fascination with modern art and pop culture. Among his most notable designs were the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Berlin’s DZ Bank Building, and the 76-story New York By Gehry building, one of the world’s tallest residential structures when it opened in 2011. The Pritzker Prize-winning architect also designed an expansion of Facebook’s Northern California headquarters at the insistence of Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of the social media giant. He taught at Yale, Columbia, and became a professor of architecture at his alma mater, the University of Southern California. Working well into his nineties, his last project, the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, is expected to be finished in 2026 after a series of construction delays. The 30,000-square-foot structure will be the world’s largest Guggenheim. The Associated Press has more.
Robert A.M. Stern Dies: Acclaimed architect Robert A.M. Stern, founder of his namesake architecture firm, died Nov. 27 after a brief pulmonary illness. He was 86. The prize-winning architect designed residences, commercial properties, hotels, institutional projects, and public spaces, and taught at Columbia University and the Yale School of Architecture, where he was Dean 1998 to 2016, in a career that spanned half a century. Born in 1939 in Brooklyn, Stern built his practice in New York and was a champion of “modern traditionalism” in architecture. He rose to international fame when he designed one of the city’s most famous residences, 15 Central Park West, consisting of two limestone-clad buildings of 19 and 35 stories. It was hailed as a “rebirth of prewar luxury,” and apartments were sold out before construction was finished. Celebrities, Wall Street titans, sports stars, and other bold-faced names drove sales north of $2 billion. In an interview with the New York Times, Stern called it his “breakthrough,” and noted that he never used a computer, preferring to draw everything by hand. Among his other notable projects were Disney World’s yacht and beach club resorts in Florida, the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy in Ann Arbor, Mich., and the Comcast Center and Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. He is survived by a son, a brother, and three grandchildren. Read more here.
Here are 20 of the NKBA members’ big news, moves, updates, and deals of 2025.
By NKBA Staff
Expansions, New Plants, and Showrooms
The GE Profile UltraFast Combo Washer/Dryer will be made at GE Appliances’ Kentucky plant. Courtesy of GEA.
GEA Invests in KY: GE Appliances, a Haier company, initiated a nearly half-billion-dollar investment in its Louisville, KY, global headquarters and largest manufacturing site to create its most advanced plant to produce washing machines. The $490 million project creates 800 new, full-time jobs, positions the company to become the biggest American washer manufacturer, and builds on GE Appliances’ 10-year, $3.5 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing.
Cosentino Opens in Three Cities: Global surfacing giant Cosentino Group opened three signature Cosentino City showrooms in Dallas, Richmond, VA (the first in those regions), and Honolulu. Each represents an investment of more than $1.5 million, bringing the total number of City showrooms to 12 in the U.S. and 41 worldwide.
Image courtesy of Fabuwood.
Fabuwood Forges West: Semi-custom cabinetry company Fabuwood has launched a strategic initiative that includes opening a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tijuana, Mexico, and an upgraded distribution center in Southern California. Benefits include cutting delivery times to the West Coast, lower shipping costs, and less environmental impact.
LIXIL Launched Water Experience Center: Plumbing and housing products giant LIXIL opened a 10,000-square-foot interactive Water Experience Center in New York’s Flatiron District. The space showcases kitchen and bath solutions from LIXIL’s brands — American Standard, GROHE, DXV, INAX, and Basco — and offers an immersive experience for architects, designers, and consumers.
ASKO Opened Experience Center in Spain: Marking the 75th anniversary of the invention of its washing machine, ASKO opened its first Experience Center in Spain. The center, in central Madrid, showcases ASKO’s cooking appliances, laundry care, and dishwashers, and features a wine cellar with the brand’s climate-controlled wine cabinets and space for cooking demonstrations and events.
True Expands in Missouri: Luxury refrigeration brand True Residential opened a 2,100-square-foot showroom in Clayton, MO, near its headquarters and plant in O’Fallon, MO. The space features five distinct vignettes showcasing True’s full-size, indoor/outdoor, and undercounter refrigeration, wine cabinets, refrigerator drawers, beverage centers, and more.
Image courtesy of BSH.
BSH’s NC Investment: BHS Home Appliances said it would invest more than $11 million and add 199 jobs to transform its New Bern, NC, facility into a hub for manufacturing and R&D in the U.S. BSH, parent of the Bosch, Thermador, and Gaggenau brands, is globally headquartered in Munich, Germany, and has a U.S. base in California.
SKS Opened in Chicago: SKS, the luxury appliance brand under the LG Electronics umbrella, opened an Experience & Design Center in Chicago’s landmark The Mart design building. The nearly 9,000-square-foot space, designed by renowned architect Piero Lissoni, features interactive kitchen vignettes by Arclinea and more than 50 SKS appliances, and is SKS’ third EDC in the U.S. after Napa Valley and Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
Vadara Expanded Into the UK: Leading quartz surfaces producer Vadara began an international expansion through a distribution partnership with UK-based The Thomas Group and its brand, The Surface Collection, as part of its global growth strategy. Australia is next, with future opportunities across Europe, Southeast Asia, South America, and other high-potential regions.
Officine Gullo Opened in Dallas: Florence, luxury Italian appliance and kitchen manufacturer Officine Gullo, an NKBA Global Connect member, opened a 4,000-square-foot showroom in Dallas in a former art gallery. It is the company’s seventh flagship gallery in the U.S., with two locations in New York, and sites in Boston, Miami, Palm Beach, and Los Angeles.
Deals, Partnerships, and Updates
LIXIL, American Bath In Partnership: LIXIL Americas and American Bath Group formed a strategic partnership in North America to expand LIXIL’s bath-sector brands, including American Standard, DXV, and Elger. LIXIL licensed exclusive rights to ABG to produce and distribute bath products under the three brands, and ABG acquired LIXIL’s manufacturing facility in Salem, OH, and part of its manufacturing assets in Mansfield, OH, and Monterrey, Mexico.
Caesarstone, Grohe in Deal: Premium surface maker Caesarstone partnered with Grohe Spa, a premium sub-brand of Grohe, to craft faucet handles inlaid with quartz designs. Grohe Spa’s luxury faucets in the Atrio and Allure Brilliant private collections may be paired with Caesarstone countertops in the same designs and finishes to create a seamless look in the bathroom.
Image courtesy of Kohler.
Kohler Signed Martha Stewart: Kohler Co. named Martha Stewart as its Kohler Cast Iron Ambassador, the first such role for the company. Stewart, a longtime user and personal advocate of enameled cast iron, collaborates with Kohler on its enameled cast iron collection, including beautifully crafted baths, shower bases, bathroom sinks, and kitchen sinks in an array of colors and styles, ranging from classic to contemporary.
True, Urban Bonfire Collaborated on Outdoor: Luxury refrigeration and professional grill manufacturer True Caliber partnered with outdoor cooking specialist Urban Bonfire to launch a new collection of outdoor kitchen layouts. The collaboration is centered on the Rockwell Social Grill by Caliber, which pairs Urban Bonfire’s powder-coated finishes with True Caliber’s signature bold hues, in configurations including L-shaped, galley, straight, and other custom designs.
Century Communities Selected LG: Century Communities, a leading national home builder, chose LG Electronics USA’s LG Pro Builder division as its national appliance supplier. The deal supplies LG kitchen and laundry appliances to Century’s two homebuilding brands — Century Communities and Century Complete — which operate in 16 states and more than 45 markets across the country.
Rev-A-Shelf Acquired InnovaShelf: Kitchen storage and organization leader Rev-A-Shelf acquired InnovaShelf, a manufacturer of hardware, brackets, and shelving. The deal follows a strategic alliance in February in which Rev-A-Shelf became the exclusive worldwide distributor of the InnovaShelf brand.
LOTTE’s Distribution Deals: LOTTE Chemical, a California manufacturer of high-end engineered quartz surfaces under the Belanco and Radianz Quartz brands, entered a deal with Chicago-based EKO Stone to promote, sell, and distribute Radianz across the Midwest U.S. market. LOTTE also partnered with Texas Counter Fitters (TCF Supply) to sell its surfaces throughout the South-Central U.S., and with Kalacatta Stone LLC, which now distributes LOTTE’s Belanco quartz.
Wilsonart Acquired Virginia Tile Business: Wilsonart acquired Virginia Tile’s woodworking products distribution business, which is headquartered in Kansas City, KS, with branches across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. These locations distribute decorative surfaces, cabinet accessories, and decorative and functional hardware.
A kitchen from the new Kodiak Interiors Group. Courtesy of KIG.
Kodiak Launched Interiors: Building materials distributor Kodiak Building Partners launched Kodiak Interiors Group, a stand-alone business formed through the sale of Kodiak’s appliances and interiors portfolio. The new entity operates independently, is focused on appliances and interiors, and includes existing companies such as Arizona Appliance & Home, Don’s Appliances, FBS Appliance, and Specialty Appliance.
Ferguson’s New Name: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery introduced its new name at KBIS 2025 and now operates as Ferguson Home. The business includes more than 250 showrooms and over 1,200 product experts.
Thyme & Place Named a Top Blog: Thyme & Place Design, owned by NKBA member Sharon L. Sherman, CKD, ASID, CID, NCIDQ, was named one of the top 100 interior design blogs for 2025 by Feedspot, a media database. Sherman founded her award-winning design-build firm in 2002 in Wyckoff, NJ, and is a member of the Manhattan Chapter.
As 2025 comes to a close, we can all agree that it was anything but boring: economic ups and downs, innovations and breakthroughs. Through it all, the kitchen and bath industry remained strong and resilient. Here we celebrate 2025 by looking back at top trends, stories, and events. Sit back, scroll, view, and enjoy!
“2025 reminded us that even in uncertain times, our industry’s strength comes from its community. The NKBA remained proactive — leveraging research, advocacy, and global collaboration to support our 55,000 members. Thank you for continuing to push our industry forward.”
Meet the Induction Pro Range: the pinnacle of speed and control. Featuring the most powerful center induction element and the innovative Steam-Combi™ Oven, this range redefines kitchen performance. The sleek black glass top delivers unmatched power with a 7,000W dual-center element. Intuitive Smart Knobs™ and an LCD Touch Screen offer precise, effortless control.
