When it comes to your most valuable possessions, it’s always safety first.

By Nicholas Tamarin

June is National Home Safety Month, a time to reflect on how we can make our living spaces safer for our families, especially in two of the most accident-prone areas of the home: the kitchen and bathroom. Slips, burns, scalds, and falls are common in these areas—but the right products can significantly reduce risks while enhancing comfort and usability.

Here are some of the best kitchen and bath products to consider this June for a safer, smarter home:

Top Safety Products for the Kitchen

1. Induction Cooktops 

Induction cooktops use electromagnetic heat that only activates when in contact with metal pots, reducing the risk of burns or fire from unattended cooking. Their precise temperature control also limits overheating.

Why it matters: Safer for families with children and older adults, and they cool down quickly after use.

2. Anti-Fatigue and Slip-Resistant Mats

Placing anti-fatigue mats near sinks and stoves can reduce joint strain and prevent slips in areas where spills are common.

Recommended: Look for mats with beveled edges, non-slip backings, and water-resistant surfaces.

3. Smart Kitchen Faucets

Touchless or voice-activated faucets help maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of germs, especially when hands are dirty or full.

Bonus: Some models also feature temperature presets, reducing the risk of scalding.

4. Automatic Stove Shut-Off Devices

These devices sense when a stove is left on too long or unattended and automatically turn it off.

Ideal for: Seniors or individuals with memory concerns.

5. Pull-Out Shelving & Lazy Susans

Accessible storage prevents the need for dangerous reaching or bending, minimizing strain and potential falls.

Top Safety Products for the Bathroom

1. Grab Bars and Handrails

Essential in showers, tubs, and near toilets, grab bars help prevent slips and support mobility.

Tip: Choose textured, ADA-compliant bars for best grip and safety.

2. Non-Slip Bath Mats and Treads

A must-have to reduce slipping hazards, especially in bathtubs and tiled showers.

Look for: Mold-resistant, suction-backed designs that provide firm footing.

3. Thermostatic Mixing Valves

These valves control water temperature, protecting users from sudden spikes in hot water that can cause burns.

Great for: Homes with children or elderly family members.

4. Comfort-Height Toilets

A few inches taller than standard toilets, these make it easier to sit and stand—especially for seniors or people with mobility challenges.

5. LED Motion-Sensor Night Lights

Installing motion-sensor lighting in bathrooms improves visibility during nighttime trips, helping prevent falls.

Where to install: Baseboards, near the vanity, or under cabinet edges.

Bonus Tip: Consider a Whole-Home Safety Audit

Before investing in new products, conduct a full safety review of your kitchen and bathrooms. Check for trip hazards, slippery areas, poor lighting, and outdated appliances. Many local hardware stores and home safety organizations offer checklists or professional consultation services.

Final Thoughts

National Home Safety Month is the perfect reminder to upgrade our homes with safety in mind. By integrating smart, functional, and protective products in the kitchen and bathroom, you not only reduce the risk of accidents but also increase peace of mind for everyone at home.

Small changes—like installing grab bars or using non-slip mats—can have a big impact on daily safety and independence. This June, take the time to invest in a safer, more accessible home.To learn more about National Home Safety Month, visit the National Safety Council website.

Submit your nomination for Thirty Under 30 today!

By Nicholas Tamarin

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

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

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

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

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

Who is eligible?

To be considered, nominees must:

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

What do Thirty Under 30 recipients receive?

Selected individuals will receive:

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

How to improve a candidate’s chances:

Submissions should include information highlighting:

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

Submission Deadline:

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

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

By NKBA Staff

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Company News

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

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

Chapter Updates

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

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

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

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

Industry News

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

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