Hosted in Fisher & Paykel’s beautifully renovated showroom, it was an evening that perfectly captured the energy and inspiration of KBIS 2026. With so much to explore, three days hardly felt like enough. This year’s KBIS and IBS show featured more than 2,250 exhibitors spanning 1.15 million square feet, offering an extraordinary look at what’s next in design and construction.
Fortunately, for those who got to KBIS or not, on March 25th the NKBA Manhattan Chapter provided insights from four attendees with their recap, The KBIS Moments that Mattered… What the show floor told us that the press releases did not.
Ellen Lopez, of EL Design Studio, chapter events chair, brought together a blue-ribbon panel of experts: Creative Engineer, Elle H-Millard, CKD, CLIPP of Xperiencellc, joined us from Indiana; Sarah Robertson, founder of award-winning Studio Dearborn of Westchester County was accompanied by her son Owen, who provided a next-gen viewpoint; and Long Island based interior designer, Rose Ott, AKBD, Rose Ott Design, completed the stellar cast.
The panel categorized their findings into nine themes:
1 Infrastructure, not theater
2 Wellness beyond marketing
3 Truth of materials
4 The beauty of imperfection
5 Confident, intentional color
6 Invisible universal luxury
7 Technology that disappears
8 Kitchen absorbed into the whole home
9 Personalization at scale
With 29 slides illustrating products and concepts along with the panelist’s observations, attendees went away with a taste of what was shown at Design Week and what they may be seeing in the showrooms and on the home front very soon.
Emma Krasinski, an Account Executive at Novità Communications attended KBIS, but was so busy with clients that she really appreciated the review which reinforced what she was noticing. “I learned the design world is starting to embrace the beauty of imperfections and individuality when designing a space. This is reflected through the uptick in using natural materials, utilizing bold and intentional colors, returning to antique and vintage styles, and creating unique spaces for wellness and aging-in-place. Invisible universal luxury design and seamless integration are also trending, offering a functional and sleek appearance.”
Designer Joann Genova of Genova & CO. who did not get to KBIS this year, wrapped up the event this way— “Fisher & Paykel was a fantastic venue, with a spectacular showroom and top-notch hospitality. Guests were welcomed with great drinks and bites, creating an inviting atmosphere. Their outdoor kitchen display stood out, featuring a flat-top grill, large BBQ with rotisserie, cooktop, beer keg dispenser, and outdoor ice maker, perfect for entertaining. Stainless steel storage completed the sleek design. The event panel shared helpful KBIS highlights, including a “bio toilet” for early health detection and tube elevators as an affordable aging in place solution. Overall, an engaging and well executed event, definitely a thumbs up.”
Joann said just being in the newly renovated showroom was so helpful in thinking through upcoming projects. At that moment, our gracious host and event sponsor, Barbara Kessler, Design Development Manager at Fisher & Paykel, greeted us with a tray of just-baked warm cookies. What a way to end an evening full of surprises! Thank you Barbara and Fisher & Paykel Appliances.
Our March event took place in the beautifully renovated Fisher & Paykel Appliances showroom.
Cielo Cortes, DesignGLXY Group with Joann Genova, Genova & Company.
Cortney Combs, Director Of Sales Marketing and Alpesh Patel, Founder & Lead Technology Engineer— both with Enhanced Home.
Miranda Morales, Sub Zero, Wolf, and Cove East, right, shares a humorous story with her friend Rosy.
Matthew Abbruzzese, Ilve with Ahmed Ahmed, A2A design.
Rainer Schulze, Poliform with Keith Jones, Dacor.
Great to see Kent Brasloff, Ask Kent and Co. back in the swing of things and chatting with Rochelle Kalisch, Regency Designs.
Jamie Keel, Cambria with Elizabeth Craig, ecc interiors.
Some of the VIPs that helped with the event, L to R: Kelly Buchsbaum, NKBA Hdqtrs: Director, Chapters & Professional Development; Jeannine Price, Custom Wood Products and NKBA Manhattan Chapter President; Owen Robertson, panelist, Dearborn Studio; Rose Ott, panelist, Rose Ott Design; Barbara Kessler, Design Development Manager, Fisher & Paykel I DCS Experience Center, Sarah Robertson, panelist, Studio Dearborn; Sandra Singh, Interior Designer, Membership committee; Elle H-Millard, panelist, Xperience LLC Designs; Kristin Shechter NKBA Hdqtrs, Chapter Engagement Manager; and, Barbara Haberman, Bloomingdale’s, Chapter Acting Secretary.
Ringing in Spring
Pictured with Jeannine, is daughter Sydney (left) and her sister, Michelle (right).
Spring is shaping up to be a busy and exciting season on the home front, between the holidays and family birthdays. It’s a reminder of how important it is to pause, celebrate the people closest to us, and appreciate the moments that ground us, even in the midst of our busy lives.
That same sense of connection and community carries into everything we do within NKBA, and it was especially evident at our recent KBIS 2026 recap, hosted at Fisher & Paykel. It was an incredible evening. A special thank you to Elle Millard, Sarah and Owen Robertson of Studio Dearborn, and Rose of Rose Ott Design for sharing their insights. The conversation was engaging, inspiring, and a true reflection of the talent within our community.
I also had the pleasure of participating in a recent career day—thank you Rose Ott for the invitation. Speaking with students entering our industry was incredibly refreshing, and their engagement made it a truly rewarding experience.
Looking ahead, don’t miss our Tuesday, April 14th event with Richelieu—we still have a few spots available. Featuring a CEU presentation that’s AIA-IDCEC approved, you won’t want to miss this one.
We’re also excited for the High Point Market this month. The National Kitchen and Bath Association will be there—be sure to stop by and visit NKBA, along with Fabuwood and Cosentino.
Warmly,
Jeannine Price
President, NKBA Manhattan NYC Chapter
Member Spotlight: Anne Calder
Born to Design: Growing up with insider knowledge on building, Anne Calder’s upbringing and flair for creativity
led her to opening her practice.
By Michelle Shen
Anne Calder, founder and principal of namesake Brooklyn-based design studio Calder Design, grew up in Westhampton, New York. Her mother was a litigator and her father was a carpenter. She spent many afternoons doing homework at build sites, needless to say, at a young age she became versed in the building process. Beyond that, there were many other early indications of her future career path.
Was there something or someone that influenced you while growing up that led you to choose your current career? My dad’s interest in construction influenced me in a big way. We would often tour historic homes when we were on vacation. Or we’d visit the city for the day, and he would point out construction details to me – ‘look, do you know how that balcony is supported?’ or ‘see that trim there? That’s called dentil molding.’ Once, a client of his decided to pick up their historic cottage to put a foundation underneath. My dad invited me to come watch because he thought I would be interested. A steady drip of construction tidbits into your brain over the course of 18 years really adds up to a lot of knowledge! And it also trains your eye to look for those kinds of things when you’re out in the world on your own.
What was High School like — any interesting memories, any that showed your career potential?
When I was 13, I decorated my childhood ‘playroom’ to make it into a more adult space. I remember my parents showing it off to dinner party guests because they thought it turned out so well. It looks roughly the same today and still functions well.
When I was 15, a friend wanted to redo her bedroom. Together, we sorted through her belongings, had a ‘painting party’ with friends to paint the walls, put up a wall mural, built her a new desk that we painted ourselves, and tie-dyed her bedding. It turned out great!
In college, my room had the best ‘vibes,’ so any parties my friends and I threw took place in my room.
How about college or other training? Any memory or career influence you might want to share? I interned at a kitchen cabinet showroom when I was doing my design program and loved it; architecture overwhelmed me because there weren’t enough constraints. Interior design offers considerably more – but kitchen design has more still. I like this about it; there are only so many logical arrangements, and then you can think about maximizing the function of the space and making it pretty.
After college, I wanted to work for shelter publications. I interned at one, but ultimately wound up working on some cookbooks (fun!) and textbooks (less fun) for a few years before making my way over to the design world. I worked for an architecture firm for 18 months in the construction administration department, routing submittals and keeping things organized, to get a taste of the design work. There I learned that architecture wasn’t quite right for me – but it wasn’t too far off the mark!
As a result of working for a local newspaper, I know that local publications are often looking for stories, so they won’t be offended if you approach them with a story idea. As a result of working for an architecture firm, I understand construction administration and how larger projects get built, as well as how architects approach projects and project management.
Were you always interested in the kitchen/bath design world? I took an aptitude test when I was 19 that suggested I would make a good kitchen designer. At the time, it felt too niche for me. Now, I really enjoy getting to design kitchens and baths as part of my greater design practice. My favorite thing is making the clients feel seen in their space. When we’re finished, they have a place that really feels like ‘them,’ that functions uniquely well for the way that they live and cook. Their joy is my reward.
What pastimes, hobbies or other activities do you like? I read and crochet to unwind. I love to be outside, whether that’s walking, hiking, kayaking, or hitting the beach. And I cook. If I had land, I would be a gardener! Instead, I have many houseplants.
At my Unitarian church, I’m on the sustainability committee and the Board of Trustees, along with some involvement with the Facilities Committee. I’m a member of ASID, on the Health Wellness & Sustainability Committee. On top of running my own business, those keep me very busy.
Pictured below: One of Anne's favorite projects
Remsenburg Kitchen, Bath, Powder
These clients bought a beautiful house 15 years ago and never made it 'theirs.' It was thoughtfully designed, but dark and a bit outdated. We brought it up-to-date, added elements that delight the clients, and brightened everything up.
Photo credit: Julie Florio, @julieannflorio
NKBA Manhattan Chapter Members Speak at HSFI Career Day
By Rose Ott and Jennifer Mirsky
This March, the High School of Fashion Industries marked their 40th annual career day — an opportunity for students to hear directly from industry leaders in interior design.
Three professionals (from L to R) shared their career journeys, experiences, and insights:
- Jamie Keel (Residential A&D Market Representative at Cambria)
These speakers who are all actively involved with NKBA Manhattan, explained that a vibrant career does not necessarily follow a linear path, that every experience counts, and that networking and professional development are key. They encouraged students to consider joining organizations like the NKBA during their college years, to get a head start in terms of forging connections and achieving certifications.
The presenters also explored the intersection of interior design and fashion. Both industries are visual, with an essential focus on style. As such, they share common “DNA.”
What a rewarding experience to inspire the next generation of designers.
Thanks to Rose Ott for implementing Student Initiatives for the NKBA Manhattan Chapter.
Albano Appliance Semi-Annual Open House
Join us for our semi-annual open house event at Albano Appliance. We will be featuring live cooking demonstrations from the top premium manufacturers. Demonstrations will be held both inside our beautiful kitchen showroom displays as well as at our outside kitchen cooking displays.
Where:
Albano Appliance
83 Westchester Avenue
Pound Ridge, New York 10576
Date: Thursday April 16th
Time: 6pm - 8pm
There will be a raffle benefiting the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Raffle prices are $50 for one ticket and $100 for three tickets. We will announce the prize shortly. Last year it was an outdoor BBQ and cart!
Parking will be limited, carpooling recommended. Please refrain from bringing pets to the event.
In kitchens where form meets function, refrigeration should feel intentional, not intrusive. ThermadorFreedom® columns integrate seamlessly into custom cabinetry, offering designers flexibility across 24”, 30,” and 36” widths.
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Quick Chill rapidly lowers temperatures at the touch of a button, perfect for entertaining. While stainless steel interiors with theater-style lighting add a refined, architectural feel. Delicate produce bins and customizable shelving let storage adapt to each client’s lifestyle, creating a space that feels curated and effortless.
Thermador Freedom® refrigeration columns give designers high-performance cooling that complements the kitchen’s design, letting every element feel purposeful, elevated and completely seamless.
Crafting Warmth: What’s Hot in Fireplace Design Trends
Whether you want to make a statement or set a mood, the following design advice will help you begin to envision what your custom quartz fireplace could look like.
A customizable quartz fireplace allows you to play with shapes and create more interesting visual elements. Quartz designs with texture offer a layer of delightful design with a tactile surface.
Take Shape
Innovations in quartz fabrication allow for customized fireplace surrounds that can be curved or incorporate unique fluting or bookmatching.
Down to Earth
A Cambria quartz fireplace adds natural beauty to any space with the added benefits of being scratch-resistant and maintenance-free.
Hastings Bath Collection introduces Duna, a collection of sculpted resin composite tubs and accessories from Spain that redefine the bathing experience. Organic in form, refined in detail, and available in two sizes and multiple finishes, Duna brings timeless Mediterranean craftsmanship to the modern bath. Functional art, designed to be lived in.
The Communications Committee seeks contributors for outbound marketing to provide relevant industry news. We'd love you to join our team if you have social media or writing skills. Please contact Communications@nkbamanhattan.org.
The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creation of certifications, marketplaces, and networks.
