This upcoming event will feature a panel of design experts who will share their thoughts on which moments mattered most from KBIS 2026. Meet our panelists below and RSVP here.
Elle H-Millard is a Certified Kitchen Designer and Certified Living in Place Professional known for translating industry insight into high-impact design strategy. A former Industry Relations Manager for NKBA and Corporate Learning Manager for Delta Faucet Company, Elle has worked at the intersection of manufacturers, designers, media, and product development for nearly two decades. Today, through Xperience LLC Designs, Elle focuses on sensory-driven commercial spaces, healthcare environments, and human-centered product strategy. Known as a “Creative Engineer,” she bridges design vision with business reality, helping brands and designers move from inspiration to implementation.
Rose Ott, AKBD, is an accomplished interior designer with over two decades of experience, specializing in kitchens and baths. Since founding Rose Ott Design in Long Beach, NY, she has
been dedicated to enriching the human experience through thoughtful, transparent, high-quality, and accessible design. Her work is defined by a commitment to craftsmanship, client-centered service, and a refined aesthetic that balances beauty with functionality.
Sarah Robertson is the founder and principal of Studio Dearborn, a boutique kitchen design firm based in Westchester County, New York. A three-time NKBA Best Overall Kitchen Design award winner, Sarah is widely respected for her rigorous, function-first approach to kitchen design. Her work is known for balancing performance, longevity, and refined aesthetics, and has been extensively published. and followed by a global audience. Drawing on a prior career in management , Sarah brings a systems-driven mindset to design—translating how kitchens are truly used into thoughtful, enduring solutions. She regularly shares her expertise through speaking, education, editorial work, and industry collaborations.
Return From KBIS
Pictured above: The NKBA Manahattan Officers. Left to right: Julie Schuster, Barbara Haberman, Rose Ott, Jeannine Price, Diane Mosher, Ellen Lopez, Rex Aguirre and Tony Monteleone at KBIS
What an exciting month for our industry. Many of our NKBA Manhattan members traveled to Orlando for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders’ Show (IBS), and as always, the energy, innovation, and creativity on the show floor were inspiring.
One of the things I enjoy most about KBIS is seeing where our industry is headed. This year we saw a strong focus on warm wood tones, natural materials, and layered textures, bringing a softer and more organic feel into kitchen and bath design. Color palettes are shifting as well, with creams, earthy neutrals, greens, and deeper tones replacing the bright whites that have dominated for so long.
Technology and functionality also continue to evolve. From integrated appliances and smart kitchen technology to thoughtful storage and lighting solutions, manufacturers are creating products that support how we truly live in our homes today. Sustainability remains an important driver as well, with energy-efficient appliances, water-saving fixtures, and environmentally responsible materials leading the way.
If you weren’t able to attend KBIS or simply want to continue the conversation. I hope you’ll join us on March 25 for our KBIS Recap Event, hosted in the beautifully renovated Fisher & Paykel showroom. It’s a stunning new space designed to showcase the brand’s latest appliances and innovation, and the perfect setting to reconnect with members while discussing the exciting ideas shaping our industry in 2026.
Warmly,
Jeannine Price
President, NKBA Manhattan NYC Chapter
KBIS 2026 Recap
KBIS 2026: Whole Home Design, Wellness, and the Future of Living in Place
By Julie Schuster, Julie Schuster Design Studio
One of the big, over-arching themes of the show this year was what NKBA is now calling “whole home design”. This simply refers to a movement away from the traditional roles of the kitchen and bath designer into becoming more integral to the look of all of the rooms, especially those surrounding the kitchen as the open plan living trend continues to bring the kitchen into “hub of the home” prominence.
The kitchen is not only where we prep meals, but it’s also a “work from home” space, a space for hosting in and where our kid’s congregate for homework, family time and more.
Several manufacturers really continue to lean-in to the design concept of the “kitchen as furniture” trend. Hiding appliances in plain sight behind beautiful burl wood panels and incorporating a built up crown cornice for a furniture-like classical detail, at Monogram, or premiering a prototype induction cooktop that is invisible in the countertop, at SKS - these trends are making the kitchen disappear in plain sight.
Another noteworthy stop was Galley, the original workstation system, pictured on the right. American-made and crafted from a single solid piece, it comes complete with integrated accessories that transform the sink into a fully functioning preparation and serving station. It’s a thoughtful reminder that great kitchen design is not just about aesthetics, but about creating highly functional, adaptable spaces that support the way we truly live.
Our visit to The New American Home included a guided tour through each room, highlighting its specialty features and intended lifestyle benefits. We were immediately drawn to the generous outdoor spaces and the home’s overall openness, which created a seamless connection between indoor and exterior living. Thoughtful inclusions such as the in-law guest suite, dedicated home theater, and wine storage spoke to modern priorities around entertaining and multigenerational living.
That said, while the concept was compelling, and we loved the kitchen with appliances supplied by Signature Kitchen Suites, several architectural and finish selections prompted questions. Certain design decisions felt at odds with the home’s forward-thinking aspirations, raising conversations around functionality, longevity, and cohesion. We invite you to explore a few images here and on one of the TNAH websites or simply google TNAH 2026 images for more glimpses into this impressive home that also helped support Jonathan's Landing, an organization to assist adults on the autism spectrum. Photos: Toni Sabatino and Maureen Klein.
My KBIS Takeaway
By Diana Mosher, Principal Designer, Diana Mosher Associates
One of my favorites at KBIS 2026 was the Molokai Cold Plunge by Concretti Designs for cold therapy in homes, gyms and boutique wellness spaces. I also love Concretti’s tiny corner sink ideal for a NYC space-constrained restaurant or apartment. Concretti is an American brand based in Las Vegas that manufactures outdoor furniture and planters in addition to kitchen and bath product. Each item is made from their special concrete blend of cement, sand, aggregate and pigments sourced from local Nevada quarries and other quarries in the U.S. Concretti is a woman-owned business that started as a passion project. Founder/CEO Yifat Arbely was intrigued by the possibilities of concrete, a seemingly ordinary material. She began experimenting and crafting pieces for her own home. She added colorful pigments to the mix, and eventually Concretti Designs was born. See the full story at concrettidesigns.com.
Spotted: Storage Trends
By Barbara Haberman
This hidden built-in / pull-out step stool, so clever. Design Ambassador for Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry at KBIS, interior designer Rose Dostal designed the vignette and demonstrated the usefulness and convenience of the stool. Only takes a few inches of width, perfect for this corner and gives everyone a little boost to reach greater heights.
Member Spotlight: Suzie Wheeler
Suzie interned at her father’s company, solidifying two lifelong loves: New York City and design.
By Pamela McNally
Built on Storytelling
Suzie Wheeler’s path into the kitchen and bath industry is rooted in connection. Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, she credits much of her growth to summers spent with her grandparents in Green Pond. Days on the lake, card games, and long conversations shaped her love of storytelling. If you need an icebreaker, she’ll happily share one.
Early Influence
Suzie’s father was a major influence in her life and career. He never told her not to talk to strangers. Instead, he recognized early that she wasn’t shy and encouraged her to use that strength. A textile sales executive at Fox Wells during the era when American manufacturing thrived, he worked in a world that felt a bit like Mad Men, surrounded by beautiful fabrics and fast-moving sales floors. He also gave her advice she still carries with her: “No is not an option.”
Suzie interned at his company, solidifying two lifelong loves: New York City and design.
A Dual Foundation
In college, she pursued business marketing at her parents’ encouragement, treating academics like a full-time job. Yet design remained a constant pull. By senior year, she had taken enough additional coursework to graduate from Albright College in Reading, PA, with a second degree in visual and apparel merchandising. That balance of business strategy and creative instinct continues to define her approach.
Lessons From the Sales Floor
Suzie began her sales career at Maidenform, where an unexpected dinner seating left a lasting mark. Placed beside the CEO, she struck up a natural conversation, unaware of his title. She shared that her college design thesis focused on the story of Esprit and later learned he had once served as its CEO.
Though she was one of many on the sales team, he consistently sought her perspective afterward. Feeling valued regardless of title became something she has looked for ever since.
Even earlier, working at her town’s bank shaped her outlook. In the days when customers physically cashed paychecks, she handed people money and watched their faces light up. “I was paid to give people money and make them happy,” she recalls. Creating positive exchanges remains central to her work.
Finding the Industry
Suzie entered the kitchen and bath world through a sales role at Dolan & Traynor, a distributor of DuPont Corian. During her interview, she connected Corian countertops and Maidenform products as items close to a mother’s heart. The owners looked at each other and said, “We have to hire her.” And so it began.
Later, working in sales for the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) exposed her to the many routes to market within the industry, knowledge that continues to serve her well.
Today, as Territory Manager for Rev-A-Shelf, Suzie works closely with cabinet shops while also focusing on connecting the brand to the design community. She is currently spearheading Rev-A-Shelf’s involvement with the Construction Education Consortium, an initiative close to her heart as she works to make spaces more functional for her 89-year-old mother.
Community First
Rev-A-Shelf has long supported NKBA, and Suzie remains actively involved with the Manhattan Chapter, serving on the membership and leadership committees. Beyond her work, she also gives back through Rotary, the American Legion, the Elks, and "Reclam the Bay" in her shore town.
At home, she’s also a proud mom to her fur-baby, Lucy (pictured with her on Long Beach Island, NJ), who keeps life grounded and full of personality.
Looking Ahead
Suzie is focused on strengthening Rev-A-Shelf’s relationship with the New York metro design community, including developing training tours at the company’s Louisville, Kentucky, facility and expanding the program nationally. She also dreams of traveling to Iceland, Greece, and New Zealand, and one day retiring to Hawaii’s Big Island to run an animal shelter.
Until then, she’s embracing every sunrise and sunset and staying true to her favorite number:13.
Welcome New Members
Marco Romero, Garrnet Station Partners
Nathan Orsman, Orsman Design
Anahid Hatzigeorgiou, NV Properties LLC
Belight Kakpo, New York School of Interior Design
Walk the ICFF Show Floor with the Manhattan Chapter
By Diana Mosher, Membership Chair
Will you be attending ICFF (the International Contemporary Furniture Fair) at Javits? The NKBA Manhattan Chapter will hit the ground running on opening day Sunday May 17 to judge 11 product categories including Best of Show and Best Booth. We notify our winners same day, right after the judges finalize their decisions, so be on the lookout Sunday afternoon for the booths proudly displaying their NKBA Manhattan/Inspire Award win.
We launched the Inspire Awards in 2024 to recognize “whole home” categories beyond kitchen and bath that inspire our design projects. See last year’s ICFF winners. If you’d like to join our panel of judges—or if you’d like to help organize our program—contact Membership Chair diana@dianamosher.com. This is a great way to be involved with your Manhattan NKBA Chapter!
Pictured below: The NKBA Manhattan Chapter congratulates double Inspire Award winner (“Best of Show” and “Best Accessories/Art”) Leon Speakers for their innovative Art Prints. From left: Hila Sabin, Diana Mosher, Barbara Haberman, Noah Kaplan, Sandra Singh, Felicitas Oefelein, Coco Kanakis, Joann Genova, Sami Kelmendi and Jamie Keele. Photo by Jeff Siegel
Richelieu Invites You
Join Richelieu for an exclusive evening featuring education, networking, with complimentary transportation provided.
Häfele America Co. will host the Construction Education Consortium’s CASSI Certification Class from March 18–20, 2026, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm at its New York City showroom at 20 W. 22nd Street. This 23-hour educational program is designed for designers, contractors, architects, engineers, Realtors, and system integrators who want to deepen their understanding of accessible, livable, and functional home design and construction. The course offers 2.3 CEUs, includes hands-on learning activities, and costs $825 to attend. Registration is available through the Construction Education Consortium website by completing the CASSI training application.
-- Join us March 26 for informative Lunch & Learn --
The current wall oven product lineup is more crowded than ever. Countless features, configurations, and specialty ovens available make what truly works best for a client a much more difficult task.
Wouldn't it be ideal if you could take each option home and play with it for a week? While that may indeed be the best way to understand and speak to its value, obviously it is not physically feasible. So how about we offer you the next best thing!
With all the key players on display on our showroom floor. How about pairing that info with some real-world insight from our company owner, Fred Albano! Plus joining Fred will be our in-house chef, who have both worked extensively on many of these models. Are you ready for some honest real-life perspective, that educates you well beyond spec sheets and marketing claims.
Join us for lunch and a nice break in the day on Thursday, March 26. For an engaging and informative session where you will walk away with a clear understanding of today’s leading wall oven brands. Bringing features and functions down to a personal level. Be much better armed to walk your clients through the many choices within your design concept. Which leads to design and function blending together in harmony.
The Thermador Freedom® Induction Cooktop rethinks how a cooking surface functions within the kitchen, offering flexibility without compromising control. With the largest fully usable induction surface in its class on the 36-inch model, the cooktop becomes an open canvas, allowing up to six pots to heat anywhere on the surface.
MoveMode® transfers power as cookware moves, while MyZone® senses position and adjusts temperature automatically for uninterrupted cooking. PowerBoost® delivers up to 50% more power for rapid heat-up, streamlining prep. TeppanyakiPro® introduces dual heat zones for searing and resting, supporting both everyday meals and more experimental cooking. Smart connectivity allows settings to be monitored and adjusted with ease. The smooth glass surface wipes clean effortlessly, minimizing upkeep. Available in 30- and 36-inch sizes, with surface-mount or flush installation options, the Freedom Induction Cooktop integrates seamlessly into a range of kitchen designs.
Richelieu's Atipica collection won silver in the Best of KBIS Style Statement category for kitchen. Derived from the Italian word for “atypical,” Atipica is a designer collection defined by eccentric geometric shapes and waffle textures. Driven by a passion for originality, their goal was to create bold designs that define the character to all spaces they inhabit.
Richelieu's Verti 840 system took home gold in the Best of KBIS Wellness Trailblazer category. The system features shelves that move smoothly and silently to bring everything within reach. More than a mechanism, the Verti 840 removes physical barriers, promotes independence, and makes everyday life easier— all without compromising on style or functionality.
Native Trails Adds New Artisanally-Made Workstation Sink Collection
At KBIS, Native Trails debuted Concierge, a collection of ten kitchen sinks that reimagine what a workstation can be. The design features a gently angled ledge—an artful plane where form meets function—subtly pitched to rinse clean while holding a curated set of custom accessories. A solid, FSC-certified walnut cutting board, drying rack, and colander rest securely in place, finished in Stainless Steel, Gunmetal, or Champagne Bronze. Concierge is thoughtfully designed and artisan crafted across a rich range of materials and finishes, including Italian fireclay, NativeStone® concrete, and hand-hammered copper and nickel, which elevate the everyday rituals of the kitchen. While each material carries its own heritage, every design shares a singular intention: functionality that remains utterly alluring, whether fully outfitted with accessories or left perfectly pared back.
Mid-Century Spirit. Modern Presence. Hastings' Fifties Collection
The Narciso Pedestal Sink from Hastings’ Fifties Collection reinterprets mid-century glamour through a contemporary lens. Its sculptural glass exterior, offered in a range of luminous finishes, creates depth and visual intrigue, while the matte white solid surface interior delivers durability and everyday performance. Resting gracefully on a refined pedestal base, Narciso balances transparency and substance, nostalgia and modernity. The collection draws inspiration from the optimism and elegance of the 1950s, resulting in a statement piece that feels both timeless and distinctive, bringing warmth, personality, and architectural presence to the modern bath. See the entire collection in the Hastings Bath Collection showroom in the A&D building and linked here.
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.
