Recap of the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter “Elevate Tour” at KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas
Last month, we had the incredible opportunity to attend KBIS 2025 in Las Vegas, one of the biggest events in the kitchen and bath industry. Among the many highlights, was the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter “Elevate Tour,” held on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 25 and 26.
This exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience allowed attendees to explore cutting-edge innovations and learn firsthand from our fabulous sponsors. The tour provided a deep dive into how sustainability, technology, health, and wellness are shaping the future of the industry.
It was inspiring to see how each sponsor is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, bringing fresh ideas and solutions that not only enhance design but also contribute to a more sustainable, healthier future.
Attending this event wasn’t just about seeing the latest products, it was an opportunity to connect with peers, gain invaluable insights, and gather inspiration for future projects.
For anyone who didn’t make it this year, KBIS 2025 was truly a source of excitement and inspiration. We can’t wait for what’s next, and we hope to see even more of you at next year’s event- closer to home in Orlando!
Toni Sabatino, Sabatino Style
Trend on the Rise: I think the organic shapes in mirrors, hardware, embellishments and even sinks were noteworthy!
Spotted at the Kohler booth, Spotted at the Cambria booth.
Rose Ott’s favorite KBIS find in the True Residential Booth
Rose Ott, Rose Ott Design
Most Memorable: COLOR! The showfloor was saturated with color drenching (painting everything in the room the same shade) in warm, deep tones of merlot, latte, and sage.
Feeling Inspired By:We have moved away from stark interiors to interiors that are very personalized. There is playfulness and risk taking with pattern and color - appliances in color
Trends on the Rise:Layered details mixing woods with color and metal. Also the feeling of nostalgia - interior elements that evoke a feeling of the past with warm detailed woods, ruched fabrics and sweet wallpaper patterns.
Diana Mosher, Principal Designer, Diana Mosher Associates
Most Memorable: One of the most memorable—and unexpected—moments for me at KBIS 2025 was seeing the Kohler x Arsham: Landshapes collection crafted in collaboration with Daniel Arsham. Daniel works at the intersection of fine art, architecture, performance and film. His avant garde vision for the bathroom shows off his iconic sculptural style. It won't appeal to every design client, but this organic and chunky aesthetic actually mirrors the (surprisingly enduring) Flintstone aesthetic that's been trending in furniture design for several years.
Sharon Sherman, Thyme and Place Design
Trends on the Rise: I think the wellness concept, woven into every aspect of home design, has been amplified with technology. From showers that slowly convert from a standard shower experience to a cold plunge shower to the use of computer-driven fabrication of countertop materials, the face of design is changing. The Free Power system cannot be installed without a computer-driven CNC machine cutting the stone, and the beautiful layered precision-cut floral details, as displayed in the Cambria booth, all need technology to fabricate.
Most Memorable: Beyond the show floor, I was asked to present to students and educators invited to KBIS. I often hear comments about the future of our industry and how technology and AI will be replacing designers. I am happy to share that the future is in great hands. These new technologies are a topic of concern for many of us. For these students, it is commonplace and viewed as a tool, not a threat. Talk to a student; they can teach you a lot.
Barbara Haberman, NKBA Manhattan Secretary
Most Memorable: There was an impressive abundance of color and interesting textures at KBIS and IBS this year offering multiple opportunities to capture the perfect selfie.
Clockwise from top left: Colorful slabs at Concretti and bright bold bathtubs at House of Rohl make a statement. Barbara Haberman stands next to the Sherwin Williams Color Capsule of the Year floral palette wall. Unique Appliances showcases its colorful range of retro fridges. Touchable textures were featured at Cambria's Bloom artistic floral quartz appliques..
Charle-John Cafiero, NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter President
Most Memorable: Richelieu Hardware
The Richelieu hardware booth was buzzing at KBIS this year with the latest distinctive designs in on-trend finishes. This carefully curated collection offers a range of pulls and knobs in contemporary and transitional styles with clean, simple lines and subtle details in a variety of sizes and finishes Click here to relive the memories through their KBIS recap sizzle reel.
Trends on The Rise: Sustainable products, handle-free cabinetry, lighting technology and soft open-close opening systems
Push device opening systems as witnessed with their Best in Show finalists:
NKBA NYC members got a personal tour by Massimo Cosentino. The award-winning “Best of KBIS” (out of 7,000 entries) booth gave the depth and breadth of the Cosentino Brand with their new product releases and latest technology. The FreePower partnership brings wireless recharging to the Cosentino architectural surfaces product line- a winning combination.
Trends on the Rise: Wireless recharging surfaces, sustainable, maintenance-free architectural surfaces.
Path to Sustainability
Massimo guides our members
through the award-winning booth
Previews of the latest stone selections
Most Memorable: Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS), UNCORKED–a special event at KBIS
The Refined Kitchen Where Design Meets the Senses.
NKBA and Designhound members were invited to “Uncorked” and heard the popping of some fine champagne with delicious bites by Chef Nick. Guests were introduced to the brand’s refined aesthetic and steadfast commitment to sophisticated design and advanced innovation, for ‘Technicurean’ home chefs.
Trends on the Rise: Design that appeals to both designers and home chefs: innovations in the luxury appliance market that utilize cutting-edge kitchen technology ensuring a better user experience— built-in cameras with Gourmet AI™ technology and steam functionality for Pro Induction Ranges and ovens; seamlessly integrating the latest cooking and ventilation technologies; and strategic collaborations with top design brands.
Veronika Miller, CEO of Design Hounds, introduced Helen Cho, Marketing Director of SKS & LG Builder, who unveiled the latest in the SKS Brand with panelists: Danny Seo, Naturally’s Editor-in-Chief and Kimberly Keri of Kustom Home Design.
John Russo, SKS, demonstrates the latest SKS brand features.
Most Memorable: Nobila Kitchens
Streamlined, sleek, modern design, Nobila is internationally recognized for its sustainable practices. It supports sustainable forestry and uses recycled materials in its engineered wood. Using state-of-the-art technologies, production waste is used for heat in its production in German facilities.
Trends on the Rise: Tailored colors and design for both the interior and exterior of cabinetry; crossover design for all living spaces; sustainable product materials and manufacturing practices.
A Drawer For A New Era
The exclusive nBOX drawer systems are Nobilia’s newest innovations for custom-designed unit interiors. They look beautiful when open and closed. Perfect for cross-room designs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces, they are available with push-to-open for a handleless design.
Best in Show
We’d be remiss not to applaud our sponsors who won Best in Show awards. Congratulations to Best of KBIS 2025
Cosentino
Award for Best Large Booth at the fair among nearly 700 exhibitors.
Best of KBIS Gold for In Style Statement Bath: for Cosentino's collaboration with James Martin Vanities and FreePower integrated wireless charging.
Best of Show Silver for the Sustainable Standout for Le Chic.
Kohler
Kohler wins Best of Show Booth Design at KBIS for Third Consecutive Year–impressive 15,000 square-foot booth space presented innovative design solutions across its portfolio of brands, including Kohler, Ann Sacks, Kallista, Kast, Klafs, Robern, and Sterling.
Images below: Left: Best Large Booth: Cosentino. Image courtesy of PWP Studio. Right: Kohler.
Springing Forward with Innovation: A Recap of KBIS
Spring is (Almost) in the Air – and So is Innovation!
Hopefully, the tundra has finally bid farewell to the Northeast! With the clocks turned forward, we may have lost an hour of sleep, but we’ve gained an extra hour of daylight—an unofficial sign that spring is on its way. As we gear up for our next quarter of events, we can’t help but reflect on an incredible experience at KBIS 2025 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
For me, trade shows have always been about building relationships—connecting with new and familiar faces in the industry. If the pandemic taught us anything, while online research has its place, nothing beats in-person interaction when doing business.
Why KBIS Stands Out
Let’s be honest—those of us in the heart of the most populated metropolitan area don’t need a trade show to find the latest product lines. Manufacturers are just a subway stop or a short walk away in NYC. But KBIS? It’s different. It’s not just about discovering new products—it’s about the experience. As Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS, Bill Darcy, noted in The Business of Home Magazine (BOH), KBIS sets itself apart by offering a true specification-driven environment where professionals can get hands-on with products in a way that other shows often don’t prioritize.
And wow, have things changed! Gone are the days of simple rows of faucets and appliances. Exhibitors are upping the ante, designing immersive booths that offer experiential environments and a designer-friendly atmosphere. You'd hardly recognize it today if you haven’t attended it in the last few years..
Beyond the networking and design inspiration, KBIS reinforced one major takeaway: Smart tech and sustainability aren’t just trends—they’re the future.
A few standout innovations:
🚀 AI in the Kitchen – The Signature Kitchen Suite’s wall oven uses Gourmet AI to identify food and suggest recipes.
🔋 Charging Countertops—Cosentino, in partnership with FreePower, unveiled architectural surfaces that wirelessly charge devices when placed on the counter.
💡 Smarter Spaces – From Richelieu’s advanced LED lighting to Nobila Kitchen’s seamless push-to-open drawer system, functionality meets sleek aesthetics—all with sustainable product materials.
Across the board, exhibitors showcased cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance home wellness, promote energy conservation, and create more intuitive, tech-integrated spaces. If KBIS 2025 taught us anything, it’s that the future of kitchen and bath design is here—and it’s smarter, sleeker, and more sustainable than ever.
Keep the KBIS Energy Going—Join Us on March 20th!
What were your biggest takeaways from KBIS? We’d love to hear them! Dive into our feature article by the spirited Michele Shen, where she uncovers what some of our members discovered on our chapter’s Elevate KBIS Tour—insights, surprises, and all. But why stop there? Let’s keep the conversation going in person!
Get ready for an immersive evening filled with inspiration, insight, and hands-on experiences. The KBIS Cut will take you on a narrated visual journey through the standout trends, products, and innovations from KBIS 2025, giving you an insider’s look at what’s shaping the future of kitchen and bath design. Our Truth to Materials segment offers a sensory deep dive into the beauty and functionality of precious metals, compact surfaces, and exotic woods, featuring live demonstrations from our event sponsors. Adding to the excitement, we’ll kick off the evening with a surprise keynote speaker who will share expert perspectives on where the industry is headed.
Of course, no industry gathering is complete without great conversation, regional wines, and delicious bites to fuel the creativity. Plus, attendees can win exciting prizes in our raffle and take home exclusive swag. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with peers, gain fresh insights, and experience the latest innovations firsthand.
Plus, read through the newsletter for additional NKBA National and industry events to round out your March calendar.
I invite you to join us in shaping the future of our chapter. Whether through volunteering on a committee or attending our events, there are endless ways to get involved and make a difference. Contact me or Communications@nkbamanhattan.com. Stay connected, stay inspired. We can’t wait to see you on the Spring Equinox at the Cosentino showroom—a perfect time to embrace new ideas, new connections, and new inspiration! 🌿✨
Perhaps you spotted her colorful tiles at the Brooklyn Makers Fair while touring AJ Madison’s showroom during our last NYCxDesign tour. That’s where Charle-John Chifero met the talented Danielle M Chery and introduced her to NKBA. Several celebrities have discovered her work too, including R&B singer Brandy, Kandi Burruss and actress Tabitha Brown, all who have her art gracing their homes. So how did this college journalism major change course and find a whole new world of opportunities?
Danielle, what was your very first job?
At fourteen, I participated in a summer youth program as a video productions assistant. It was really cool, I worked with and managed professional cameras to help produce a student-led show.
You mentioned how a nonprofit helped you determine a career path, how so?
I helped mobilize volunteer artists to beautify community spaces. I was so impressed by their creativity and passion for the arts, it inspired me to take up art as a hobby and eventually led me to form an arts-based business- DMC Original Art.
What were some of the other career stops along your journey?
I’m also a published children’s author, teacher, and have worked with nonprofit organizations for nearly a decade supporting community education programs. As a teaching artist, I work with high school students around the city to explore textile design and teach the basics of entrepreneurship. Students work with fabrics, paints, and other art supplies to create mood boards and art pieces that are then transferred and printed on fabric. It’s great hands-on experience and an introduction to the textile business industry for the students.
One organization in particular I enjoy working with is Sing for Hope. Professional artists paint donated pianos that are then placed in public spaces for community enjoyment. I’ve painted three pianos so far!
Do you ever need donated fabrics, tiles,… or even pianos? Some of our readers might have supplies they would love to donate to a school outreach program.
Materials for the Arts is a great place to drop off donations for creative reuse. AndSing for Hope takes used pianos! They have a place where pianos are collected, stored and painted. Here you cansee and hear one of my painted pianos being beautifully played by renowned composer and pianist, Harold O’Neal. What a nice way to shop in Hudson Yards.
I see you got your BA while studying Journalism at SUNY New Paltz, but sounds like you have had other continuing educational experiences and successes as well.
Always wanting to learn, I graduated from the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women in Business program in June 2024. Two years earlier I was named the Home Goods Business Of the Year by the Buy From A Black Woman organization (BFABW), and won the Brooklyn Public Library PowerUp! Business Plan Competition.
You said you like to hike! How have your “treks” added to your artistic journey?
I love hiking! Much of my inspiration comes from exploring nature and the colors I find along trails in different parts of the world. And I love to travel! I’ve been lucky enough to explore 35 countries across 6 continents, and much of my adventures have been the inspiration behind my artwork. Trips to Mexico, Morocco, and Portugal have influenced my interest in tile design and I’m really excited about the new collection of tiles I launched this year!
Travel is definitely in your DNA and what's that Remote Year program you talked about?
I lived and studied in Australia for about 5 months when I was in college.
I’ve also traveled with a group of 50 strangers through a program called Remote Year. Each month we lived and worked in a different city around the world and enjoyed local experiences. During one of our stops in Thailand, I volunteered to teach English at a refugee camp on the border of Myanmar.
It’s no wonder Danielle’s bucket list includes her dream to design tiles for boutique hotels, airports and restaurants around the world. Certainly a way to continue her love of travel and art! For more, visit her blogto see how she experiments with color.
Danielle relaxes near one of her art pieces.
Here Danielle teaches at a refugee camp in Thailand, just across the border from Myanmar.
Designers work with Danielle to create custom tiles for their kitchen and bath projects.
Standing Room Only
The reviews are in… KBIS and IBS were the Best Vegas Shows in Town last month.
The co-location of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) created the Design & Construction Week (DCW), which brought in over 124,000 Design, Building, and Product Professionals under and outside “one” roof.
This month, the Chapter’s Advocacy and Student Initiative Committee has lined up a fantastic program at the upcoming Career Day with FIT’s High School of Fashion Industries for aspiring designers on Friday, March 21. Rose Ott and Julie Shuster worked with global trend expert Patti Carpenter to enlist NKBA designer Danielle Davis and Sherwin Williams Account Executives Cindy Ramnarine and Morgan Miller. They are slated to educate students on working in the design industry as a career path. A little bit about our presenting designers:
Danielle Davis, Founder of 56th Street Design Studio
56th Street Design Studio is dedicated to creating sophisticated, deeply layered spaces that are both nuanced and timeless. Founder and Principal Designer Danielle Davis is passionate about cultivating meaningful, lasting relationships with her clients and transforming their houses into homes.
Cindy Ramnarine, Sherwin Williams Designer Account Executive
Cindy Ramnarine is Sherwin-Williams’ Designer Account Executive for the Metro NY Area. She has been a part of the Sherwin Williams team since 2014. In her current role she supports the marketing initiatives for the Residential Designer/Architect Community in the Manhattan and Bronx areas.
Morgan Miller, Sherwin Williams Designer Account Executive
Morgan Miller has over 10 years of experience working for the Sherwin-Williams Company. Throughout her career, she has worked in three metropolitan markets. She brings experience in property and project management with an educational background in Sustainability. Morgan is passionate about helping her clients create meaningful spaces with an emphasis on functionality and well-being.
COSENTINO NYSID STUDENT OUTREACH
NYSID Students Introduced to Cosentino and NKBA
New York School of Interior Design (NYSID) recently had a class field trip to the Cosentino City Center showroom in the A&D Building, led by faculty member Pamela Durante. Meghan De Praeter, City Center Manager, led a tour pointing out their different surface materials and the many ways they are used today. After a delicious lunch, Meghan did a demo showing the amazing durable qualities of DEKTON, a carbon-neutral ultra-compact porcelain surface. It was also an opportunity for them to be introduced to NKBA’s member, Maureen Klein, who told them about the opportunities that await them by joining the NKBA organization as a student member. That worked- all attendees signed up on the spot! Welcome Hanna Kerez, Shanxin Zhang, Siya Patel, Regina Galeeva, Ilan Stuyck-Plant, and Monica Bittenbender.
We are excited to see you at our events.
The following NYSID-NKBA student outreach will take place on Wednesday, March 19th at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. Thanks to Cosentino, one of our chapter sponsors for providing this valuable educational event to the students.
NYSID students look at the many samples around the showroom. It was a chance to observe designers in action.
NYSID students with Meghan De Praeter, Cosentino City Manager, second from left and Pamela Durante, NYSID instructor on right.
Meghan demonstrated just how indestructible Dekton is. After scratching it, pouring on nail polish and trying to burn it, the Dekton came through unscathed.
Detail of the brutal action.
IWCE INVITE
An Exclusive Invitation for NKBA Members
Enjoy A FREE IWCE 2025 Hall Pass for NKBA Members
Dear NKBA Member,
The premier event for window-covering professionals will be held in West Palm Beach, Florida from April 14-16. The International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) 2025 will feature over 40 state-of-the-art seminars and workshops addressing all essential elements of managing a successful window treatment business. Alongside the educational sessions, more than 100 exhibitors present the latest window treatment product innovations. Participating in IWCE will enhance your design, finance, and marketing expertise and cultivate a robust network of industry colleagues.
Members canCLICK HERE to register to attend, and a FREE hall pass is available for all NKBA members using coupon code NK25 at checkout! Hurry, this offer is only good until April 13th. View Show GuideHERE.
√ THESE OUT!
TAKE six NKBA Design + Business Webinars in the month of March. Click here to register now.
Students apply for the annual NKBA | KBIS Ellen Cheever Award from March 14 – May 16, 2025, to receive free access to an NKBA Specialty Badge program, the Kitchen & Bath Planning Guidelines, and the Knowledge Base. Click here to apply today!
Celebrate our incredible NKBA Chapters—Manhattan, Texas North Plains, Southern Ohio/Kentucky, Ottawa, and Virginia State—featured in the latest issue of KBB magazine! Read the article here.
Take advantage of KBIS pricing on $99 specialty badges and a $200 discount on CKBD registrations. To sign up, email us at certification@nkba.org.
XTONE by Porcelanosa Unveils New Collection at KBIS 2025
XTONE by Porcelanosa introduces Breccia Imperiale—one of many stunning new large-format porcelain tiles debuting at KBIS 2025. This dark-toned design captures the majesty of quartzite, featuring a deep black background with copper accents and striking white and grey veining for a bold yet elegant look.
Available in 1/4" and 1/2" thicknesses, Breccia Imperiale is ideal for countertops, façades, interior walls, and both indoor and outdoor flooring.
SMEG Announces the Reinvigoration of its Large Appliance Collection, Unveiling New Products Across Every Category
At the 2025 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, SMEG showcased over 50 new appliances, marking the beginning of a multi-year rollout of their updated product line in the U.S. The Italian brand, known for its stylish, high-performance appliances, introduced a range of innovative products, including built-in electric BBQ grills, a redesigned dishwasher collection, and expanded refrigeration options. The new line also includes SMEG's first-ever washer and dryer set, adding a laundry category to their portfolio. With options in various sizes, colors, and configurations, these appliances offer both functionality and customizable design solutions. Highlights include the sleek SMEG Built-In Electric BBQ Grill, which is ideal for indoor and outdoor cooking, and the ultra-quiet dishwashers that feature advanced cleaning technology. SMEG is set to elevate American kitchens with a blend of Italian craftsmanship and modern design.
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Manhattan Showroom undergoing renovation!
We are excited to officially announce that our beloved Manhattan showroom is undergoing a full renovation. The showroom will be temporarily closed during this time; however, we’ll continue to offer in-person and virtual consultations at select dealer locations and manufacturer partner showrooms within the A&D Building. Additionally, we welcome you to visit us at our Roslyn Heights, NY and Pine Brook, NJ showrooms.
Cambria’s #KBIS2025 bathroom vignette, designed by Drew McGukin, highlights two textured quartz designs, three Cambria finishes, and a range of unique applications, blending together to create a luxurious bathroom retreat. What is your favorite detail of this space?
STAY CONNECTED! Get Social with the Manhattan Chapter
VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The Communications Committee seeks a co-newsletter chair or editor for outbound marketing to supply or report on 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.
