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KBIS 2025 - New, Innovative and SO Colorful!
If you’ve never been to the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), you’re missing out. The National Kitchen and Bath Association hosts this extravaganza every year and it is the largest international K&B show in North America. Held in Las Vegas, this year was the biggest show ever! A mix of large, established vendors with million-dollar installations, boutique legacy manufacturers and brand-new innovations, our panelists found acres of inspiration at this year’s show.
During The Marketplace’s Kitchen & Bath Day, we gathered a few experts who had attended the show to share their insights.
What are some general trends you saw?
Kelley: Color, Curves and Customization. Of course, we WANT color options, and KBIS delivered, from tile to cabinetry to plumbing to appliances. Did you know Vent A Hood in Richardson, TX will create a custom hood in one of 250 colors?
Curves were visible in kitchen islands, vanities, backsplashes, hardware, mirrors, and fluted/reeded stone.
There were some exciting customization options on display too. For example, Emtek featured a gentleman fabricating interchangeable custom hardware, from leather wrapped handles to marble escutcheons, to metal caps.
Dan: Colors! Many manufacturers in plumbing, hardware, and appliances are coming out with colors (greens, blues, reds, etc) to incorporate into the design. These styles seemed to be leaning more transitional towards traditional, rather than more contemporary. (Editor’s note: we thought this was interesting, and have noticed a return to some more classical themes and motifs as well).
Bridgette:
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Personalization with permanence – Residential clients are taking bigger design risks, embracing bold colors, textures, and patterns in lasting ways. BlueStar’s 1,000+ appliance color options and Concretti’s vibrant concrete fixtures prove resale value isn’t the priority—it’s about making spaces personal.
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Smart storage – Functionality meets aesthetics. Hettich’s FurnSpin lets you showcase or conceal items effortlessly—great for keeping things stylish while protecting valuables (or hiding messes). Similar pivoting hardware from Nuomi’s shoe rack doubles the storage capacity in the same amount of space. Sugatsune’s lateral opening door system gives a fresh take on an awkward corner cabinet. Even appliance use is being reimagined—Monogram incorporated a warming drawer and refrigerator drawer into the vanity, bringing both convenience and luxury to personal spaces.
Heather: Everyone had a smart toilet!
What was the most innovative thing you saw at the show?
Kelley: NKBA and KBIS have annual competitions and the winners for innovation were: https://www.effe.it/en-us/product/aladdin/
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Collaboration between James Martin Vanities and Cosentino for countertop charger
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Hammerton custom lighting (pick your plate, cable, drop, length, etc.) with pendants under $1K
Dan: Baldwin NEW Level technology in their deadbolts. Hidden technology that allows a regular trim to become an electronic deadbolt.
Bridgette: The Island System Concept by SKS Appliances— a seamless induction cooktop and discreet ventilation + smart storage that disappears into the countertop when not in use. Functional, stylish, and forward-thinking. Still in concept mode, but it was great to see!
Photos courtesy of NKBA Hill Country Chapter
Question: What is a product or service you plan on incorporating into your projects going forward?
Kelley: I’ve already specified some Sicis glass from the show, Electric Mirrors (ask Dan for details, he’s the rep!), Kohler Artisan fittings that I saw at KBIS, about 10 kitchen cabinet inserts from Rev-a-Shelf. Done and done!
Dan: As a rep I’m not doing projects, but here are some things I hope designers will use:
1) Unique pop pieces that are perfect for the space and add an extra depth, color and style to the project. Concrete, Copper, Precious Metals, or unique handmade vanity pieces transform your space into Art, like those from Native Trails.
2) Higher quality hardware pieces that will last a lifetime, with the styles to customize to your space, in the finish you want, and will stand the test of time so you don’t have the headaches in the future. (Editor’s Note: Check out California Faucets and Baldwin Hardware as examples of lifetime luxury.)
3) Lighted mirrors! This is a great way to bring attention and brighten up a space. It is always a designer bathroom when lighted mirrors are added. Be careful of the brand as lighting will go out. Do you have to throw that mirror away and buy another, or can you service the mirror on site and keep it forever?
Bridgette: Canvas. This tech captures a space, converts it into 2D/3D models, and integrates seamlessly with industry software. There are other measuring tools, but none produce outputs as clean and efficient as Canvas. More accuracy, less hassle—I’m in!
What other things would you like to share?
Kelley: Join us next year, February 15-17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida for KBIS 2026 - and be sure to join NKBA so you don’t miss anything! KBIS 3-day show floor pass is free for NKBA members. There are over 75 on site CEUs to choose from for a fee, and they are available for a year. NKBA awards $100,000 in prize money for K&B submissions and awards are presented at KBIS.
Dan: KBIS has sometimes been known as the “Kohler” show and the big corporate brands do a great job of showcasing their products at the show by spending millions of dollars. Keep in mind, this show also is a great jumping off point for new manufacturers and more boutique brands. Make sure you are giving time to the “little guys” and seeing what they have to offer. Don’t skip out on a booth just because they don’t have the millions of dollars behind them. Make this show be a place to learn of new brands and products.
Heather: KBIS is a great experience and I think everyone should attend at least once!
Bridgette: Explore beyond the main showstoppers. The lesser-known exhibitors—even walking through IBS—you’ll find innovative products that can elevate both our designs and our client’s experiences. Seeking out these hidden gems helps us stay ahead as industry leaders.