What Caught My Eye at KBIS 2025
One of the things I enjoy most about attending industry events like KBIS is seeing where kitchen and bath design is headed.
Some products are exciting because they are beautiful. Others are interesting because they solve a very real problem. And every now and then, something does both.
This year, I noticed a few themes that feel especially relevant to the way homeowners are living now: wellness at home, more functional work zones, thoughtful technology, and materials that balance beauty with durability.
Here are a few highlights that caught my eye.
Floating into Tranquility: A High-Design Sauna Experience
One of the products that stood out to me was the Aladdin Sauna by Effe.
The floating appearance created by the mirrored base immediately catches your attention, but what interested me most was how thoughtfully it integrates wellness into the home. The combination of clean lines, anodized aluminum details, and a compact footprint makes it feel more like a piece of architecture than a traditional sauna.
Effortless Prep, Elevated Design
Workstation kitchens continue to rise in popularity, and the TopZero Deluxe Workstation shows us exactly why. Winner of Gold for Style Statement: Kitchen, the TopZero Deluxe Workstation features seamless-edge sinks in 45" and 57" widths. With no ridges or crevices, the design creates a clean, uninterrupted work surface that supports cooking, cleaning, and everyday meal preparation. It's a thoughtful example of how functionality and aesthetics continue to move closer together in kitchen design.
The Evolution of Materials & Technology
Materials and finishes were a standout at KBIS this year, with stunning innovations in cladding for backsplashes, islands, cabinetry, and full wall applications. With technology that beautifully mimics natural materials, today’s options offer the best of both worlds—durability and design consistency without compromise.
Another product that caught my attention was FreePower wireless charging. Keeping a phone charged during KBIS was surprisingly easy thanks to the charging surfaces integrated throughout the show. It's the kind of technology that quietly improves everyday life without demanding attention.
More Than Just Design - It’s About Connection
Beyond the products and innovations, one of the best parts of attending KBIS is reconnecting with industry friends and colleagues who share a deep passion for design. I also had the pleasure of joining more than 100 Kansas City industry friends at "Evening at The Bootlegger" in Las Vegas, hosted by our very own designKC and SVB Wood Floors. It was a fun evening and a great opportunity to reconnect with so many people in the industry.
KBIS is always a whirlwind, but that’s part of what makes it so valuable. It offers a chance to see what’s emerging in the industry, reconnect with design colleagues, and bring fresh ideas back to client projects.
Thanks for following along. If you enjoy thoughtful notes on home, design, and the layers that make a space feel personal, you can subscribe here.
And if you’re ready to talk about your own project, you can Schedule Your Discovery Call Here.
— Amy
