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Last week we spent two full days at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Orlando — the largest kitchen and bath trade show in North America.
Hundreds of vendors. Miles of walking. Seriously sore feet. And completely worth it.
Because while online research is helpful, nothing replaces physically opening drawers, testing appliances, stepping into working Saunas, and speaking directly with the manufacturers behind the products we recommend for our clients’ homes.
Attending KBIS allows us to evaluate new kitchen and bath trends for 2026, strengthen our vendor relationships, and ensure that every luxury kitchen remodel or bath renovation we design is backed by firsthand knowledge — not just a catalog.
Here’s what stood out this year.
High-End Appliances: Beauty Must Meet Function
We began in the appliance area, reviewing new releases from some of the industry’s most recognized brands.
LG
LG introduced several new finishes that are visually stunning, soft matte tones that feel elevated and custom. However, when we tested the refrigerators, the doors didn’t open wide enough to easily remove the produce drawers for cleaning.
That’s a real-life issue.
In a luxury kitchen, form and function must work together. If daily usability is compromised, no finish is beautiful enough to justify it.
GE Appliances – Café Line
GE’s Café collection debuted an updated integrated water dispenser that feels far more refined and intentional.
Small upgrades like this may seem minor, but in a high-end kitchen design, it’s these thoughtful details that elevate the overall experience.
Monogram
Monogram’s booth was beautifully executed, showcasing seamless appliance integration within custom cabinetry.
We design kitchens to feel like furniture, not a lineup of stainless steel boxes. When appliances integrate cleanly into millwork, the entire space feels softer, more architectural, and more luxurious.
True Residential
True Residential continues to impress with commercial-grade quality adapted for residential use. This year, they leaned into outdoor kitchen design with coordinated cabinetry and a fully outfitted BBQ island. Their bold appliance color options were especially exciting. Outdoor living continues to expand in the luxury market and high-performance appliances are becoming a major part of that conversation.
Plumbing & Wellness: The Home as Restoration
We then moved into plumbing, and this is where the conversation becomes bigger than fixtures.
The Kohler booth never disappoints, but this year it felt especially aligned with how we’re thinking about home design.
Yes, there were beautiful artisan sinks and oversized chef sinks with multiple faucet configurations (which we will absolutely be bringing into upcoming projects).
But what really stood out were the fully functioning steam showers and saunas. Not as novelties but as wellness infrastructure.
When you invest in a primary bath with a steam shower or sauna, you’re not just adding a luxury feature, you’re building in daily recovery, better sleep, muscle relaxation, and a true exhale at the end of a long day.
For our clients, busy professionals balancing careers, travel, and family, those morning and evening self-care rituals really matter.
Wellness is no longer a trend. It’s an expectation.
Custom Cabinetry: How We Vet New Cabinet Lines
We are currently sourcing an additional custom cabinetry vendor for our studio, and KBIS allowed us to evaluate options in person. We reviewed dozens of cabinet manufacturers, speaking directly with brand representatives and, in many cases, the company owners.
For our market, cabinetry must meet specific criteria:
- True custom capabilities
- Efficient production timelines
- Materials engineered to withstand humidity
- Durable construction and high quality materials all the way through the product
- A responsive support team
Kitchens are one of the largest investments in a home renovation. Choosing the right cabinet partner is not a quick decision.
It requires research, testing, pricing analysis, and strong industry relationships.
We’ve narrowed our search to four promising lines and will continue due diligence before adding a new vendor to our trusted list.
The Finishing Details That Elevate a Remodel
Beyond the major categories, we sourced:
- New tile collections for kitchen backsplashes and bath installations
- Architectural stair railing systems
- Decorative AC vent covers
- Sculptural lighting collections
These are the elements that make a luxury home feel considered rather than assembled.
They rarely get the spotlight — but they make all the difference.
Why Industry Education Matters
One of the greatest values of attending KBIS is education.
We learn directly from brand representatives about:
- Product updates and innovations
- Installation best practices
- Warranty structures
- Supply chain changes
- Emerging design directions
We also reconnect with respected designer colleagues from across the country. Sharing insights, comparing sourcing strategies, and discussing what’s performing well in different markets sharpens our perspective.
We sit in on classes and talks about best practices for drawing remodel plans to the latest software designed to help us work smarter not harder.
Continuing education ensures we bring our clients the best resources available — not just what’s familiar.
Why We Make the Effort
It would be easier to scroll through digital catalogs.
But there is no substitute for touching materials, opening hardware, testing steam showers, and strengthening the relationships that support our projects.
When we recommend an appliance, specify a steam shower, or introduce a new cabinet line into a luxury kitchen remodel, it’s because we’ve personally vetted it.
Barefoot elegance may feel effortless. But the expertise behind it is intentional.
