This month, our team attended the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas. As North America’s largest kitchen and bath trade show, KBIS featured over 700 exhibitors showcasing the latest trends, products, and technologies. Meanwhile, IBS, the premier event for residential construction, brought together 1,400+ manufacturers and suppliers, highlighting cutting-edge innovations in homebuilding and remodeling. Both events unite industry professionals from NAHB and NKBA to explore the future of design and construction.
Our goal in attending was to stay at the forefront of industry advancements and incorporate the latest innovations into our client projects. Since kitchen and bath design are two of the most in-demand areas we work on for both residential and commercial clients, experiencing these new developments firsthand allows us to assess new materials, products, and solutions.
Wellness-focused Design
Wellness and Spa-Like Features emerged as a dominant trend at KBIS 2025. Homeowners are seeking to turn bathrooms and even kitchens into soothing retreats that support self-care, health and relaxation.
Kohler’s showcase exemplified this trend, emphasizing at-home wellness innovations: they highlighted new spa baths and even a collaboration on an ice bath, reflecting the growing desire for hydrotherapy and recovery features in home bathrooms.
Steam showers, saunas, and multi-sensory bathing experiences (integrating steam, light, aroma and sound) are now center stage, delivering luxury wellness rituals at home.
Sustainable Materials and Nature-Inspired Design
Sustainability is no longer an afterthought – it’s at the core of kitchen and bath innovation in 2025. Many company exhibits emphasized eco-friendly design choices that save water, conserve energy, and incorporate natural materials.
Quartz manufacturer Cambria noted growing interest in designs that mimic natural stone but offer a greener profile – one of their new dark quartz patterns, for instance, aligns with the “market trend for darker, textured surfaces” while using durable, long-lasting materials.
Wood tones and organic textures are very popular – expect more bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood elements bringing warmth and sustainability to designs
The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) 2025 trend report underscored that bringing the outdoors inside is a key trend: 72% of designers said clients want stronger connections to nature, like big windows for natural light and even indoor herb gardens.
Vintage Meets Modern
Rather than ultra-contemporary looks, a lot of kitchen and bath designs are embracing vintage or retro-inspired aesthetics – but updating them with modern conveniences. Think farmhouse sinks, apron-front cabinets, and mid-century lighting shapes.
For example, a retro-style range or refrigerator might have a brightly colored, curvy exterior that evokes the 1950s, yet it hides a smart, Wi-Fi enabled control system inside. By mixing old and new, designers can achieve spaces that feel both fresh and familiar
Enhanced Functionality and Organization
In addition to looking good, kitchens and baths are being designed to work smarter and harder for the people using them. One major theme is optimized storage and organization.
Designers report that nearly 9 in 10 clients prefer pantry storage hidden behind cabinetry or secret doors to maintain a seamless look. Likewise, panel-ready and integrated appliances (think refrigerators or dishwashers that blend into the cabinets) continue to be in demand to keep kitchens looking cohesive and uncluttered.
Sinks themselves are getting smarter in terms of function: workstation sinks were highlighted as a hot item at the show. These are sinks with integrated accessories (cutting boards, colanders, drying racks) that slide into place, transforming the sink into a full prep station.
Industry data shows 83% of designers are seeing growing demand for sinks with built-in prep/serving features. - NKBA Report
Color is Back!
After a long reign of all-white and gray palettes, color is making a major comeback in kitchen and bath design. Many KBIS 2025 displays featured vibrant hues, rich materials, and personalized touches that infuse spaces with character.
At KBIS, exhibitors showcased a vibrant shift towards rich, saturated hues and customized details that allow homeowners to express their unique style. Deep jewel tones like navy, emerald, and plum are making a statement, while soft pastels such as sage green, blush, and powder blue add a fresh yet timeless touch to kitchens and baths.
Mid-century-inspired colors from the 1950s and earthy retro tones from the 1970s are also resurging. KBIS 2025 confirmed that homeowners want spaces that reflect their personality, and color is one of the best ways to achieve that.
Final Thoughts
KBIS 2025 showcased an exciting evolution in kitchen and bath design, proving that personalization, innovation, and functionality are shaping the future of these essential spaces. From the resurgence of bold colors and customized details to smart technology, wellness-focused features, and sustainable materials, this year’s trends reflect a shift toward thoughtful, tailored design that enhances both aesthetics and everyday living.
Homeowners are no longer settling for cookie-cutter spaces—they’re seeking unique, expressive, and highly functional environments that align with their lifestyle and values. Whether embracing colorful statement pieces, eco-friendly innovations, or high-tech solutions, 2025 is all about making the home a true reflection of personal style and modern convenience.
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