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Key Trends & Takeaways from KBIS: What We’re Seeing in Kitchen & Bath Design
Each year the design and construction industry gathers for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)—the largest kitchen and bath trade show in the world. It’s where manufacturers launch their newest products, designers preview emerging styles, and professionals from across the country connect over what’s shaping the future of the industry.
This year’s show delivered exactly what we hoped for: fresh inspiration, innovative technology, and meaningful connections with partners and colleagues across the industry.
Here are some of our biggest takeaways from KBIS this year.
Natural Woods Continue to Dominate:
Walnut, White Oak, and Other Honorable Mentions
Natural materials remain one of the strongest movements in kitchen design, and wood cabinetry continues to lead the way.
Across multiple booths we saw a major emphasis on warmer wood species that bring depth and a natural element into the home. Some of the most prominent included:
- Walnut – Rich, elegant, and increasingly popular in modern kitchens
- Rift or white oak – Clean grain patterns that work beautifully in contemporary spaces
- Natural cherry tones – Warmer and more subtle than the darker stains we’ve seen in the past
- Bonus: Natural wood tones in a reeded or fluted door style
These finishes lean toward lighter stains, matte finishes, and minimal grain masking, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to take center stage.
We of course spent time with our partners at Wellborn Cabinet and Cabinetry by Karman, where we explored some of their newest finishes, door styles, and accessories that continue to push stock and semi-custom cabinetry into more design-forward territory.
Stock Cabinetry Is Becoming More Design-Forward:
Richer Colors, More Sophisticated Door Styles in Stock Cabinetry
One of the most interesting developments we saw is how stock and RTA (ready to assemble) cabinetry lines are evolving.
Historically, these lines focused primarily on affordability and quick availability. Today, many manufacturers are investing heavily in style-forward door profiles, expanded finish options, and integrated accessories.
Trends we noticed include:
- Slim shaker profiles that feel more contemporary
- Textured finishes
- Integrated lighting and storage accessories
- Mixed material cabinetry designs
This evolution is great news for homeowners because it means more design flexibility without moving fully into custom cabinetry pricing.
Bold Color Is Back (And It’s Not Subtle):
It's Not the Avocado Green Appliances ... But We're Interested
If there was one thing impossible to miss on the show floor, it was color.
While neutral kitchens remain timeless, manufacturers are clearly embracing a wave of bold expression through:
Appliances
- Bright reds
- Deep blues
- Matte greens
- Statement ranges and refrigerators
Fixtures
- Colored faucets and hardware
- Mixed metal finishes
- Matte textures
- Wall coverings
- Large-scale wallpapers
- Organic patterns
- Textural materials
These elements are being used as accent pieces that personalize the space without overwhelming it—a bold range paired with neutral cabinetry, for example, or a dramatic wallpaper inside a pantry or beverage station.
Mixed Materials Elevate the Look:
Bronze, Matter Black, and Soft Colors for Metals in Cabinetry
Another standout trend across the show floor was the growing use of mixed materials in cabinetry design.
Rather than relying on a single cabinet finish throughout the kitchen, many designers are layering materials to create contrast, depth, and a more custom feel.
We saw numerous examples of metal-framed glass cabinetry integrated alongside natural wood cabinets, creating a striking balance between warmth and sophistication. Popular combinations included:
- Brass framed glass cabinet doors paired with walnut or white oak cabinetry
- Matte black metal frames surrounding reeded or clear glass inserts
- Display cabinets used as visual focal points within otherwise wood-heavy kitchens
These elements were often used strategically in areas like:
- Upper display cabinets
- Beverage stations or bars
- Hutches and built-ins
- Accent cabinets on islands
The result is a kitchen that feels more layered and architectural, almost like a piece of furniture rather than a row of standard cabinets.
This trend also reflects a broader movement toward blending traditional craftsmanship with modern materials, giving kitchens a more curated and elevated look without sacrificing functionality.
Blues and Greens Still Set the Scene:
Accent Colors on the Island Draw The Eye (Without the Overwhelm)
While bold appliances and fixtures made a splash at KBIS, cabinetry color trends are still being led by greens and blues.
Across multiple manufacturers’ displays, we saw a wide range of green cabinetry tones, confirming that this color continues to be one of the most popular choices in kitchen design. From muted sage and olive tones to deeper forest greens, the versatility of green makes it work across both modern and traditional spaces.
Some of the most common combinations we noticed included:
- Deep green cabinetry paired with brass hardware or accents
- Sage green cabinets combined with natural wood finishes
- Green islands used as a focal point against neutral perimeter cabinetry
Blue cabinetry also continues to hold strong, especially in navy and desaturated blue-gray tones that feel both classic and contemporary.
What makes these colors particularly appealing is how well they pair with many of the other trends we saw at KBIS — natural wood species, mixed materials, and warm metal finishes like brass and bronze.
Rather than feeling trendy or temporary, these colors are being used in ways that feel timeless, layered, and highly livable, which is why we expect them to remain popular in kitchen design for years to come.
Celebrating Growth in Construction Technology:
The Resources That Make It a Revolutionary Time to Be in Construction
Another highlight from the show floor was seeing the continued growth of JobTread, the project management software we use internally.
At KBIS this year, JobTread celebrated a major milestone: 10,000 customers on their platform.
For us, this software plays a critical role in how we manage projects. It helps organize everything from:
- Initial proposals
- Design revisions
- Client approvals
- Change orders
- Communication throughout the project
Having a streamlined system behind the scenes helps ensure every project runs smoothly and transparently for our clients.
The Best Part of KBIS - The People:
A Throwback Photo (We Slacked on Photos with Friends This Year!)
One of the biggest reasons we attend KBIS each year is the opportunity to connect with partners and colleagues from across the industry.
This year we were especially glad to spend time with:
- Our friends from Ferguson in Mt. Juliet
- Several talented local Nashville contractors and builders
These relationships are incredibly important because great projects are always the result of collaboration between designers, builders, suppliers, and installers.
The Future of Design & Building Better Cabinetry
Good Design is Beautiful. Great Design Makes Every Day Life Easier.
KBIS always provides a glimpse into where the kitchen and bath industry is heading.
This year’s show made it clear that the future of design will continue to blend:
- Natural materials
- Bolder personal expression
- Smarter technology
- More design-forward cabinetry options made for real life
We’re excited to bring these ideas back to our projects and continue incorporating the best new products and tools into the designs we create for our clients.
Get Started with a Free Design Consultation
What will you dream up for your kitchen space?
to the Design Studio
Schedule a discovery call with our design team and see if we’re the right fit to bring your cabinetry vision to life.
During your visit to our design offices, you’ll get hands-on with materials, explore styles, and talk through your ideas with our cabinetry experts. Located in Mt. Juliet, TN.
