There is no shortage of High Point Market recaps at this time of year. Everyone is sharing what they saw, what they loved, and what is trending. Of course, there is value in that. Still, I find myself more interested in the conversations that stay with me after Market ends. The ones that go deeper than a showroom walk-through or a quick reaction to a new launch.

That is exactly what happened when I sat down with Rick Lee at Thayer Coggin during Spring High Point Market.

Designer Conversations: A Talk with Rick Lee + Thayer Coggin

I love the design aesthetic of Thayer Coggin and have deep respect for what this brand contributes to furniture design. Their pieces are bench-made in North Carolina. They are thoughtful, refined and comfortable in a way that never feels forced. In a world that moves too fast, something is reassuring about furniture that does not rush to prove itself.

Yes, I went to the showroom to see what was new and next. I walked out thinking about something much more meaningful. Rick designed the Ooola sectional for Thayer Coggin, and it was making its market debut. If you have not seen it, it is worth a look. It has movement. It has presence. More importantly, it has something many sculptural pieces miss: It makes you want to sit down and stay for a while.

The integrated swivel end chair is wide enough to seat two. The curves feel soft without losing structure. The plinth base gives the piece subtle detail. Rick told me he designed it to make people smile every time they sit down on an Ooola. The moment I sat in it, I understood exactly what he meant. I smiled.

When Comfort and Beauty Work Together

We began by discussing the piece itself, but the conversation moved into something deeper. We talked about where ideas come from and at what point in the creative process, a thought stops being an idea and starts becoming something real. We talked about comfort and beauty, and what it means when both work together.

As designers, we always talk about beauty. We also talk a great deal about function. What interests me most is what happens when neither one has to sacrifice itself for the other. That balance is not easy to achieve. However, when you find it, you know it. That is what I felt sitting in that piece and hearing Rick talk about how it came to life.

Design Begins in Attention

Rick has a calm and thoughtful energy that is rare. He is the kind of creative who makes you slow down without ever asking you to. As a result, you listen more carefully. You think a little more deeply. The conversation stops being only about furniture and starts becoming about perspective.

At one point, we realized we were both wearing unique stones. That shifted the conversation again. We talked about what we carry with us, literally and otherwise. We talked about intention. We talked about the things that keep us grounded while we create, work and move through daily life.

Design does not begin only in a studio or on a showroom floor. Instead, it begins with attention and observation. In the willingness to sit with something long enough to understand it.

That is one of the reasons Thayer Coggin continues to resonate with me. Their contribution to furniture goes beyond silhouette and finish. There is integrity in what they make, combined with confidence in the restraint. They are respectful of the company’s history. There is also an understanding that good design does not need to shout for attention.

This approach speaks to me, especially now, because we are using a great deal of Thayer Coggin furniture. When I specify furnishings for a project, I am not only looking at the lines of a piece or the finish on a frame, but I am also thinking about how that piece will live in the room. I am thinking about comfort, scale, presence and longevity. Most of all, how the piece supports the story of the space and the people living in it.

That is what good furniture and great design should do.

I want to explore that idea on my blog in a new series, “Designer Conversations”, which will focus on the thoughts that shape design more deeply. The posts will explore how ideas begin, grow and change. They will look at the place where form and function meet, and where materials, makers, designers and intention all come together.

Because the best things I learn in this industry rarely come from walking a showroom floor alone.

—Sharon L. Sherman is founder of Thyme & Place Design

The post This is Not a High Point Market Recap appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

Homeowners, like designers, remodelers and builders, take pride in showcasing their project successes. There are innovative ways to boost your business’s visibility while creating meaningful, face-to-face connections within the neighborhood.

Community Connection in Eugene, Oregon

Photo: Courtesy MyOnlineToolbox

One remarkable example comes from Castile Kitchen & Bath in Oregon, where a stunning master bathroom remodel became the centerpiece of something much bigger. While the finished space was nothing short of exceptional, the true success went beyond the build itself. Taking a cue from traditional real estate open houses, Castile hosted a showcase event – but elevated it into an experience. This wasn’t just a quick walkthrough; it was a dynamic, welcoming environment that encouraged conversation, connection, and genuine community engagement.

Set at a homeowner’s residence, the project review came complete with activities, barbecue, and easy conversation on the front lawn. Guests toured the newly remodeled space in small groups, enjoying an up-close look at the design vision and craftsmanship behind the transformation. Guided by the project’s designer, each walkthrough highlighted the material choices and inspiration that brought the space to life. This was far from feeling like just a different version of another showroom tour. The event was warm, personal, and genuinely inviting.

Photo: Courtesy MyOnlineToolbox

Outside, the lawn became a neighborhood gathering place, filled with the aroma of food, laughter in the air, children chasing bubbles and guests moving between yard games. A raffle added a touch of friendly competition, featuring Castile-branded prizes like a sleek Cutco knife. Neighbors connected and exchanged remodeling project ideas, while engaging with the Castile team on a personal level. This kind of networking is far more effective than a typical social media post about a project.

Photo: Courtesy MyOnlineToolbox

Discover the story captured in visuals and video here. It starts with a homeowner willing to share their project and connect with neighbors they may never meet otherwise. Unlike a real estate open house meant to sell, this creates an opportunity for designers and remodelers to build real relationships with potential clients – backed by in-person customer validation.

Celebrating Success, Valuing Relationships

Another exceptional example comes from Mast Builders in Virginia, where so many were brought together for an appreciation event that carried the warmth, energy, and sense of occasion of a wedding – all in the spirit of community connection. For over 35 years, they’ve built and remodeled more than 120 custom homes, always striving for complete client satisfaction and lasting referrals. But their focus goes beyond the work. They genuinely value the relationships built with clients, employees, trade partners and suppliers. Their appreciation event reflects gratitude for the people who have made their success possible.

Photo: Courtesy MyOnlineToolbox

The appreciation event created a welcoming atmosphere from the moment guests arrived, beginning with signing the guest book. Mast Builders views their subcontractors as more than partners; they are essential to the success of every project. The goal was to ensure everyone, from clients to trade partners, felt connected.

Photo: Courtesy MyOnlineToolbox

Mast Builders went back to where it all began, introducing one of their original clients and sharing the stories of continued projects with them over a long time. They also shared how they just finished up on a master suite addition to their home before the appreciation dinner. Whether forging new ties or celebrating long-standing ones, every guest sensed their place in Mast Builders’ success and the heartfelt gratitude that came with it. See more about the event here.

It is these in-person connections that leave a lasting impression – far beyond social media likes, comments or shares. When neighbors come together to celebrate a project or company success, everyone benefits: homeowners enjoy the pride of sharing their space, neighbors discover common ground and local businesses forge meaningful relationships. It’s a reminder that while digital connections are easy, true community connection is built face-to-face, one shared experience at a time.

—By Brian Javeline, president of MyOnlineToolbox, an online marketing education series customized for remodelers, builders and specialty contractors

The post Strengthening Community Connection Through Your Projects appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

However, since my day-to-day at Corner Renovation involves designing for the Direct-to-Consumer space, my focus wasn’t just on the aesthetics. I walked the pavilions looking through a very specific lens: how do we bridge this high-end European design with smart, scalable manufacturability for the US market?

Based on the latest innovations in cabinetry and millwork, I summed up three defining shifts that are paving the way forward for remote design.

1. The Island as the Engineered Heart of the Kitchen

Photo: Agustina Ricci

The kitchen island has officially evolved. It is no longer a simple prototype of a table or a static block of cabinetry. Every island I saw this year at EuroCucina was a multi-functional center crafted to streamline everyday cooking. We are seeing unprecedented levels of utility embedded directly into the cabinetry. I am talking about clever drop-downs situated right in the middle of the island serving as hidden storage, and seamlessly integrated draining boards.

Additionally, central open shelving is being used to offer immediate access to culinary tools while acting as a curated display space, breaking up the monolithic feel of traditional islands. From a design perspective, the brilliance lies in engineering these complex, custom-looking features as modular, repeatable components. However, true design isn’t just about mass replication; it is about knowing how to read the space. The ultimate challenge is contextualizing these modular systems so they feel natively integrated into the unique architecture of each home.

2. Honest Materials: The Charm of Uniqueness vs. Engineered Predictability

Photo: Agustina Ricci

Regarding materiality, we are finally stepping back from shy neutrals. We’re seeing full bold morphologies and vivid expressions. There is a deeply honest approach to how materials are being used, behaving more like pure nature: curves softening rigid lines, heavily veined stones, creatively textured panels and blocks of bright color.

This honesty is redefining how we talk about material variation. Take natural wood veneer, for example: while you can specify the type of cut (rift, tangential, etc.), you cannot dictate the exact tree it comes from. While some might view this as a lack of control or as a risk, I see it as the ultimate luxury. It means that every single kitchen and piece of millwork is an unrepeatable, one-of-a-kind design. The same organic charm applies to the unique veining of natural stones.

However, a successful scalable business must cater to different risk tolerances. For clients who prefer absolute predictability over organic variation, the industry is responding with incredibly sophisticated alternatives. Engineered surfaces like Dekton and pre-composed veneers such as Alpi allow us to deliver that striking European texture with zero surprises, ensuring that what the client sees in the render is exactly what arrives on-site. Ultimately, it’s about offering the choice between natural exclusivity and engineered perfection.

3. Lighting as a Main Character

Photo: Agustina Ricci

Lighting in the kitchen is no longer just an afterthought or a detail; it is a main character. The approach to illumination has shifted from purely task-oriented to highly atmospheric and architectural. Light is now integrated everywhere: glowing from within glass cabinetry, illuminating each time you open a drawer or a door, highlighting the textured facades of islands, and serving as sculptural centerpieces to define the geometry of the space inside and out. For scalable cabinetry, the key takeaway is that lighting must now be treated as a manufactured component, engineered directly into the cabinetry at the factory level to simplify on-site installation.

The Takeaway from EuroCucina

EuroCucina 2026 proved that the future of kitchen design is bold, highly functional and uncompromising in its aesthetics. But at Corner Renovation, we know that a beautiful concept is only half the battle. Remodeling is an inherently stressful process, and when managing a project, the potential for a client to feel overwhelmed or lost is there.

This is where our true role lies. We are not just specifying cabinetry; we are translators. Our job is to take the high-end innovation of Milan and contextualize it for the US homeowner, acting as a trusted guide through every technical detail. Whether we are helping a client embrace the unrepeatable charm of natural wood or providing the safety of engineered predictability, the goal is the same: to make them feel accompanied every step of the way.

By systemizing our millwork and being radically honest about our materials, we don’t just deliver premium kitchens: we eliminate the friction of the remodeling journey.

—Agustina Ricci, Lead Design & Sales at Corner Renovation

The post Bridging EuroCucina in Milan and the US: Three Cabinet Trends Shaping Upcoming Kitchens appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

Above: Great brand events create a shared experience. The International Interior Design Association’s (IIDA NY) annual Color Invasion® offers an immersive escape that facilitates community and human connection in the industry. Photo: Johnny Wolf

The Self-Serve Research Boom & Its Limits

Today’s buyers are increasingly turning to independent research, siting through social media, websites and AI tools to compare products and narrow down their options. This means that potential customers are doing much of the heavy lifting before even engaging in a conversation with a sales representative. It’s never been more important for brands to provide accessible, well-structured product information through intuitive, user-friendly platforms. But the rise of information abundance has also introduced a new challenge: noise. With endless options and inputs, decision fatigue sets in quickly. When everything is available at your fingertips, what actually builds trust?

The Psychology Behind Human Trust

We’ve all had the experience of phoning a customer service line, only to be met with an automated system that routes us in circles without delivering a real solution. In that moment, you’re desperate to reach a real human. You want someone to empathize with how you’re feeling, to reassure you that something is being done, and to find the best solution for you. This is a helpful microcosm for how designers and consumers navigate the marketplace. Human connection and interaction provides clarity, real-time problem solving and emotional confidence in decision-making. For large investments like kitchens and bathrooms, this emotional confidence becomes just as important as product performance. Credibility is human.

The Power of In-Person

Being with other people is naturally energizing. Studies have found that our neural activity and overall engagement are significantly higher during in-person interactions than virtual ones. To deepen relationships and build trust with customers, forging in-person connections is key. Think about walking a trade show floor: the buzz of the environment, the experience of feeling a product, the conversations with strangers. These physical interactions create emotional resonance, shaping both perception and memory. And ultimately, memories are the very best marketing.

So how does a product brand design and deliver an impactful in-person experience? The key is empathy: think deeply about your target client or consumer, and put yourself in their shoes. What type of experience are they seeking? What can you do to make their jobs easier, to make them comfortable, to get them excited? People will always remember how a brand made them feel. Let’s break it down into where and how these moments actually happen.

Tradeshows + Industry Events

The best way to understand a product is to feel it. A Native Trails tradeshow booth invites visitors to get up close and personal with each piece. Photo: Courtesy UpSpring

Tradeshows and industry events can be a massive driver of large-scale visibility and brand positioning, when approached with intention. What works? For one, a high-energy staff presence is critical. Energy is infectious and sets the tone for how attendees perceive and engage with your brand. Second, give people something to do. An interactive product demo or a hands-on activation creates a moment that cuts through the noise and separates you from the folding table with a stack of brochures next door. Most importantly, make people feel welcome and comfortable enough to explore. The more inviting and intuitive the experience, the more likely attendees are to engage, linger and remember your brand after the event ends.

Showrooms

A showroom is a great place to foster more intimate, one-on-one engagements with future customers. In contrast to the excitement of a trade show floor, your showroom can be a backdrop for more intimate product interactions, thoughtful conversations and deeper trust building. Position your showroom as a resource center and a collaborative workspace, where clients can explore, ask questions and work alongside your team to find the right solution.

Hosted Events & Gatherings

Who doesn’t love a good party? From brand activations to curated dinners to informal cocktail hours, hosted events are another way to deepen brand relationships in a relaxed, social setting. Once again, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere is key to driving a sense of belonging and brand loyalty. Through intentional details and thoughtful design, these gatherings become a powerful way to humanize your brand – revealing personality, building familiarity and turning professional connections into lasting relationships.

Panels & Programmings

Our innate human curiosity and desire for learning doesn’t go away when we leave school, but continues evolving and shaping our professional growth. Participating in panels and educational programming position your brand as a thought leader, while satisfying the industry’s desire for ongoing education. Keep in mind that not all panels carry the same weight. Most likely, you can remember the ones you’ve attended that truly stood out to you – they were the ones that sparked real dialogue, challenged assumptions and fostered an exciting exchange of ideas.

Focus Groups

The focus group is the unsung hero of brand building. While digital surveys have their place in a world of convenience, the in-person focus group provides an unmatched opportunity for direct, real-time feedback from your ideal customers. Compared to an online form, these sessions provide unfiltered, immediate reactions, which lead to deeper, more nuanced insights, and ultimately more collaborative problem solving between brands and their audiences.

Measuring ROI + Extending the Experience

How do you begin to measure the ROI of something as intangible as an in-person experience? Remember that the event is just the starting point, and the real value lies in the follow-up. How are you nurturing the relationships you created on the trade show floor? Show that you remembered a detail from a conversation by referencing a specific need or acknowledging a shared moment. This is what turns a brief interaction into a lasting relationship. The value of in-person engagement is not captured at the event itself, but in the depth of the relationships it leaves behind.

Technology is the Gateway to Human Connection

The design industry should be fully embracing AI search and digital discovery. Use these tools to attract attention, streamline access to information and educate early-stage buyers. But remember that while technology is shaping discovery, conversion happens through human connection. In a complex, tech-driven landscape, the brands that invest in people are the ones that win.

—Cody Latour, associate vice president, UpSpring

The post In a Digital-First World, Human Connection Still Closes the Sale appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

Consumers are moving away from temporary products and investing in permanent systems that add measurable value, operate efficiently, and enhance daily living.

Storage as an Investment

More property owners are evaluating return on investment during renovation. Custom solutions consistently perform well because they improve functionality and elevate perceived home value. This isn’t solely about resale; it’s about creating something enduring.

A closet is one of the most frequently used spaces in the home. When thoughtfully planned, it delivers more than containment. A well-executed layout promotes order, improves workflow, and supports a streamlined routine. Instead of navigating clutter, homeowners move through their day with clarity and efficiency.

By contrast, off-the-shelf options often introduce inefficiencies. They’re rarely tailored to wardrobe habits, spatial limitations, or ergonomic standards. The result is constant reorganizing, monthly or even weekly, which wastes time and underscores the shortcomings of temporary fixes. Purpose-built systems resolve that issue by integrating layout, personalized spatial needs and individualized preferences from the beginning.

The Design Mistakes That Limit Performance

Image courtesy Inspired Closets

As demand increases for more storage solutions, performance ultimately depends on disciplined planning. Most failures are not product-related; they stem from spatial miscalculations.

Corner execution is a common issue. Without strategic planning, these areas become dead zones or points of congestion. The corner requires a design that maximizes functionality while ensuring easy accessibility. Vertical allocation is another frequent oversight. Shoes positioned beneath hanging garments reduce visibility and airflow. Drawer stacks installed too high may increase capacity numerically, but they ignore comfort and long-term usability. Maximizing height should never compromise access.

High-performing closets are designed around measurable criteria, reach zones, circulation and clear visibility, not simply linear footage. Successful layouts balance hanging, shelving and drawer placement with real-world behavior. If items cannot be easily seen and accessed, the system is underperforming.

Designing for Longevity

Homeowners want solutions that function today and adapt over time. That requires flexibility, efficiency and thoughtful planning.

When executed properly, a well-designed closet does more than organize – it elevates daily life and strengthens overall home value. That is why more consumers are choosing permanent, purpose-built systems engineered to endure.

—Michael Carson is the owner of Inspired Closets Chicago. He played a key role in establishing the organization that is now known as the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals (ACSP)

The post Why Homeowners Are Investing in Permanent, Purpose-Built Storage appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

I must give credit where credit is due. I have an in-house marketing team that produces all our videos and social media content. We didn’t have much of an online presence pre-Covid, but once in-person contact was not possible, they quickly shifted their efforts to digital media and have done a tremendous job in growing our online presence through video marketing.

Making content for a business that serves high-end clientele isn’t as easy as shooting things on your phone and posting as you go. “It takes a lot of planning, a deep understanding of your audience, one’s brand, and current trends in the luxury residential market,” said Karla Rodriguez, Marketing Director of HartmanBaldwin. “Like everyone else during the pandemic, we worked fast to find ways to stay connected to our audiences and clients. We started simply by recording design webinars on zoom and posting them with little editing to our YouTube channel.”

Image: HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Quite often business owners make the mistake of cutting marketing budgets or staff during economic uncertainty; this is not something we have done even during the toughest downturns. Instead we continue to bet on our trusted marketing team. We’ve been in business for 42 years and they are an integral part of our growth strategy.

Digital media evolves quickly and waits for no one. It became clear simple videos were not going to be enough. The team quickly saw the need to create more compelling content and with a higher production value. “We began by creating virtual experiences, wherever we could, converting a lot of our in-person events into a virtual experience via video,” recalled Rodriguez, “On-demand viewing became more of an opportunity for us to provide a well-branded peek into our work and our design/build process.” With each new video, the bar for production quality rose. For our video marketing, we invested in more compelling content, sharper visuals and a more intentional approach to storytelling that reflected the caliber of work we do.

Image: HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

At the heart of that strategy, there is a deep respect for the audience. Homeowners embarking on a luxury custom build or whole-home remodel are making one of the most significant investments of their lives, and they’re looking for guidance, clarity and reassurance. The HartmanBaldwin team delivers all three through content that goes beyond the surface: educational webinars with our team members as panelists, impressive before-and-after transformations, 3D renderings coming to life on screen and project spotlights where our architects take viewers behind the scenes of their work.

Adding Special Effects

The quality of the visuals is everything, especially for a design/build firm. We use both professional photography and footage from site visits, along with architectural drawings from our architects and interior designers, that comprise a curated collection of images that reinforce the quality of our brand. With that approach, effects are kept purposeful rather than flashy.

“When it comes to effects, we choose to include subtle motion on static images to add dimension. The music selection also leans toward modern and contemporary tracks to suggest sophistication without competing with the narration,” explains Danielle Doster, Senior Graphic Designer at HartmanBaldwin. “For Reels and Shorts especially, pacing is everything and the first three seconds are crucial at grabbing a viewer’s attention. Because of this, we edit videos to hold attention at a pace that feels dynamic but never rushed.”

Image: HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Production, however, is only half the equation. HartmanBaldwin’s marketing strategy is built around meeting homeowners at every stage of their decision journey. “Our YouTube content is longer educational content such as project spotlights, process breakdowns, and recorded webinars, where search intent works in our favor,” explained Cristina Ramos, Marketing Coordinator at HartmanBaldwin. “Instagram Reels drive awareness and brand recognition among an engaged audience, while also reaching viewers who may not yet be searching for a builder but are beginning to imagine the possibilities in their own homes.”

Across every platform, the visual identity and voice remain consistent. Whether someone discovers HartmanBaldwin through a ten-second Reel or a forty-minute webinar, the experience feels unmistakably the same: professional, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

—Bill Baldwin is CEO and principal of HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

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One of the most rewarding, and nuanced, aspects of interior design is helping clients uncover their personal style. Most arrive with a handful of inspiration images, a wish list of functional fixes or a Pinterest board that swings wildly from one aesthetic to another. Our job isn’t just to interpret those visuals – it’s to turn them into a story that actually feels like them!

Start With How They Live, Not Just What They Like

Style isn’t about slapping a label on a home, like modern, traditional or eclectic. It’s about what makes someone feel at ease and inspired in their space. That feeling becomes the foundation for every design choice that follows.

When a client says they love minimalism, what they often mean is they love calm and order. When they say cozy, that could mean they’re craving warmth, texture and memory. Asking how they actually use their home and how they want to feel in their space reveals far more than adjectives ever could. I like to start with the basics, like…
● Where do they spend their mornings?
● How do they unwind at night?
● Which space just isn’t working and how could it improve?

The answers uncover what they value, how they want to feel and what their home needs to support that life – sometimes in ways they didn’t even realize.

Create Visual Conversations

Mood boards and inspiration decks are a must, but the magic happens when clients react. I love showing contrasting spaces, like a bold, eclectic living room with statement pieces versus a neutral, layered room full of soft textures and asking, “What draws you in? What pushes you away?”

The words they use – cozy, tailored, vintage, whimsical, clean, etc. – reveal a lot about what they’re drawn to and why. They also highlight little contradictions, like a client might love a sculptural chair but confess they’d never actually sit in it. Spotting these moments early helps bridge the gap between aspiration and reality, resulting in a space that’s not only beautiful but genuinely livable.

Edit, Then Refine

Once patterns emerge, refinement is key! Clients often drift toward trends because they look pretty, not because they truly fit their life. When helping clients, our job is to separate fleeting inspiration from what genuinely resonates.

I like to define a project’s “north star” – a phrase that captures its essence. For example: refined warmth for a family that entertains. Every choice (color, material, furniture piece, etc.) is measured against that north star. Think of it as a compass to guide each design decision.

Balance Intuition With Structure

Design is a dance between listening and guiding. Early on, listening builds trust, and later, gentle direction builds confidence. When a client hesitates, I like to remind them that we’re not trying to replicate a magazine spread, we’re creating a home that reflects them.

Presenting curated options (like two three schemes that vary in mood and palette but stay true to the project’s essence) gives clients the space to make confident, empowered choices without feeling overwhelmed. Their style becomes tangible, and it helps us design a finished space that is uniquely theirs and speaks to their own personal style.

Celebrate Evolution

Style isn’t static. As clients’ lives change, their homes should, too! Setting that expectation upfront allows room for growth and experimentation. A well-designed home should feel cohesive but never frozen in time. It’s always evolving… just like us!

When we see interior design as a journey of self-discovery rather than just furnishing a space, we do more than create beautiful spaces. We help clients uncover who they are and how they want to live. Great design isn’t just seen – it’s felt. Every home we create reflects the life happening inside it, and there’s nothing more inspiring than watching it come alive.

—Amy Courtney is founder of Fairfield, Conn.-based Amy Courtney Design

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In many homes, the staircase is a dominant architectural feature, yet what sits below it is frequently treated as dead space or left unfinished. From my experience, that area can be one of the most effective and versatile storage opportunities available. With the right approach, under-stairs storage can completely change how a home functions, without the need for costly extensions or major renovations.

Interest in this type of storage has grown significantly in recent years. We’ve seen a sharp increase in homeowners actively searching for built-in under-stairs storage solutions, such as in the United States, where certain related search terms have risen dramatically since 2021. That includes ‘bespoke under stairs storage’ which has seen a 200% YoY increase, while searches for ‘under stairs cupboard storage ideas’, ‘custom under stairs storage’ and ‘built in under stairs storage’ have all shot up by 100%. That tells me people are beginning to recognize the potential that’s been hiding in plain sight.

A Tailored Storage Solution That Fits Any Home

Image: Lycee – adobe.stock

One of the biggest advantages of under-stairs storage is that it’s never a one-size-fits-all solution. Every staircase has its own angles, depths and limitations, which means off-the-shelf furniture rarely works well in these spaces. Custom-built designs, on the other hand, are designed to work with the natural shape of the stairs. Whether it’s pull-out drawers, fitted cabinets, shoe racks or shelves, a cleaning closet or even a discreet home office setup, the design can be tailored to suit both the home and the homeowner’s lifestyle.

At Drumm Carpentry, Kitchens & Wardrobes, we’ve seen growing demand for these made-to-measure installations, particularly from homeowners trying to streamline busy entryways and make better use of every square foot. People are often surprised by how much storage can be created in what they once considered an awkward or unusable area.

A Cost-Effective Upgrade with Big Impact

There’s a common misconception that custom storage automatically comes with a high price tag. In reality, under-stairs storage is often a relatively affordable upgrade, especially when compared to larger remodeling projects. Modern build techniques allow us to deliver high-quality finishes that look seamless and intentional, while still offering long-term durability and practicality.

Beyond the functional benefits, well-designed under-stairs storage can significantly improve the look and feel of a home. Clean paneling, soft-close drawers, and integrated cabinetry can elevate a hallway or living space, creating a sense of order and flow. Over time, homeowners benefit not just from better organization, but from reclaiming space that would otherwise go unused.

As families juggle busier schedules and growing storage needs, I believe under-stairs solutions will continue to play a key role in how homes are designed and adapted. When done properly, this overlooked space becomes one of the hardest-working areas in the house, proving that sometimes the smartest upgrades are already built into the home itself.

—Darren Drumm is founder of Drumm Carpentry, Kitchens & Wardrobes

The post Why Under-Stairs Storage Is the Smartest Space-Saving Upgrade of 2026 appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

It sounds simple because paint feels like the easiest place to start. It’s fairly inexpensive, can really transform a room and there are thousands of options.

But the truth is paint color should almost never be your first design decision. In fact, choosing a paint color too early is one of the quickest ways to create a space that feels “off”, unfinished or harder to pull together than it needs to be.

Photo: Emily Followill Photography

Paint is the simplest way to change the look and feel of a room

It is one of the last decisions we make in a space. The main reason is that it’s way simpler to tweak, which isn’t the case for furniture, art and rugs.

When you choose paint first, you’re locking the entire design into a decision where no other elements have been chosen.

The Big Mistake: Designing Around Paint Instead of the Room

A room is more than the wall color. It’s a collection of many things working together: For example, furniture, upholstery, art, rugs, fabrics, wood tones, finishes, natural and artificial lighting and architectural details. Paint should be an accent to these, not the primary focus.

Lighting changes everything, especially paint.

Paint color shifts throughout the day based on:

Natural light direction – colors look different in morning, noon and night.
Window size and placement – bigger windows or a different direction change how much light gets in.
Artificial lighting temperature – warm or cool light bulbs totally change the vibe after dark.
Ceiling height and wall texture – this affects how light bounces around the room.

Photo: Sea Star Arts Photography

What should come first instead?

1. Furniture & Key Pieces

Large pieces – sofas, case goods and dining tables carry the most visual weight. Their scale, color and material should guide wall color, not the other way around.

2. Art, Rugs & Textiles

Art and rugs generally contain multiple colors which help tie the room’s color scheme together.

3. Fixed Finishes

Cabinetry, flooring, tile, stone and countertops are much harder (and more expensive) to change. Paint color should be picked to complement these finishes and not compete with them.

Photo: Lauren Rubinstein Photography

How Designers Actually Choose Paint

Professionally, paint is chosen after the design direction is clear. We look at:

Undertones in fabrics and finishes
Light levels at different times of day
The mood we’re trying to create – calm, spacious, elegant or cozy, just to name a few. Once we know the vibe, we can choose the right colors that work in the room.

The Takeaway

When you start with the right pieces, finishes and layout, paint becomes easy. When you start with paint, everything else becomes harder.

If you’re feeling stuck choosing a color, it may be a sign that the room needs a clearer overall plan, not more paint samples.

—Joann Kandrac is co-founder of Kandrac & Kole Interior Design, which has offices in Atlanta and Charleston, S.C.

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Over time, the demands of residential wellness have intensified. Homeowners increasingly expect bathrooms to provide not only functional utility, but also emotional and physical restoration – a space where they can decompress, practice self-care and enjoy a spa-like experience without leaving the home. Trend reporting continues to show spa-like design dominating bathroom planning into 2025 and beyond, with wellness-driven features ranking high among both designers and clients. The modern bath is no longer an afterthought; it is a sanctuary.

In response, manufacturers are rethinking hydrotherapy from the inside out. Rather than allowing mechanical systems to dictate the form of the tub, newer designs fully integrate technical components within the bath’s structure. Jets, pumps, plumbing and controls are increasingly concealed, enabling uninterrupted silhouettes and far greater flexibility in how tubs are placed within a space. The result is what many designers now describe as “invisible design” – where performance exists without visual intrusion.

Invisible Design Explained

The technical challenges of concealment – like maintaining reliable water pressure, optimizing jet performance for therapeutic effect, and ensuring access for service – are being addressed with precision. Advanced engineering now allows for systems that deliver powerful hydrotherapy through discretely placed jets, pressure-balanced pumps and smart control interfaces that can be tucked away or seamlessly integrated into the bathroom’s architecture. Designers point to this evolution as a reason why hydrotherapy can now be both highly effective and visually minimal.

Architects and designers are prioritizing these concealed systems because they align with a broader philosophy of wellness-centered, minimalist design. Clean, uncluttered lines create a sense of calm that supports relaxation, while hidden systems allow designers to place tubs more flexibly and harmoniously within the room. This is particularly important as bathrooms increasingly become envisioned as personal sanctuaries rather than purely functional spaces. Design trend reports emphasize that wellness – including features like steam showers, deep soaking tubs and integrated hydrotherapy – remains a top priority in modern bathroom design.

Beyond aesthetics, concealed systems enhance the overall user experience. Homeowners benefit from intuitive operation, simplified maintenance access, and the seamless integration of hydrotherapy without the visual complexity of traditional components. Designers, in turn, gain greater freedom to explore custom layouts, integrated seating, and cohesive material palettes that would be difficult to achieve with conventional visible systems.

Looking ahead, the implications for spa-level residential bath design are significant. As technology becomes more compact and intelligent, concealed systems open new possibilities for experimentation in form, materials, and personalization. Integrated hydrotherapy may increasingly coexist with features such as chromotherapy lighting, aromatherapy delivery, ergonomic seating and app-enabled controls – bringing professional-grade wellness experiences into residential environments of all sizes.

Ultimately, the move toward invisible hydrotherapy represents a meaningful evolution in bath design. By addressing longstanding technical limitations while meeting the aesthetic priorities of today’s designers and homeowners, these systems are redefining what luxury baths can be. As the industry continues to prioritize wellness, efficiency and seamless integration, the future of the bathroom lies in technology that performs powerfully – while remaining almost entirely out of sight.

—Ashley Steinhardt, VP of sales, Hydro Systems

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If you are unfamiliar with this building, it’s more than an architectural landmark. Parts of it, including the historic Westminster Hall, date back to 1097. The 14th-century hammer beam roof has witnessed everything from state trials to coronation banquets. It’s a space layered with centuries of national decision-making.

Barack Obama famously addressed both Houses of Parliament here in 2011, being the first US President ever granted the honour of speaking in this medieval hall. And yet, on this particular afternoon, it was hosting a celebration and a conversation, which at its roots was about kitchen and bathroom installation.

For someone who’s spent half a lifetime on the tools, the significance of that location was not lost. Whether you’re a carpenter, an installer, a plumber or an electrician, it’s easy to forget how much your work underpins the economy. Standing on the other side of those gates, in a space usually reserved for national decisions, it was impossible not to feel that skilled trades matter. This event was a good reminder of that truth.

This special afternoon marked two decades since BIFIS was established. For those outside the UK market, BIFIS was founded to professionalize and raise installation standards within the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry. Its early focus centred around accreditation, standards, dispute resolution, and recognition of installation as a specialist trade.

What became clear during the anniversary event was just how personal and uncertain the Institute’s beginnings actually were. I don’t think I anticipated the origin story, told from three perspectives, by Member of Parliament Calvin Bailey MBE, industry veteran Billy Quinn, and BIFIS CEO Damian Walters. That three-angled account provided real context that I hadn’t fully appreciated before.

The early beginnings reminded those in the room that institutions often begin with frustration before they gain any kind of structure. Following mounting concerns around inconsistent installation standards and a lack of formal representation for installers, what began as a conversation among a few industry professionals quickly became one man’s determination to build something more permanent.

Like all great ideas, Damian Walters, the founder, CEO and driving force behind BIFIS, shared that he conceived the idea while sitting in the bath. Two decades later, that idea and his drive have translated into sustained membership engagement, industry-wide partnerships and an ongoing advocacy for higher standards within the industry.

Hearing that journey set out retrospectively was quite powerful for me. I have been part of the Institute for many years and have supported its mission because I believed installation deserved a stronger voice and clearer standards. In that room, listening to how and why it had formed, it merely reinforced my decision to join all those years ago.

The fitted interiors sector is not immune to turbulence, and over the past two decades, businesses have been forced to navigate economic crashes, ever-changing consumer patterns, supply chain volatility and a global pandemic. Survival in that environment is not an accident. It requires discipline and a willingness to evolve. The Institute has done exactly that.

It has rebranded. It has refined its position. It has reassessed how it serves its members. It has acknowledged that the conditions of 2006 are not the conditions of 2026, and that what built credibility in those early years is not necessarily what will secure influence in the decade ahead. There’s a phrase that has always stuck with me – “what got you here won’t get you there” – and institutions, like the businesses they represent, cannot afford to stop thinking ahead and adjusting to reality.

Planning is positioning, not a prediction.

For readers in North America, particularly those connected to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the parallels are obvious. The installation conversation is no longer secondary. It is central to workforce development discussions, certification structures and industry credibility. Shared conversations between the UK and North American trade bodies are increasingly valuable because the challenges they face are remarkably similar.

Development of standards, training frameworks and professional recognition benefit from cross-market learning and installation is one of the few sectors where international collaboration can genuinely elevate outcomes without creating any level of competitive friction.

We may operate in different regulatory environments, but the real challenges of attracting new people into the trades, raising standards and supporting installers are remarkably similar.

As I left Parliament late that afternoon and stepped back onto the streets of London, I felt reassured. Confident. Confident that the Institute is not standing still and that it understands evolution is continuous. Confident that installation, as a profession, is increasingly comfortable claiming its rightful place alongside manufacturing and retail rather than behind them.

Twenty years ago, an idea formed in an unexpected place has weathered recessions, structural change and global disruption – and it is still adjusting its course.

I think that’s worth celebrating.

But more than celebration, it is worth supporting. Because the fitted interiors industry does not just need history. It needs institutions prepared to shape what comes next.

And judging by what I witnessed in Westminster, the future of installation is being taken seriously.

—Mark Conacher is CEO of KBB Momentum, a consultancy serving kitchen and bath installation businesses and retailers

The post Installation, Parliament and a 20-Year Celebration appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Business.

This is not a story of struggle or victimhood but one of sincere gratitude. My career exists because of the people who opened doors for me, recognized talent and grit and allowed me to show up fully. Yet, even today, the challenge persists. I still find myself adamantly advocating for inclusion, urging those with platforms to welcome and extend the red carpet to the Hispanic community. Why resist engaging a talented, willing and untapped market ready to support and contribute?

Building Visibility, One Story at a Time

Three years ago, when networks passed on our project, we took the story to YouTube. Slowly, one subscriber at a time, we worked hard to shine a light on the men and women whose hands bring my creative visions to life. Every transformation, every dream realized, every home built is the result of their craft, engineering and brilliance. They make me look good, and through this platform, their stories, the true storytellers behind the work, could finally be seen and heard.

Representation matters. It is about visibility, acknowledgment, respect and a seat at the table. Industries like construction, manufacturing, agriculture and hospitality rely on a diverse workforce, and primarily, a Hispanic workforce. If we cannot welcome, educate, stabilize and empower these workers, we cannot grow, meet demand or honor those who have always built America.

The Workforce That Keeps America Standing

Picture a housing surge, buyers flooding the market and an industry already in labor crisis. Who will build these homes? The answer is clear: the Hispanic workforce. And yet, their stories, their journeys and their contributions remain invisible and unrecognized too often. Sharing who they are, where they come from and the gratitude they carry for opportunity is essential.

Our industry must do more. We must educate, include and elevate. These are not just workers, they are humans, families, dreamers and builders. They are the hands, hearts and brilliance behind every space we inhabit. They have built and continue to build America. This is their story, and it will be my privilege and honor to continue to tell it, proudly, and to persistently insist that our workforce is welcomed, included and recognized.

—Rosa Santiago Zimmerman is founder of RSZ Design + Development and Build with Rosa @buildwithrosa

El Poder Latino: La Columna Silenciosa del Sitio de Construcción Americano

Durante 28 años, he recorrido sitios de construcción, estudios de diseño y salas de juntas, y he aprendido algo fundamental: La historia de la construcción de América está incompleta sin la fuerza laboral hispana. Nuestros obreros, contratistas y artesanos son la columna silenciosa de cada proyecto. Su habilidad, ingenio, destreza y dedicación convierten visiones en realidad y hacen posibles los espacios en los que vivimos, trabajamos y disfrutamos.

Esta no es una historia de lucha ni de victimización sino de gratitud sincera. Mi carrera existe gracias a las personas que me abrieron puertas, reconocieron talento y determinación y me permitieron mostrarme plenamente. Sin embargo, el desafío sigue presente. Aún hoy me encuentro defendiendo con firmeza la inclusión instando a quienes tienen plataformas a dar la bienvenida y extender la alfombra roja a la comunidad hispana. ¿Por qué resistirse a involucrar a un mercado talentoso, dispuesto y sin explotar listo para contribuir y apoyar?

Construyendo Visibilidad, Una Historia a la Vez

Hace tres años, cuando las cadenas de televisión rechazaron nuestro proyecto, llevamos nuestra historia a YouTube. Poco a poco, un suscriptor a la vez, trabajamos para dar visibilidad a los hombres y mujeres cuyas manos hacen realidad mis ideas creativas. Cada transformación, cada sueño hecho realidad, cada hogar construido es fruto de su talento, ingeniería y brillantez. Ellos me hacen lucir bien, y a través de esta plataforma, sus historias, los verdaderos narradores detrás del trabajo, pudieron finalmente ser vistas y escuchadas.

La representación importa. Se trata de visibilidad, reconocimiento, respeto y un lugar en la mesa. Industrias como la construcción, manufactura, agricultura y hospitalidad dependen de una fuerza laboral diversa, y principalmente de la hispana. Si no podemos dar la bienvenida, educar, estabilizar y empoderar a estos trabajadores, no podremos crecer, satisfacer la demanda ni honrar a quienes siempre han construido América.

La Gente Trabajadora Que Mantiene a Este País en Pie

Imaginen un auge en la vivienda, compradores entrando al mercado y una industria ya en crisis laboral. ¿Quién construirá estos hogares? La respuesta es clara: la fuerza laboral hispana. Y sin embargo, sus historias, trayectorias y contribuciones siguen siendo invisibles y no reconocidas con frecuencia. Contar quiénes son, de dónde vienen y la gratitud que sienten por las oportunidades es esencial.

Nuestra industria debe hacer más. Debemos educar, incluir y elevar. No son solo trabajadores, son seres humanos, familias, soñadores y constructores. Son las manos, los corazones y la brillantez detrás de cada espacio que habitamos. Han construido y continúan construyendo América. Esta es su historia, y será mi privilegio y honor seguir contándola, con orgullo, e insistir que nuestra fuerza laboral sea bienvenida, incluida y reconocida.

—Rosa Santiago Zimmerman, fundadora de RSZ Design + Development and Build with Rosa @buildwithrosa

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