New space brings together leading designers and
design media to discuss luxury in the industry

(LAS VEGAS, Nev.) — February 14, 2024 — The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) will debut the new LUXURY Lounge programming space at this year’s show, held from February 27-29 in Las Vegas. Sponsored by Homethreads, the LUXURY Lounge (N177) will host 8 unique panel discussions and a book signing, and is specifically tailored to appeal to those in the luxury design space.

“Luxury is a critical – and growing – area for the industry, and we’re excited to dedicate a space to this priority,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “The impressive lineup of moderators and panelists will provide KBIS attendees with expert insight into the high-end market, making it an unmissable addition to this year’s KBIS programming.”

Each talk will involve designers, experts and influencers weighing in on what luxury means today and where it’s headed tomorrow. Moderators hail from prominent design publications, including Forbes Home, House Beautiful, Interior Design, Interiors, Veranda and Traditional Home, as well as NKBA leadership, and will contribute to dynamic and interactive conversations.

LUXURY Lounge programming includes:

• Panel – Translating European Design Trends to the U.S. Market
  Presented by Bertazzoni February 27 10:00 – 10:45AM

Moderated by Erika Heet, Editor-in-Chief of Interiors Magazine, this panel explores the high end and fashion-forward trends that are happening across the Atlantic, and those of which that we’re starting to see emerge stateside. Panelists: Sarah Robertson, Studio Dearborn Founder & Principal; more to come.

• Panel – Bath Trends: Where Luxury Lifestyle Meets Technology, Design, and Wellness
  Presented by Forte February 27 11:30AM – 12:15 PM

Moderated by Grace Haynes, Senior Home & Garden Editor at Veranda, this panel explores the bath as a lifestyle space. Panelists Christine Vroom, Christine Vroom Interiors Founder & Senior Designer, Dean Large, Forte Creative Director, and Matthew Quinn, Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio Chief Executive Officer, will delve into the luxury bath revolution including major advancements in chromotherapy and hydrotherapy; designs with new amenities like beverage stations and separate rooms for toilets; and lifestyle changes like the rise of “home spa parties” which have contributed to this exciting trend.

• Panel – Bringing Luxury Outdoors
  Presented by Danver February 27 1:30 – 2:15PM

Moderated by Helene Oberman, Managing Director of Interior Design Magazine, this panel focuses on outdoor kitchens’ rise in popularity and the hallmarks of today’s luxurious outdoor entertaining spaces. Featuring panelists Claudia Afshar, Claudia Afshar Design Founder & Principal, and Daniel Germani, Creative Director of Danver, this panel discussion examines how to elevate today’s outdoor kitchen & entertaining spaces through the lens of luxury lifestyle.

• Panel – Discreet Luxury: The Intersection of High-End Design and Innovative Technology
  Presented by Lutron February 28 10:00 – 10:45AM

This discussion, moderated by Jill Waage, Traditional Home Editor-in-Chief, explores the intersection of high-end design and innovative technology, and how that can yield luxury. Panelists Cecilia Ramos, Lutron Senior Director – Architectural Market, and Nar Bustamante, Nar Design Group President, Founder and Principal Designer, will explore how “Discreet luxury” can refer to tech-forward products that elevate the interior design or user experience in high impact ways – particularly in ways that are integrated, hidden, or intuitive.

• Panel – The Future of the Luxury Market
  Presented by NKBA | KBIS February 28 11:30AM – 12:15PM

Moderated by Pamela McNally, NKBA | KBIS SVP, Marketing & Digital, the panel explores the current state of the luxury market and how it will evolve over the next 5-10 years, and where the biggest opportunities are for brands and designers to capitalize on this growth. Discussions with panelists Joan Ravasy, Founder of Joan Ravasy Design, and Shannon Ggem, Shannon Ggem Design Co, will include a deep dive into the market sector to help guide future decisions for attendees.

• Panel – Splurge or Save? Tips on Luxury Must-Haves
  February 28 1:30 – 2:15PM

For many designers – even those with luxury projects – it’s important to manage the budget of the project. Moderated by Carisha Swanson, House Beautiful Market Director, this panel explores designers’ tips on the luxury must-haves vs. where you can streamline. Whether it’s personalized & customized elements, artisanal designs, architectural features, building materials, art, decor, technology, sustainability, panelists  Jeanne Chung, Cozy Stylish Chic Proprietor & Founder, and Kerrie Kelly, Kerrie Kelly Design Studio CEO & Creative Director, will examine the many aspects that designers would either “splurge on” or “save on.”

• Book Signing – Uncommon Kitchens with Sophie Donelson
  Presented by Kohler February 28 3:00 – 4:00PM

Book signing with speaker, strategist, and author Sophie Donelson, expert in home design, living, and decorating. Sophie delivers insights to industry professionals and design lovers about how our homes can shape our lives for the better. Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House, the newest book from the former editor in chief of House Beautiful, is a vividly fresh collection of personality-filled kitchen designs and renovating wisdom from innovators, designers, and creative thinkers.

• Panel – Luxe Design without Compromising Sustainability
  February 29 10:00 – 10:45AM

This panel, Moderated by aspire home + design Deputy Editor Jennifer Quail, explores how to achieve the balance of luxurious design that’s also super sustainable. While some may consider these competing forces, panelists Amanda Gunawan, OWIU Design Founding Principal, and Sara Malek Barney, BANDD Design Founder & Principal Designer, explore how today’s brands are achieving beautiful, high-end K&B products that are also earth-friendly.

• Panel – The Comfort of Nostalgia: Creating Spaces You Love with Timeless Design
  Presented by HomeThreads February 29 11:30AM – 12:15PM

Modern, timeless design is often inspired by a sense of nostalgia. This panel explores timeless design from a cultural, emotional and functional perspective and uncovers the unexpected role of the past in creating inviting modern spaces. Panelists include HGTV star Alison Victoria, Forbes Interior Design Expert Amanda Lauren, NBA All-Star and entrepreneur Baron Davis, and Prince Design Studio Principal Orie Prince.

Explore the full KBIS Show Area offerings here.

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About National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA|KBIS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS)
NKBA | KBIS  is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS). With nearly 50,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry, NKBA | KBIS  has informed, educated and supported the industry since the association was founded in 1963. The association’s mission is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through community, professional certification and learning, and events.

For more information, go to NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522).

NKBA®  and KBIS® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association

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