Kitchen & Bath Design News

PALO ALTO, CA — Homeowners are leaning into tactile, sensory-rich environments that feel personal and purposeful – blending nature-inspired textures, curved forms and warm color palettes with spaces designed for wellness, connection and play.

CHICAGO — Kitchen and bath showrooms are seemingly in the throes of a major metamorphosis – being transformed from their traditional role as brick-and-mortar showcases for products into an interactive hub aimed at a rapidly expanding cohort of tech-savvy consumers who shop both in-person and online.

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Persistent affordability challenges and rising economic uncertainty “are squeezing housing conditions, while weakening labor markets and plummeting immigration are “dampening household growth,” a major new report contends.

INDIANAPOLIS — Kitchen renovations continue to be highly discretionary design-driven projects, with homeowners prioritizing aesthetics, comfort and lifestyle improvements over urgent repairs, according to research conducted by the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI). HIRI’s newly released Project Decision Study, revealed that 65% of surveyed homeowners undertaking kitchen projects cited aesthetics as a primary motivation, while only 29% reported completing projects due to repair needs.

COBHAM, UK – Hexagon’s Production Software Division has acquired Planit Canada, the world’s second-largest reseller of Cabinet Vision, according to the company. Founded in 2008, Planit Canada has supported woodworking manufacturers across Canada with software, training, support and maintenance services.

PARAMUS, NJ — KUCHT Professional – a Paramus, NJ-based manufacturer of ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers and other kitchen appliances, has opened a flagship showroom at the Paramus Design Center, the company announced. The 2,900-sq.-ft.

ALPHARETTA, GA — LX Hausys America Inc., the Alpharetta, GA-based supplier of building and decorative materials, has announced the launch of the LX Hausys Design Council, “created to integrate real-world market feedback directly into the company’s product development process.” Comprised of interior design, stone fabrication, distribution and home center professionals, the council will help ensure that future VIATERA quartz introductions align with evolving customer expectations, regional...

LOUISVILLE, KY — GE Appliances has created a new digital platform designed to simplify how builders, architects and other trade professionals access appliance information across every stage of the home-building process, the Haier-owned company announced.

WASHINGTON, DC — Quartz fabricators have warned federal trade officials that proposed tariffs and quotas on imported quartz surface products “would inflict serious harm” on small businesses, American workers and consumers.

The kitchen sink has always been a workhorse, but more than ever, it’s being viewed as a workspace. Beyond a repository for dirty dishes and a place to pour boiling pasta water, today’s expanded workstation sinks are multifunctional, offering prep space as well as serving and entertaining capabilities with the help of modular accessories. But that doesn’t mean that utility is the be-all-end-all for the kitchen sink – looks still matter.