The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s debut at High Point Market offered an exciting weekend of panels, events and demonstrations featuring top designers and brands in The Tent, a first-of-its-kind design experience on Fred Alexander Place in the heart of the Hamilton Wrenn Design District.

Over three days, visitors to the temporary structure found inspiration from leading industry brands, including Signature Kitchen Suite, Anderson Tuftex | Shaw Floors, Fabuwood, Bed Bath & Beyond Professional, Hettich, Unform Studio, Cosentino and FreePower. Each displayed its latest products and innovations for the home in a “Cabinet of Curiosity,” and a center island onstage was outfitted with an SKS induction cooktop, Fabuwood cabinetry, Cosentino surfacing and FreePower integrated charging technology.

Daily programming featured conversations with iconic designers Arianne Bellizaire, Barry Dixon, Clodagh, and the inaugural NKBA Design Council members, Caleb Anderson, Michel Smith Boyd, Thom Filicia and Celerie Kemble. Sessions were moderated by Cindy Allen, editor in chief of Interior Design, and Karen Carroll, editorial director of Flower.

In a champagne toast presented by Fabuwood, NKBA global president and CEO Bill Darcy raised a glass to NKBA’s first High Point Market presence and the future of residential design. “We are grateful to have introduced NKBA and our commitment to the interiors to a new market of designers beyond the kitchen and bath industry,” he said. “The Tent was a point of inspiration and a small insight into the type of networking, programming and brand access that we’re able to offer our members. As we look forward to KBIS 2025, we’re eager to welcome new faces to the show and continue to deliver on our mission to offer valuable insight, education and innovation for designers and manufacturers.” 

Additional discussions included “How the Kitchen Is Shaping Design,” presented by SKS; “Residential Meets Commercial,” presented by Shaw Floors; and “Beyond Style: Designing for the Senses, Psychology, Color Perception and Biophilia,” presented by Bed Bath & Beyond Professional. As the kitchen is the heart of the home, each day included SKS-hosted cooking demonstrations by chef Justin Cullimore, as well as an espresso bar, creative cocktails and a varied serving of light bites.

On Sunday, October 27, NKBA celebrated its 60th anniversary with a dinner at HQ & The Gallery, hosting a lively crowd of industry friends and serving up creative plates and great conversation. The weekend was filled with enriching discussions, delicious food and long-lasting connections—a captivating start to NKBA’s presence at High Point Market and an exciting look ahead to KBIS.