Buckle Up—You’re Coming With Us!
Every great design adventure begs for a road trip, and this year, we’re bringing you along for the ride!
Imagine if you will, a Thelma & Louise-style escape, but with more vintage caftans, bold lipstick, and zero cliff-diving. My Velvet Couch Sister, Treci Smith, and I hit the road, cruising from San Diego to Las Vegas, fueled by caffeine, killer playlists, road trip snacks, and nonstop design chatter.
The destination? KBIS 2025, where the best in kitchen and bath innovation, jaw-dropping trends, and cutting-edge design awaited. But first—Vegas, baby!
The Paris Hotel: French-Inspired, Vegas-Approved, and Designer-Endorsed
After countless business trips to Las Vegas, I’ve learned that location is everything—especially when you're spending days trekking across massive convention floors. I always look for a hotel that’s centrally located with a manageable footprint, because let’s face it—the last thing you want after a long day at KBIS is a marathon walk through a sprawling resort just to get to your room.
Enter Paris Hotel—très charmant! With its European-inspired elegance and easy access to the Strip, it was the perfect home base. After checking in, we freshened up and got ready to dive headfirst into a whirlwind of kitchen and bath innovation, bold design trends, and cutting-edge technology.
Livable Luxury with Jennifer Farrell
There’s nothing we love more than cheering on our friends as they launch something new! Naturally, our first stop was the Emser Tile space, where we raised a glass of champagne with Jennifer Farrell and our industry colleagues to celebrate her stunning Livable Luxury Collection with Emser.
The space was effortlessly elegant—sophisticated yet inviting, refined yet livable. It was the perfect reminder that true luxury isn’t just about opulence; it’s about creating spaces that feel as incredible as they look.
The Bathtub That Stopped Me in My Tracks
Speaking of statement pieces, this amber-colored glass bathtub from Vanity Art was an absolute showstopper. With its organic, wavy texture and warm golden hue, it felt more like a sculptural masterpiece than just a bathtub. And truth be told—we can never pass up a photo op in a stunning tub!
Smart, Stylish Mirrors
Lighting and technology brought the drama at KBIS this year, and you know I was instantly drawn to illuminated mirrors with built-in smart features. With their sleek brass framing and integrated lighting, they’re the perfect mix of form and function—ideal for both modern and classic spaces. And who doesn’t love a mirror that doubles as flawless selfie lighting?
Smeg’s Iconic Color Lineup: A Retro Dream
I’m always on the hunt for unique products and fresh color stories, and Smeg never disappoints. They continue to reign supreme in the retro-cool appliance world, and their latest color lineup was nothing short of spectacular. From soft pastels to deep, dramatic hues, their refrigerators proved just how powerful color can be in the kitchen, instantly setting the tone for the entire space.
And can we talk about Smeg’s Retro Collection in that fabulous matte finish? Chic, timeless, and oh-so-stylish—it’s giving vintage charm with a modern edge, and I’m here for it!
Color Maximalism at Its Finest
Café Appliances and Monogram brought their A-game at KBIS, and for this color-loving maximalist, they absolutely won Best in Show! From deep, moody palettes to playful, vintage charm, the show was packed with bold color stories that proved kitchens are anything but neutral.
The Monogram Experience: A Masterclass in Luxury & Design
Monogram didn’t just showcase appliances—they created an immersive lifestyle experience that was nothing short of breathtaking. Walking through vignette after vignette, I was completely mesmerized by the bold use of toile patterns, seamlessly integrated with their panel-ready appliances.
From patterned wallpaper and murals to checkerboard floors, moody color palettes, and bold florals, every detail felt intentional and inspired. The gathered fabric ceiling details paired with exquisite lighting added a layer of drama and sophistication, while the stonework—from its intricate patterns to expert fabrication—was next level!
And just when I thought I had seen it all, Monogram delivered the ultimate grand finale—a stunning matte black car with sumptuous tan leather interiors, built-in wine storage, and a Monogram oven tucked inside. Because why not bring haute design to the open road? Absolutely jaw-dropping from start to finish!
Café Appliances Experience: Deep, Moody Kitchens Inspired by Autumn
Dark, dramatic, and dripping in luxury—and I was here for it! Café Appliances showcased seasonally inspired kitchen vignettes, and this one was all about autumn—rich, warm, and effortlessly sophisticated.
Saturated hues like deep wine, aubergine, and earthy terracotta set the tone, creating a space that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly modern—just like fall itself. One standout moment? A checkerboard wallpaper, matte black appliances, and a rich plum color palette—the perfect blend of retro charm and contemporary sophistication.
Every detail reflected the cozy elegance of autumn, from the warm metallic accents and bold wallpaper to the ambient lighting and sumptuous textures. This space was a dream for color lovers and maximalists alike, and I was completely in my element!
Café Appliances Spring & Summer Vignettes: Playful Color & Modern Vintage Charm
For those who love whimsy, charm, and a little nostalgia, these spring and summer-inspired kitchen vignettes were an absolute delight! Café Appliances fully embraced playful color and modern vintage aesthetics, creating kitchens that felt straight out of a storybook—fresh, fun, and full of personality.
Pastel pink cabinetry, colorful mosaic tile backsplashes, and striped curtains layered together in a way that was both eclectic and thoughtfully curated. Overhead, cascading floral installations added an extra dose of enchantment, making each space feel like a dreamy escape.
From the cheerful color palette to the charming mix of textures and patterns, this design was unexpected, nostalgic, and effortlessly chic—a total YES from me!
Seeing Red: A Micro Trend at KBIS 2025?
Once I had a moment to process the whirlwind of KBIS and started curating my photos, I realized just how much red was making a statement this year! It popped up in unexpected ways—from bold appliances to subtle accents—proving that this fiery hue is having a moment in kitchen and bath design.
Red leather-wrapped cabinetry with luxe brass hardware
Glossy red tile backsplashes adding depth and drama
Statement appliances—red ranges, refrigerators, and even inside cabinetry!
Unexpected pops of red, like drawer interiors and accent shelving
Bertazzoni’s signature red showcase, proving that red is always in style
Whether it was a deep, moody red for a sophisticated touch or a vibrant, fire-engine red for maximum impact, this color was having a moment. Could this be the start of a bigger red resurgence in kitchen design? I’ll be keeping an eye on it.
More from My Colorful KBIS Adventures!
If there was one theme that stood out at KBIS 2025, it was color, color, and more color! From vibrant tile backsplashes to playful cabinetry hues and dreamy pastels, brands were embracing bold and expressive palettes—and I was living for it!
Dream in Color: Playful appliance displays with soft yellows, blues, and blush tones gave a fresh spin on modern kitchens.
Statement Backsplashes: A mix of checkerboard, bold patterns, and textured tile added personality to every space.
Natural Meets Luxe: Beautiful details like wood grain drawers, metallic inlays, and hand-crafted textures balanced out all the color with warmth and sophistication.
Unexpected Pops of Color: From inside cabinet drawers to custom range hoods and laundry spaces, no area was off-limits for a little color magic!
Honored to Be an NKBA | KBIS 2025 Voices from the Industry Speaker!
Beyond all the inspiring designs and trends, one of my biggest highlights at KBIS 2025 was taking the stage as a Voices from the Industry (VFTI) speaker alongside the incredible Sharon Sherman of Thyme & Place Design!
Our session, "Unleash Your Design Voice: Embracing Your True Design Style – From Classic Neutrals to Bold in Kitchens & Baths," was all about empowering designers to confidently embrace their aesthetic—whether it’s timeless neutrals or unapologetically bold color. A huge thank you to KBIS and NKBA for the opportunity and to Floor & Decor for sponsoring our session! We look forward to more conversations like this in the future!
All Work and No Play? Not For This Designer!
After a day packed with design inspiration and trend-spotting, it was time to swap swatches for steak frites and let loose—because what’s KBIS without a little après-design fun? Bardot Brasserie at the Aria set the scene for the perfect evening: a fabulous crew of designers, lively conversation, and indulgent French cuisine.
Between the buttery escargot, vibrant beet salad, and expertly crafted cocktails, it was the perfect way to reset and recharge. Because industry events like KBIS aren’t just about the trends, they’re about the connections, the conversations, and the after-hours fun that make it all unforgettable!
My Biggest Takeaway from KBIS 2025…
…it’s that color, personality, and bold choices are what truly make a space unforgettable. Whether it’s a statement-making range in fiery red, moody jewel-toned cabinetry, or a dreamy pastel-tiled backsplash, this year’s show proved that cookie-cutter kitchens and bathrooms are a thing of the past.
If you’re ready to ditch the builder-grade look and create a space that’s as one-of-a-kind as you are, let’s chat!
Fill out the form on my Contact Page to set up a call and see if we’re a good fit.
Need more design inspiration? Check out my Featured Projects here!
Rachel Moriarty Interiors, a fearless force in design and the oh-so-stylish subsidiary of House of Moriarty Inc.
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