What Dreams Are Made Of

By Stephanie Casimiro

                           Photo courtesy of True Residential

This year’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), held earlier in the year at the Las Vegas Convention Center, was packed with innovation, style and some truly game-changing products. From cutting-edge appliances to design-forward finishes, I walked away inspired by the industry’s commitment to performance, sustainability and aesthetics. This article originally appeared in the 2025 Spring issue of TD, and after getting such a wonderful response we decided to post it on the website.

[drumroll] Here are my personal favorites from the show – each one a standout for its unique blend of technology and design.

True Residential’s Strategic Partnership with Caliber

True Residential is expanding its footprint in the commercial, residential and outdoor kitchen markets through a strategic partnership with Caliber – a brand known for its superbly crafted professional grills and precision grilling expertise.

The Rockwell Social Grill, a 360-degree walk-around grill, will be the first grill released by True Caliber. Envisioned by David Rockwell, design legend and Founder of the iconic cross-disciplinary architecture and design firm, Rockwell Group, the namesake grill will initially be available in four sizes (36”, 42”, a 48” and a 60” Freestanding), and will offer the choice of propane or natural gas, grill or griddle, and stainless steel or any of True’s curated color and hardware solutions. The Rockwell grills feature a fully retractable “disappearing” lid equipped with a special counterbalance mechanism that ensures smooth transitions when opening or closing. In addition to the advancements to production True is implementing, the grills will be outfitted in True’s 300-series stainless steel and will come equipped with industry-exclusive 20,000 BTU patented Crossflame burners plus radiant technology (the griddle will boast 15,000 BTU Crossflame burners). 

                                                                                                                                                                Photo courtesy of BlueStar

The BlueStar 48-inch Platinum Induction Range

As someone who appreciates both form and function in the kitchen, I was blown away by BlueStar’s 48-inch Platinum Series Induction Range. This range boasts the largest cooking surface in its class, featuring six oversized cooking zones, including two expansive 11-inch zones, the biggest on the market. It also has a bridge function that creates a powerful 7,400-watt zone, perfect for oversized cookware. The matte-finish cooktop is a game-changer, reducing glare by 80 percent while resisting scratches, stains and fingerprints. This combination of power and practicality makes it an ideal choice for serious home chefs who want a seamless cooking experience.

Beyond its performance, this range is all about customization and convenience. With over 1,000 color options and multiple metal trim finishes, BlueStar allows homeowners to create a look that fits their unique style. The range also includes two True Convection ovens, one of which can accommodate commercial 18 x 26-inch baking sheets, making it ideal for those who love to bake. The seven-inch color touchscreen provides an intuitive interface for managing eight different cooking modes, while smart safety features like automatic pan detection, quick-to-cool surfaces, and a child-safety lock which makes this appliance not just powerful, but also incredibly user-friendly.

 

nobilia’s nBOX and New Finishes

When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, I love designs that blend seamless aesthetics with smart functionality. That’s why nobilia’s new nBOX drawer system caught my eye. Unlike traditional drawers, nBOX eliminates visible hardware, creating an ultra-modern, minimalist look. But it’s not just about looks. This design also maximizes storage space, making it a perfect addition to both kitchens and other living spaces. nobilia also introduced ten new lacquer and vertical wood grain finishes, including Olive, Sky and Black, embracing 2025’s trending hues. Their Structura line now features vertically grained Como Oak and Milano Walnut, combining the warmth of wood with modern elegance.

Beyond its striking aesthetics, nobilia’s 2025 collection places a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation. The company is committed to using recycled materials and sustainably sourced wood, ensuring that their designs are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible. The introduction of the cinema viewing experience at KBIS further highlights how nobilia is showcasing its technological advancements and premium finishes in a dynamic way. With a design philosophy rooted in German precision and Bauhaus principles, nobilia continues to push boundaries in the world of cabinetry and home design.

                                                                       Photo courtesy of nobilia

Photo courtesy of Moen

Moen’s Whole Home Water Filtration System

Moen’s Whole Home Water Filtration System was a major highlight for me at KBIS. This system tackles chlorine, mineral buildup, and other contaminants to improve everything from drinking water to bath water, using carbon filtration to reduce contaminants and address scaling issues, while Moen’s Salt-Based Water Softeners help prevent scale buildup and extend the life of appliances like water heaters and dishwashers. It’s a game-changer for household water quality.

Beyond filtration, Moen’s system is designed to improve daily living. The under-sink filtration systems utilize advanced carbon filtration and reverse osmosis, refining the taste, smell, and clarity of drinking water. By offering multiple solutions that cater to different needs and budgets, Moen ensures that homeowners can take control of their water quality in a way that fits their lifestyle. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, Moen’s new system delivers both health benefits and long-term cost savings.

                                                                                                                                               Photo courtesy of Impulse & THOR Kitchen

Impulse’s Battery-Integrated Power Electronics Platform

Sustainability and energy efficiency were hot topics at KBIS 2025, and Impulse’s battery-integrated power electronics platform was one of the most exciting innovations I saw. This platform is designed to enhance home appliance efficiency, integrating advanced battery packs, custom inverters, and precision temperature sensors to deliver up to 10kW per heating element. Even more impressive, it maintains resilient energy management, allowing appliances to function during power outages. The system’s adaptability to standard 120V or 240V circuits simplifies installation, making it a practical solution for homeowners looking to upgrade their energy infrastructure.

What makes this platform truly exciting is its potential for widespread adoption in home appliances. Impulse is partnering with THOR Kitchen to integrate this modular technology into a broader range of kitchen appliances, from cooktops to ovens. This marks a major shift toward self-sufficient energy solutions, allowing homeowners to have more control over their power usage while reducing their dependence on the grid. As the industry moves toward smart home solutions and sustainable living, innovations like Impulse’s battery-integrated platform are setting new standards for energy efficiency and appliance design.

 

Viefe’s ‘The Power of Balance’ Collection

When it comes to design, it’s the small details that make a space feel complete. Viefe’s new collection, ‘The Power of Balance,’ takes minimalist hardware to a new level with sleek finishes and versatile designs. Pieces like the Brooklyn, Casey and Hako models work beautifully on sliding doors, entrance doors, and large cupboards, while the Beam, Milano and Dropp handles add a subtle but sophisticated touch to cabinets and furniture. The craftsmanship and use of natural materials make this collection a standout in modern home design.

The finishes in this collection truly elevate their appeal. Brushed bronze, brushed cava brass and titanium black add a luxurious touch, giving homeowners a range of customization options. Whether incorporated into a modern kitchen or a sophisticated living space, this collection balances simplicity with elegance, staying true to Viefe’s design philosophy. At KBIS 2025, this collection set a new standard for refined, minimalist hardware.

 

                                                                     Photo courtesy of Viefe

         Photo courtesy of SMEG

 

SMEG’s New Dishwasher: A Game-Changer for Wine Lovers

As someone who enjoys entertaining, I was especially excited about SMEG’s latest dishwasher collection. This new lineup introduces cutting-edge technology specifically designed to protect delicate glassware, including stemware and decanters. The highlight for me was the WinePro accessory, a must-have for anyone who loves wine or frequently hosts guests. This feature increases loading capabilities for wine glasses and provides dedicated decanter support, ensuring even the most fragile pieces stay securely in place. What really sets this dishwasher apart is the industry-first bottom rack loading option, which allows for tall stemware and large decanters to be placed at the base of the machine, where they get an optimal clean without the risk of tipping over or breaking.

Kichler Lighting: The Rosh Collection

A simple design that’s simply perfect for modern minimalist environments, the Rosh Integrated LED bath bar is as versatile as it is alluring. Its movable, adjustable bands allow you to choose the placement of its rings, and its white glass shade casts a beautiful, even glow throughout your room. 

Rosh’s 5 CCT selectable technology feature gives you the option to change light temperature upon installation by selecting from five hues of white light, helping to reduce the guess work when planning. Simply remove the canopy to access the switch and select the desired color temperature for the room, ranging from 2700K to 5000K. 

                                                          Photo courtesy of Kichler Lighting

 

From cutting-edge technology like BlueStar’s powerful induction range and Impulse’s battery-integrated platform to smart home solutions like Moen’s whole-home water filtration system, it’s clear that the industry is moving toward greater efficiency, sustainability and customization. At the same time, brands like nobilia and Viefe are proving that aesthetics matter just as much as performance, offering sleek cabinetry, hardware and finishes that transform everyday spaces into works of art.

What made this year’s show so special was the perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity. Every product I highlighted in this article is reshaping how we cook, clean and design our homes, and I’m excited to see how these innovations continue to influence the industry in the years ahead. KBIS 2025 was a reminder of how far design and technology have come – and just how exciting the future of kitchen and bath design really is.

 

 

Stephanie Casimiro is a Senior Editor and the Social Media Manager for Technology Designer Magazine. She is the Founder of Designer Marketing Solutions, a full-service social media and marketing agency.