February 23rd Chapter Meeting
SPOTLIGHT ON KBIS 2023
Sponsored by Häfele America

Häfele America Co. Showroom on 22nd Street, a Gold sponsor, was the setting for our February Chapter meeting. Maria Stapperfenne, NKBA Certified CEU speaker, past president of the national NKBA, award-winning certified master kitchen and bath designer, delivered a thoughtful presentation with her effulgent personality! Häfele’s John Risch, our generous host, provided an exceptional eve with scrumptious bites and cocktails for members. 

Stapperfenne delivered insights into this year's NKBA’s KBIS trade show in Las Vegas with her well-loved personality and enthusiasm for our industry. Her keen eye and experience identified important trends and reviewed “Where We Are Now, Where Do We Go From Here! with the latest developments and information for the kitchen, bath, and home technologies industries gleaned from #KBIS2023.

"We’re now in a social pandemic recovery,” Stapperfenne remarked. “No more white kitchens. Don’t be afraid of doing black cabinets. People want to live in a less sterile environment." She also shared that antimicrobial surfaces infused with Microban are still in demand. Porcelain countertops, especially travertine lookalikes, are popular because they’re strong, heat-resistant, and maintenance-free. Stapperfenne observed streamlined interiors are hot, but Maximalism is still trending. Classic looks inspired by history, available through manufacturers like Lefroy Brooks, also appeal to consumers.

Stapperfenne invited Savant Home’s Greg Barrett and Crestron’s JoAnn Arcenal from the audience to present their company's showhouses as part of the presentation. The Program Committee with the Sponsorship Committee arranged these two offsite excursions while chapter members attended KBIS.

A good time was had by all, and those who couldn’t attend KBIS gained some exposure to this year's trade show. An all-time record of over 200,000 visitors attended the Las Vegas Convention Center for Design & Construction Week #DCW2023.

We encourage you to join our Manhattan Chapter if you are interested in more great evenings like this with us. Reach out to our Membership Chair, Jeannine Price. 

View more from the chapter meeting in this video.

Photos by Jeff Siegel