All-stone kitchens are one option for a wellness-focused environment, and an NKBA Chapter President recently visited a NKBA Global Connect member in India specializing in this medium.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

It wasn’t quite a trip to Bedrock, but Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, CID, President of NKBA’s South Florida Chapter, recently visited NKBA Global Connect member Magppie, a manufacturer in India that produces kitchen cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, and facias made entirely of stone.

Wellness-focused design is a major component of kitchens and baths around the world. In recent years, some wood-based products — especially those containing formaldehyde — and wood finishes have come under scrutiny for their toxins, off-gassing, and other potential health hazards. Magppie, with offices throughout India and an American outpost in Gainesville, FL, notes that stone checks the boxes: it is antibacterial, antimicrobial, bug-proof, heat-proof, fire-proof, not linked to carcinogens, and comes with a 25-year guarantee and three complimentary maintenance treatments annually.

Magppie produces Silverstone, a unique, patented stone material used to build its cabinetry, including boxes, doors, drawers, and other surfaces. Silverstone is made by infusing silver and copper particles inside the stone via nanotechnology. Through this process, the best qualities of silver and copper enter the stone, imparting antibacterial and antifungal qualities.

McCarthy, president of Stacy McCarthy Design in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, was introduced to Magppie by a colleague and said she was inspired by the company’s wellness-first focus. She first met with executives in Florida and subsequently trekked to its offices in India to tour the factory and cultivate a relationship as a brand ambassador and consultant.

“I felt like the most rewarding part was exchanging ideas with passionate creators who share a commitment to human conscientiousness,” she said. “They respect the health and well-being of the products that go into our homes to improve quality of life and not just the bottom line.”

McCarthy is currently president of NKBA’s South Florida Chapter, but she’s been an active NKBA volunteer since 2001. She has been a VFTI presenter and was one of the founders of the California Capital Chapter (formerly known as the Central California/Nevada Chapter). She also helped to establish the Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Chapters. She has served as VP of Professional Development, VP of Academic Relations, and Secretary at various chapters, and she ran the local design competitions before they went digital, which involved organizing all the paper plans and coordinating with the Northern California Chapter. McCarthy volunteered with other chapters for their design competitions, helped on committees when she could, and was also a judge for the national 2024 Design Competition. She was recently honored by Kitchen & Bath Design News as a 2025 Innovator and by Luxury Guide as a 2025 Design Curator.

Here, she shares some highlights of her India adventure.

Do you think there is interest in Indian products in the North American kitchen and bath market?

There is genuine potential interest in Indian products in the North American luxury segment. The focus on wellness and sustainability will be very attractive. Other highlights are the quality and focus of Indian manufacturing, the sophistication of the science behind the products, and the commitment to the people who work at the factories.

Are Indian companies interested in exporting to North America?

Indian artistry is stunning and can fit many styles we see here. Their success will depend on Indian brands understanding the importance of compliance, consistency in the details, and building consumer trust. I believe the focus will be on brands’ desire to adapt to the U.S. market’s business models and the A&D community, as North American culture will quietly require integration into the market through product knowledge and education. Brand strategy centered on user experience will play a key role.

Did you meet with other Indian K&B companies, and did they have a positive outlook for the North American market?

Our host lined up a trip from Delhi to Gujarat, where we met with several companies with which they collaborate. I was also included in some design decisions. It was wonderful to be welcomed so warmly, and the people were so happy to share their innovative products. Each executive agreed they are looking forward to bringing more unique product solutions to the U.S.  We had many business discussions, and the consensus was very positive. And yes, the political climate and tariffs were discussed, and the consensus was still very positive.

What is your key takeaway from your trip to India?

To stay curious and let the experience evolve and develop. One of my concerns was the lack of details in the itinerary, as this was quite a distance to travel. I wanted to make the most of every minute, but the plans were more fluid, and I discovered so much more by simply being patient. I used observation as my guide to create a unique brand strategy proposal for the meeting on our last day, which created excitement and vision.

Magppie will be showing at KBIS 2026, at Booth W174 in the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Feb. 17 to 19. Learn more about the company here.

Learn more about Global Connect here and KBIS here.