Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025 - 56

KBIS 2025
Spotlight on Luxury at KBIS
The Luxury Lounge features a slate of seminars diving into the lates t trends and
innovations as the high-end category continues to drive business
By Dianne M. Pogoda, NKBA Contributor
The luxury category is driving much of kitchen and
bath design and remodeling, and KBIS is addressing
the topic with a dedicated Luxury Lounge in the
North Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
NKBA exclusive market research reveals that the
high-end market will continue to drive the overall
business, especially since consumers at this level are
more resilient in times of economic uncertainty. The
category is further bolstered by a stronger subset of
ultra-luxury projects, according to the 2025 Kitchen
& Bath Market Outlook. This vigorous activity is still
largely a result of COVID-19 lockdowns that reignited
focus on upgrading home spaces to create beautiful,
luxurious and wellness-oriented environments.
" I believe we've become more attuned to the importance
of how we live and spend our time, " said
interior design architect Julee Ireland, CEO of Julee
Ireland Design Studio and designer of the Luxury
Lounge at KBIS. " This shift has transformed how
we view our homes - they're no longer just places
to hang our hats. They've evolved into sanctuaries,
workplaces, entertainment hubs and deeply personal
spaces with meaning and purpose. Even amidst
economic uncertainty, people are investing in luxury
because it offers more than just aesthetics - it's
about quality, longevity and creating a home that
supports their well-being and lifestyle. "
In addition to tangible elements like high-end fi nishes,
cabinetry, technology, appliances and fi xtures,
intangibles like customization, personalization, minimizing
maintenance and maximizing wellness and
tranquility will be key factors in luxury design.
" Features like spa-like bathrooms for serene escapes
or state-of-the-art kitchens with the latest
technology bring not only joy but also long-term value, "
added Ireland. " I think this global awakening has
shown us that luxury matters, and manufacturers
have responded by creating what they themselves
desire: bespoke solutions that prioritize wellness,
functionality, sustainability, technology and exude
timeless beauty. "
The Luxury Lounge at KBIS, sponsored by Ferguson,
is hosting sessions all three days of the show.
Panel discussions, " fi reside chats " and engaging
conversations will feature renowned designers, in56
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2025
Julee Ireland designed the
Luxury Lounge at KBIS.
Photo credit: Debbie Walton
Photography
cluding Ireland, covering topics like luxury that incorporate
personalization, sustainability and longevity;
technology and architectural advancements; taking
luxury outdoors; and defi ning one's style to attract
a luxury clientele - including the next generation.
(Check the directory or visit kbis.com/luxury-lounge
for the schedule.)
The Luxury Lounge brings together top brands,
designers, architects and engineers to collaborate
and discuss cutting-edge materials, sustainability,
industry trends, technology and more in a relaxed,
intimate setting. Ireland designed the 2025 lounge
inspired by her recent travels to Europe, refl ecting
the emerging colors, textures and trends she discovered
and incorporating biophilic design. She
created the space to exude luxury while still being
approachable and intimate and wanted the audience
to feel " less like passive observers and more
like they were sitting in their living rooms, part of an
engaging dinner party conversation. "
She chose brands that align with her values of
quality, sustainability and innovation, that " not only
create exceptional products but also share a vision
for pushing the boundaries. " Among the featured
brands are Riva Spain, Grassi Pietre, Fabuwood,
Barron Designs, Inspire Hardware, Staged to Sell,
Maxim Lighting, Feizy Rugs and Ireland's Curves
tile collection exclusively at Tile Mart and her Olave
wood fl ooring collection available through American
Flooring Distributors.
" True luxury is thoughtful, " said Ireland. " It integrates
innovative technology, sustainable materials
and wellness-driven design to create an experiential
environment that feels as good as it looks. "
http://www.kbis.com/luxury-lounge
Kitchen & Bath Business January/February 2025

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