KBIS 2026 Spotlights Wellness, Personalization, and Smarter Innovation

Platinum and gold sponsors preview kitchen and bath products focused on health, customization, and real-world performance.
Dec. 26, 2025
4 min read

Key Highlights

  • Wellness goes mainstream: Water, cooking, and material choices increasingly support healthier living environments

  • Customization at scale: Appliances, finishes, and surfaces give designers flexibility without sacrificing performance

  • Shift to “better” innovation: Brands focus on practical improvements that fit real kitchens and baths, not novelty for novelty’s sake

ORLANDO, FL — As the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) approaches, Platinum Sponsors Brio Water Technology, Midea, and ZLINE are offering an early look at the product trends expected to shape the industry at KBIS 2026. The show, the largest kitchen and bath trade event in North America, is set to highlight wellness-centered products, personalized design solutions, and customizable style options as key drivers for the year ahead.

KBIS continues to serve as a central meeting point for brands, designers, architects, builders, and specifiers—bringing together product innovation and real-world application across residential projects.

Wellness Products Gain Momentum Across the Show Floor

“Wellness” remains one of the fastest-growing categories at KBIS, with products designed to support healthier, more functional living environments. Brio Water Technology (Booth #S21005) will showcase its home hydration solutions, reflecting the expanding role of water quality and access in residential wellness.

“KBIS is a tremendous opportunity for us to connect one-on-one with top designers, architects, and builders,” shared Arman Melkonian, President, Brio Water Technology. “These are professionals who not only make key decisions on behalf of their clients but can speak with authority about overall customer needs and cutting-edge market trends. Being part of KBIS is as much about gaining crucial insights as it is about introducing the kitchen and bath industry to our innovative hydration product line.”

Additional exhibitors reinforcing the wellness trend include MAGPPIE (Booth #W174), making its KBIS debut with fully stone “wellness kitchens” designed for safety, durability, and performance, and Induction Hardware (Booth #S28143), which will present all-electric induction cooking upgrades aimed at safer and more efficient kitchens. KBIS Gold Sponsor TOTO (Booth #W901) also returns with advanced bath fixtures focused on health, cleanliness, and hygiene.

Personalization Drives Kitchen and Laundry Innovation

Beyond wellness, KBIS 2026 is expected to emphasize products that allow deeper personalization—giving homeowners and designers flexibility beyond a single aesthetic. Midea (Booth #W500) will present an expanded lineup of kitchen and laundry appliances designed to balance accessibility, performance, and style.

“This year, we’re bringing an expanded kitchen and laundry lineup to the show, including one of the broadest refrigeration portfolios,” said John Herrington, President, Midea America. “From flexible refrigeration to thoughtfully designed laundry solutions, our focus is on delivering innovations that make everyday tasks easier—and create those unexpected ‘wow’ moments.”

First-time exhibitor Motawi Tileworks (Booth #W901) will introduce handcrafted ceramic tiles that double as functional art, while Cava Surfaces (Booth #W291) will feature curated natural stone slabs aimed at transforming kitchens and baths through distinctive surfacing.

Finishes and Fixtures Reflect a Shift Toward “Better Innovation”

Lighting, plumbing fixtures, and finishes continue to play a growing role in personalization. KBIS Gold Sponsor Kichler (Booth #W673) will present an extensive lighting lineup that blends aesthetics with performance, while Acquaco (Booth #S16194) will showcase bath fixtures designed to challenge conventional plumbing standards through materials and form.

ZLINE (Booth #S19045) will highlight fingerprint-resistant stainless steel and customizable finish options, including coordinated components in tones ranging from champagne bronze to polished gold.

“What I’m seeing for 2026 is the industry shifting from ‘more innovation’ to ‘better innovation,’” said Mason Watkins, Senior Director of Marketing, ZLINE. “Consumers are looking for choice: sizes, layouts, and pricing that fit real kitchens. Where we see the largest opportunity is offering more design options than before, but with a clear point of view—finish families, coordinated hardware, and integrated styling that allow personalization at scale.”

Custom Materials Push Design Flexibility Further

Rounding out the trend toward customization are EcoDomo (Booth #W173) and Worthen Custom Iron + Brass (Booth #W180). EcoDomo will feature its recycled leather veneer, a fully customizable surface material designed for high-end applications, while Worthen will showcase bespoke metal shelving, frames, furniture, and architectural elements that support both classic and contemporary design approaches.

The full list of KBIS 2026 exhibitors and attendee resources is available at kbis.com/show/floor-plan-exhibitor-list, providing additional opportunities for professionals to explore trend-setting products and connect with industry leaders shaping the future of kitchen and bath design.

Sign up for our eNewsletters
Get the latest news and updates

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Contractor Magazine, create an account today!