Above: Paolo Bertazzoni and Manuel Gutierrez are inducted into NKBA Hall of Fame; Annual competition recognizes excellence in kitchen and bath design and execution.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association, owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, kicked off KBIS 2025 with the highly anticipated NKBA Design + Industry Awards gala at the Lafite Ballroom in the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas. The annual event captured the celebratory spirit for which KBIS is known, honoring the best of kitchen and bath and recognizing the designers and brand executives who are making their mark on the industry.
The gala honored two Hall of Fame inductees who have made major contributions to the association and the industry through their work. Paolo Bertazzoni, CEO of family-owned appliance company Bertazzoni, has paved the way for the brand’s success in the U.S. through his commitment to quality and innovation. Most notably, he was an early advocate for induction cooking, and his foresight and leadership have cemented him as a standout in the space. Manuel Gutierrez, consulting economist at NKBA and Director of Market Research at Kohler, was honored posthumously. A scholar at heart, Manuel’s research revolutionized the industry and provided a data-based backbone throughout economic hardship and success alike. Manuel will be remembered as a beloved figure for his analytical thinking and passion for the kitchen & bath design world.
“The Hall of Fame is a chance to honor industry icons, and this year is no exception,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA global president & CEO. “Paolo’s steadfast leadership makes him a standout in the field, constantly raising the bar of excellence. Manuel is not only incredibly deserving of this great distinction, but he will be deeply missed by all – we thank him for dedicating his intellect (and wit) to our great industry.”
The event was hosted by NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy and Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications Heather Shannon, with Kerrie Kelly presenting the Hall of Fame inductees, Dara Henricksen announcing the Student Winners, and Alena Capra (CMKBD) and Richard Anuszkiewicz presenting the awards. Event sponsors included Whirlpool (Diamond Sponsor) and Kichler (Gold Sponsor).
Design Award Winners
Design award winners were determined after measured deliberation by designer judging panels, who considered creativity, presentation, design planning, safety and ergonomics as well as usage of elements and principles of design. The judges for the 2025 Kitchen Awards were Stacy McCarthy, CMKBD, Stacy McCarthy Design; Ellen Lopez, CMKBD, El Design Studio; and Doug Walter, CMKBD, Doug Walter Architects. The judges for the 2025 Bath Awards were Kelley Barnett, CMKBD, Kelley Barnett Interior Design; Christie Board, CMKBD, Board by Board; and Cailin Thelen, CMKBD, Thelen Designs.
“These awards are a testament to the creativity and passion that drives this industry forward,” said Heather Shannon, senior vice president, marketing & communications. “It’s an honor to recognize these talented individuals and standout projects each year, especially within the broader context of KBIS, which shines a light on the changemakers and innovators of our field. We extend our gratitude to all who entered and congratulations to the winners.”
Best Overall Kitchen
The honor of Best Overall Kitchen was awarded to Thu Trinh of Texas-based Thu Trinh Interiors for her “Breckinridge Kitchen.” The judges raved about the use of vintage design elements, imparting “the character and charm of Europe” reminiscent of the client’s many travels. The end result is a kitchen perfectly suited to the newly-empty-nesters, with lots of natural light and functional storage.
Best Overall Bath
The Best Overall Bath went to Gina D’Amore Bauerle of Denver-based D’Amore Interiors, for her “Knotty Potty” powder room. As last year’s second place Power Room winner, the judges noted how D’Amore Bauerle created a “hidden gem” in the client’s home inspired by their love of collecting gemstones. The room is a masterclass in blending natural and industrial aesthetics, with the judges calling it a “daring design.”
Small Kitchen (under 300 square feet)
- First Place: “Breckinridge Kitchen”
by Thu Trinh, Interior Designer, Thu Trinh Interiors, Richardson, Texas
- Second Place: “Parkway”
by Kate Roos, Principal and Lead Designer, Kate Roos Design, Minneapolis, Minn.
- Third Place: “Evanston”
by William Adams, Principal Designer & Owner, William Adams Design, Oakland, Calif.
Large Kitchen (over 300 square feet)
- First Place: “West”
by Leann Lynn, Interior Designer, McCroskey Interiors, Village of Loch Lloyd, Mo.
- Second Place: “Bailey”
by Laura McCroskey, Interior Designer, McCroskey Interiors, Village of Loch Lloyd, Mo.
- Third Place: “Sea Glass Project”
by Bianca Fathauer, Sandra O’Neill, Julia Schiemer, and Jessica Whittaker, NKBA Members, Splendid Home Design, Stuart, Fla.
Specialty Kitchen
- First Place: “A Happy Home”
by Kristen Giacomini and Alison Johnson, Co-Owners, Flow Designs, Reno, N.V.
- Second Place: “Outdoor Oasis”
by Wendy Glaister, Interior Designer, Wendy Glaister Interiors, Modesto, Calif.
- Third Place: “Parkway”
by Kate Roos, Principal and Lead Designer, Kate Roos Design, Minneapolis, Minn.
Powder Room
- First Place: “Knotty Potty”
by Gina D’Amore Bauerle, Partner and Interior Designer, D’Amore Interiors, Denver, Colo.
- Second Place: “Tranquillo Sanctuario”
by Rachel Hills, COO and Interior Designer, The Hills Group, Granite Bay, Calif.
- Third Place: “Paradise Found”
by Kelly Trotz, Senior Designer, Lifestyle Design, Geneva, Ill.
Secondary Bath
- First Place: “Midsummer Night”
by Bethany Reilly, Founder/Lead Designer, Bethany Reilly Interior Design, Indianola, Wash.
- Second Place: “Cenote Bathroom”
by Anu Kurup, Founder, Persimmon Design, Sammamish, Wash.
- Third Place: “Sharing is Caring”
by Trish Knight and Nicole Varga, Partners, Knight Varga Interiors, Vancouver, BC
Primary Bath
- First Place: “Tranquillo Sanctuario”
by Rachel Hills, COO and Interior Designer, The Hills Group, Granite Bay, Calif.
- Second Place: “TNAH23”
by Elma Gardner, CKD, CBD, CMKBD, Owner & Principal Designer, By Design Studio, Inc., Davis, Calif.
- Third Place: “Scandi Retreat”
by Bianca Fathauer, Sandra O’Neill, Julia Schiemer, and Jessica Whittaker, NKBA Members, Splendid Home Design, Stuart, Fla.
