From October 25-29, designers, brands and thought leaders from across the industry came together to celebrate connection, creativity and the future of design at NKBA’s inaugural Broad Hall activation at High Point Market that bridged the worlds of kitchen, bath and interiors – marking a pivotal step in uniting design disciplines and setting the stage for future collaboration at KBIS and beyond.
Above, the NKBA x Cosentino ribbon cutting ceremony at Broad Hall, the design hub for the NKBA at High Point Market
“The kitchen is the new living room,” said Bill Darcy, Global President and CEO of NKBA. “As homes evolve, designers need the tools and knowledge to think holistically. Our partnership with High Point Market brings those worlds together in one dynamic space.”
Day one of Fall Market marked an exciting milestone for the design industry as the NKBA and the High Point Market Authority officially kicked off their new strategic partnership. NKBA, with Cosentino and Codarus, welcomed guests to explore Broad Hall’s immersive vignettes, curated by NKBA Board Member Kerrie Kelly. The brands featured included Kichler, James Martin Vanities, Ferguson Home, Sherwin-Williams, Fabuwood, BlueStar, Signature Hardware, Miele, Urban Bonfire, FreePower, Blanco, Lutron, Feeney, and Azenco.
The day culminated in a lively NKBA × Cosentino Ribbon Cutting ceremony (top), attended by industry media and partners, including Darcy; NKBA Chief Partnerships Officer, Domestic & Global Brands, Geraldine Morrison; Cosentino Vice President of A&D Patty Dominguez; and President and CEO of High Point Authority, Tammy Covington. “This is an amazing activation that marks a new chapter in our partnership with High Point Market Authority,” Morrison said. ”Today’s designers don’t create rooms in isolation. The whole home is the future, and High Point is really at the center of that conversation.”
A full agenda of educational panel discussions with top-level professionals – among them Richard T. Anuszkiewicz, Arianne Bellizaire, Alena Capra, Julee Ireland and NKBA Design Council members Thom Filicia and Michel Smith Boyd – covered a spectrum of subjects, from color and lighting trends to outdoor living to entrepreneurism.
One evening, guests gathered at HQ Gallery for a family-style catered dinner and interactive brand activations, including the James Martin Vanities prosecco bar, Lutron’s aura-reading Polaroid station, Ferguson Home’s 360° photo booth experience, Jenn-Air’s interactive cooking stands, Miele’s espresso martinis, Sherwin-Williams’ color cocktails and Kichler’s light tree installation.
In a heartfelt toast, Darcy reflected, “Just a few months ago, Broad Hall was only an idea – a vision. Today, it stands as a symbol of what’s possible when design, innovation and partnership align.”
“What began as a vision became something truly extraordinary. Thank you to everyone – our team, partners and brands – who helped bring Broad Hall to life.”
