From the Tap - A KBB Podcast

Felicitas Lechner, marketing manager for Hettich America, recently shared insights into a product turning heads – and cabinets – in the industry. The FurnSpin was named the 2025 KBB Kitchen Product of the Year and completely redefines how we approach traditional cabinetry.

Designer Gabriela Eisenhart of Silo Studio Design shares her expertise on leading and listening to clients though the challenging phases of a design project. Photo credit: Marc Mauldin

Discover the KBIS 2026 Innovation Hour winners. Explore how LG, Caesarstone, and MAGPPIE are transforming kitchen design with smart, sustainable solutions.

Award-winning designer Juliana Ewer of J Squared Home Designs talks about successful strategies for working with contractors.

Every year, the kitchen and bath design industry evolves through the efforts of visionary professionals. We recently connected with the 2025 KBB Person of the Year, Sharon Sherman, alongside our eight Praiseworthy Picks, to uncover how they are reshaping residential design.

On our latest “From the Tap” podcast, KBB editors Chelsie Butler and Leslie Clagett provided a post-KBIS 2026 recap of the hits and highlight from the show. Curious what trends and standouts are shaping the future of kitchen and bath? Read on and also listen to the full podcast to discover what’s making waves and get a taste of what lies ahead.

In this episode of From the Tap, architect Lauren Thomsen, principal of Philadelphia-based Lauren Thomsen Design, talks about the challenge of modernizing older homes while honoring their character and incorporating sustainable systems.

In the latest episode of the KBB From the Tap podcast, host and KBB Executive Editor Chelsie Butler sits down with Amy Courtney, founder of New York- and Connecticut-based Amy Courtney Design, to explore what it truly takes to build a distinct, lasting brand in today’s saturated market. Photo credit: Shawn Zhang

In a recent episode of the KBB From the Tap podcast, KBIS Show Director Jason McGraw joined KBB Executive Editor Chelsie Butler to preview what attendees should prioritize and why thoughtful planning will be essential to making the most of the three-day event. 

Recent research by McKinsey into the $2-trillion global wellness industry finds that "consumers are conceptualizing wellness in new ways", opening the door for deeper conversations about wellbeing at home. Award-winning holistic designer Gala Magriñá talks about how designers can strategize and implement wellness principles into their projects.

Host Chelsie Butler sits down with Maggie Swift, CEO and co-founder of Unframed Digital, to talk candidly about why SEO continues to confuse so many kitchen and bath professionals and why ignoring it is no longer an option. Photo credit: Maggie Swift

The founder of Andrea Liebross Coaching explains strategies for entrepreneurs to navigate the "messy middle" of business growth.

In this episode of the KBB “From the Tap” podcast, Lisa Kahn of Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs in Naples, Fla., shares her heartfelt philosophy on how design can do far more than enhance the look of a space; it can transform the way people live, feel and heal. Her work is rooted in the belief that when thoughtfully designed, kitchens and baths can serve as sanctuaries that nurture both body and spirit.

The founder of Chicago-based Studio W Interiors shares her experience and lessons learned on avoiding burnout.

In a recent episode of our KBB From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Lauren Andersen, founder and principal photographer of Oakland, Calif.-based SEN Creative, and her longtime collaborator, Subei Kyle, the company’s videographer. The pair shared practical insights into how design and construction professionals can plan, prepare and execute photography and videography that truly showcase their work. Lauren photo credit: Hi+Hello Photography Subei photo credit: Putnam Creative. 

On the latest KBB From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Kristen Harvey of Kristen Harvey Interiors, in Solana Beach, Califoria. She shared tips on how to prioritize social media as part of running your business, including how to make time to include it in your schedule. Photo credit: James Furman

Keith Bynum, long-time HGTV host and co-founder of the NINE design studio, has been called a “renovation savant.” Working with his partner Evan Thomas, they have transformed numerous buildings that would widely be considered tear-downs into welcoming homes. He talks about the planning and design elements that go into making a timeless – rather than trendy – kitchen and bath.

In the world of home renovation, where stress and unexpected challenges often loom, Lori Miller of Melville, New York-based LGC Interior Design brings a unique and invaluable perspective. As a mental health counselor with a long and varied career, Miller now applies her psychological expertise to the design process, focusing on the well-being of her clients and fellow designers alike. We sat down with her for an insightful discussion on how to foster mental health and manage the human experience throughout a design project. Photo credit: Jackiemihaley.com

Aaron Leshtz and Harper Halprin, founders of the LA-based architecture and design firm AAHA Studio, share their insights on an increasingly timely topic: how to navigate rebuilding in the wake of a fire with both existing and new clients. Photo: Trina Severson

In our recent From the Tap podcast, renowned interior design architect Julee Ireland shared her insights on how stepping outside the conventional office environment is crucial for designers. From attending global trade shows to exploring her own city, Ireland emphasizes that inspiration is everywhere, and a designer's job is to stay curious and pay attention to the details that shape our world. Photo Credit: Debbie Walton Photography

Natalie Owens and Victoria Armour, co-owners of the Halifax-based interior design studio Stil James dive into the details of building the best team for your design practice and nurturing them to provide optimal results.

Designer Michelle Murphy, founder of Demi Ryan, crafts environments that embody the personality and aspirations of her high-profile clientele. On our new From the Tap podcast, Murphy offers a glimpse into the fast-paced, detail-driven world of luxury interior design. Photo credit: Cat Nguyen

Elle Kwan talks about how designers can use their project portfolios to attract, engage and book qualified new clients – with a minimum time investment.

Rebecca Jones, national sales manager at Airmada Drying Systems, joined the KBB From the Tap podcast to discuss the revolutionary Air Pocket Door, which won the prestigious 2024 Bathroom Product of the Year award in KBB’s Product Awards competition. "We’ve seen excitement not just from customers but also from contractors, showrooms, designers and architects,” said Jones. “More people are learning about this product, which has been so exciting for us.”

Cheryl Keys Clendenon, founder of In Detail Interiors and business strategist for designers and architects, shared why the path to a profitable and rewarding design business doesn’t require chasing only luxury clients. Drawing on more than 25 years in the industry and nearly a decade coaching her peers, her insights encourage designers to look beyond the glossy “luxury” trend and consider the real power of serving everyday clients. Photo credit: Sarah Coleman Photography

Get to know more about 2024 Kitchen Product of the Year winner – and the Smart Technology category winner – FreePower for Countertop. Company owner, Jake Slatnik, gives us all the details.

Designer Danielle Chiprut shares the why and how to sensitively integrate a client's personal history into an interior.

Leslie Dean Petosa is a general contractor and owner of Arlene Dean Homes in Atlanta. From her beginnings in medical science to becoming a leader in the male-dominated construction field, Petosa has proven that resilience, adaptability and curiosity can pave the way to success. Our discussion unpacks her career transition, challenges and insights for aspiring women in construction, delivering an engaging and empowering narrative. Photo credit: Trevette Brown of Lucent Creations

Redefining luxury as an experience rather than material opulence is key to achieving this balance.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking to the winner of our 2024 Person of the Year competition, as well as our eight Praiseworthy Picks. We got a bit more detail as to what makes these people stand out from their peers and learn what’s to come for them in 2025.

Last week during KBIS 2025, we had the chance to sit down at the KBIS Podcast Studio (sponsored by AjMadison) with the two winners of this year’s DesignBites competition.

In her role as Customer Care Consultant with Ulrich, Inc, Linda Alvino makes house calls to help clients get up and running with their new appliances. 

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson, principal designers of Austin-based Etch Design Group. They are also the co-owners of AI for Interiors, and we discussed the role of artificial intelligence in the design world.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Jason McGraw, who is the KBIS show director. We took an in-depth look at all exciting things the 2025 show – which takes place from Feb. 25-27, 2025, has to offer. 

In our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Allison Handler of Ridgewood-, NJ-based Allison Handler Interior Design about the importance of the designer/builder relationship in creating and completing successful projects. She says this partnership is a sacred one because a builder is a designer’s partner in crime throughout the whole project.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Renée Biery of Delaware-based deVignier Design. She specializes in large-scale construction, including new builds and renovations, and we discussed why interior designers should include construction management in their list of specialties. Photo credit: Jon Friedrich Photography

From coping with "imposter syndrome" to building in-house camaraderie, designer Stephanie Wiott shares her insights on heading up an all-women team.

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we spoke to Nicole Roe of Lakeland, Fla.-based R. Nickson Interiors about how she creates successful projects in a small town and some of the challenges she must overcome.

Designer Hillary Cohen recounts how she started her own firm after a career spent at top-tier design studios.

Linda Kafka, WELL AP, principal of Livable Environment and founder of the NeuroDesign Academy, talked to KBB all about neurodesign and how it might apply to our industry’s projects. She believes in understanding how to personally design spaces, which is especially important for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with ADHD or who are on the autism spectrum.

Designer Julie Jones shares how she went from social media novice to TikTok star.

We spoke to Laura Tribbett, founder and principal designer of Chicago-based Outline Interiors, a firm that believes in involving the client every step of the way throughout a project. She told us about how she and her firm deliver an exclusive client experience. 

On our most recent From the Tap podcast, we talked to Lorna Gross, founder of Washington, D.C.-based Lorna Gross Interior Design about the ever-changing definition of luxury design and the luxury client. She and firm focus on creating personal projects for their clients – never anything cookie cutter.

As founder of Rowland Cabinet Consultants, Jonathan Rowland helps both designers and dealers navigate the nuances of selecting and selling kitchen and bath cabinets.

Alison Solar, owner of Solara Designs in New Hyde Park, N.Y., and founder of the Kitchen & Bathroom Design Academy discussed the importance of mentoring in our industry.

On our recent KBB From the Tap Podcast, we spoke with Leslie Carothers, principal of digital marketing agency, Savour Partnership, which she founded 22 years ago. She offered up her extensive expertise on how to generate great reviews from clients.

Ashley Wainscott, the founder of Simply Home, an Austin-based contracting firm that is a woman-owned business that is also operated with women in mind, discusses her career trajectory and explains why she focuses on female clients.

On our most recent From the Tap Podcast, we spoke with Margaret Donaldson, owner of Charleston, S.C.-based MDI Luxury Design, a firm she started while she was nine months pregnant. She told us how she built her legacy brand and how you can do the same. 

KBB recently got to know more about our 2023 Bathroom Product of the Year winner, Cold Plunge by Hydro Systems, during our From the Tap podcast. Kevin Steinhardt, the company’s vice president, discussed the research and development of Cold Plunge, and Ashley Steinhardt, vice president of sales, spoke to the user experience and benefits.

In our latest From the Tap podcast, we speak with Kristine Anderson, the managing principal/designer of PKA Architecture in Minneapolis about tackling the diversity gap in design practices.