Discover What’s New! Highlights from The 2025 International Builders Show - Designers Show #146

The International Builders’ Show (IBS) and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) 2025 just wrapped up, and this year’s event was bigger and more exciting than ever! With over 1,800 exhibitors and a show floor that expanded 40% larger than last year, the industry’s top designers, architects, and builders gathered to explore the latest innovations in home design, construction technology, and interior trends.

This topic was the highlight and focus of this episode of the Designers Show, where our hosts broke down the most exciting products, trends, and insights straight from the event. One of the biggest moments? Our very own Robin Rigby Fisher, a regular co-host of the show, received the prestigious 2024 NKBA Educator of the Year Award! 🏆

From bold color palettes replacing neutral tones to massive pivot doors, integrated lighting, and high-tech kitchen appliances, IBS & KBIS 2024 set the stage for what’s next in homebuilding and remodeling. Not to mention, Chief Architect X17 unveiled powerful new features for home design professionals, making the process even more efficient and precise.

In this blog, we’ll dive into:
✔️ The biggest takeaways from IBS & KBIS 2025
✔️ The top kitchen and bath trends shaping the industry
✔️ Exciting technology innovations like wireless charging countertops and space-saving solutions
✔️ A sneak peek at Chief Architect X17 and its game-changing new tools

Whether you’re an interior designer, builder, architect, or remodeling expert, this blog will help you stay ahead of the trends and incorporate the latest industry advancements into your projects.

Let’s explore what’s new and next in home design for 2025 and beyond! 🚀

Key Highlights from the Show

The IBS 2025 and KBIS Show (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) were held in Las Vegas, featuring a mix of industry leaders, innovative brands, and emerging startups.

Some notable highlights included:

• The Chief Architect Booth, which showcased AI-powered software solutions for architects and designers.
• The unveiling of the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired faucet collection by Brizo.
• A focus on integrated smart home solutions, blending sustainability with cutting-edge automation.
• The debut of JobTread, a next-generation construction project management software.
• The increasing popularity of Tesla tubes for efficient trade show transportation in large venues.

With so much happening, let's dive into the top design trends and innovations that are shaping 2025!

Emerging Design Trends for 2025

1. Bold Colors in Kitchen & Bath

After years of neutral tones dominating the market, 2025 is bringing back bold colors.

What’s Trending?

✅ Deep purples, warm oranges, and earthy rust tones are replacing cold grays.
✅ Kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, and tile work are incorporating rich jewel tones.
✅ Customizable color options for hardware and fixtures are on the rise.

💡 Expert Tip: Want to incorporate these trends? Try adding a bold accent wall, colorful cabinetry, or jewel-toned tiles in your next design project.

2. Customizable Hardware & Fixtures

Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all hardware. The industry is shifting towards custom, mix-and-match designs.

Key Innovations:

🛠 Emtek & Rohl’s fully customizable handles—choose from wood, marble, metal, or mixed-material designs.
🚰 Brizo’s Frank Lloyd Wright Collection—modern, architectural-style faucets with customizable materials and finishes.
🚪 Modular door handles and locks—create a unique style for each client.

Why it Matters: This shift reflects a larger trend towards personalization in home design, allowing homeowners and designers to craft spaces that feel unique and curated.

3. Smart & Sustainable Design Solutions

With a growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability, the IBS 2025 showcased eco-friendly and high-tech innovations.

Key Takeaways:

🌱 Energy-efficient lighting: Integrated LED lighting under countertops and inside cabinetry.
🏡 Smart home automation: More brands integrating AI-powered lighting, climate control, and security systems.
♻️ Fire-resistant, low-maintenance building materials to withstand wildfires and extreme weather.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider integrating smart, touchless faucets and voice-activated lighting to enhance both efficiency and luxury in modern homes.

Game-Changing Innovations in Home Tech

Technology took center stage at IBS 2025, with a strong focus on automation, AI, and 3D visualization.

1. Chief Architect’s AI-Powered Software

The Chief Architect booth was a standout, showcasing: ✔ Advanced AI tools for architects and interior designers.
✔ Real-time 3D rendering capabilities for immersive client presentations.
✔ Intuitive design software integrated with project management tools.

💡 Why It Matters: AI-driven architectural software is revolutionizing the home design process, making it faster and more precise than ever.

2. JobTread: The Future of Project Management

A major player at the show, JobTread is redefining construction project management.

What Makes It Special?

✅ User-friendly interface for builders and designers.
✅ More affordable than competitors like BuilderTrend.
✅ Seamless budget tracking, scheduling, and client collaboration.

💡 Who Should Use It? If you're a contractor or designer looking for a streamlined workflow, JobTread is a must-have tool.

3. High-Tech Displays & The Las Vegas Sphere

One of the most talked-about attractions outside the event was The Sphere, an architectural marvel featuring a fully LED exterior.

🎥 Why It’s Exciting: The Sphere is pushing the limits of LED display technology, hinting at future applications for smart home integration.

Spotlight on Industry Leaders

The show also recognized industry professionals for their impact and contributions.

🏆 Robin received the NKBA 2024 Educator of the Year Award, highlighting the importance of design education.
🏆 Ebony Stevenson was nominated for an industry award, showcasing emerging leaders in design.
🏆 Chief Architect’s training sessions were a massive hit, emphasizing continued professional development in home design.

Final Thoughts: What This Means for Home Designers & Builders

The IBS 2025 showcased the future of homebuilding, blending bold aesthetics, smart technology, and eco-conscious solutions.

Key Takeaways for Industry Professionals

✔ Designers & Architects: Stay ahead by incorporating bold colors, customizable fixtures, and smart home automation into your projects.
✔ Builders & Contractors: Invest in project management software like JobTread to streamline workflow.
✔ Tech Enthusiasts: Keep an eye on AI-driven design tools and LED-integrated architectural elements.

📅 Mark Your Calendars: The next IBS show will be in Orlando in 2026, before returning to Las Vegas for the next 9 years! Don't miss it!

Need More Industry Insights?

🔗 Check out Chief Architect Software for cutting-edge design tools.
🔗 Explore JobTread for project management solutions.
🔗 Follow NKBA for the latest in kitchen & bath design.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 International Builders’ Show was a game-changer, setting the tone for the future of home construction and design. With bold colors, customizable features, and AI-driven solutions, this year's event proved that the industry is evolving rapidly.

💡 What trends are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

🚀 Stay ahead of the curve and start integrating these 2025 trends into your projects today!