As design preferences shift toward warmth and organic appeal, wood is making a strong resurgence in luxury interiors. At KBIS 2025, the trend was clear—designers and homeowners alike are embracing softer, richer, and warmer materials to offset the hardness of stone and quartz. Contemporary and transitional styles remain dominant, but there is a growing emphasis on integrating organic textures, intricate patterns, and textured finishes like wire brushing, hand-planing, and custom glazing. This evolution in design has led to meaningful collaborations between Grothouse and five leading brands, each reflecting a unique take on this biophilic movement. The partnerships underscore how wood surfacing is redefining modern design and Grothouse proudly continues to be at the forefront of the movement, offering tailored wood surfacing solutions that bring warmth, depth, and craftsmanship.
nobilia North America: Sleek Design Meets Organic, Natural Qualities
The nobilia North America booth, themed “Next Level of Innovation,” highlighted the company’s dedication to German precision and engineering, cutting-edge design, and sustainability. With a shared commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovation, the Grothouse and nobilia North America collaboration was a natural fit.
In one of the eight vignettes, KBIS visitors were able to explore a striking, 12- foot-long Pastore™ Waterfall countertop, meticulously crafted from hand-planed Saxon wood. The display was finished with our newly introduced Durata® Zero for an ultra-matte, zero-sheen effect designed to showcase and complement nobilia’s new 496 Premium Honed Black from the Senso line, a matte black featuring anti-fingerprint technology. The table’s waterfall edge design further emphasized the rich grain and organic texture of the Saxon wood, creating a bold, dramatic focal point. With an integrated cooktop and sink for the ultimate culinary work-station, the natural Pastore™ waterfall surface added an organic warmth, seamlessly complementing nobilia’s sleek designs.
Photo credit: MAGNAFOTO LLC
Photo credit: MAGNAFOTO LLC
Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.: A Fusion of Natural Warmth and Industrial Edge
At KBIS 2025, Wellborn Cabinet showcased multiple vignettes, each reflecting a commitment to luxury craftsmanship and innovative materials through various brand partnerships. Two of the cabinet displays highlighted how Grothouse’s custom wood surfaces and Anvil™ Metal-coated countertops seamlessly integrate into both modern and traditional interiors.
Wellborn Cabinet’s Modern Loft: Industrial Elegance Meets Functionality
A standout feature of Wellborn’s exhibit was the Modern Loft, which showcased an Anvil™ Metal-coated kitchen island, finished in Grothouse’s stainless steel-inspired shade, Axel. Unlike traditional metal, Anvil™ surfaces offer unparalleled design flexibility, allowing for curved applications—as seen in the island’s undermount sink cutout with a ½” roundover edge. Overcoated with Durata®, the surface is waterproof and highly durable, making it a perfect fit for high-traffic kitchens.
Wellborn Cabinet’s Design Lab: Hands-On Creativity with Rich, Organic Textures
Exploring Wellborn’s exhibit further was the Design Lab, where visitors were invited to mix and match materials to create custom flat lays. The interactive space featured two Sapele Mahogany countertops, finished with our newly introduced Durata® Zero for a zero-sheen, ultra-matte effect. The deep red undertones of the Mahogany complemented Wellborn’s American-made blue cabinetry and shelving, adding a warm, organic contrast to the bold, modern color palette.
The combination of Anvil’s industrial sophistication and Mahogany’s natural richness demonstrated Grothouse’s ability to enhance both contemporary and classic interiors. By pairing cutting-edge finishes with expert craftsmanship, Grothouse is proud to continue providing our partners with innovative surface solutions.
Häfele: The Enduring Appeal of Walnut in Traditional and Modern Settings
Häfele—renowned for its innovative solutions—created an interactive and engaging experience for KBIS visitors. Häfele’s exhibit showcased multiple vignettes. Through a collaboration with Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry and Grothouse, the kitchen vignette showcased Elemental, Häfele’s line of organizational wood accessories including drawer inserts and base pull outs. Featured from Grothouse was a traditional Walnut countertop and backsplash finished with Durata® Satin, for a sleek, waterproof finish. The stunning installation enhanced the seamless, sophisticated design, adding a rich design element to Plain & Fancy’s frameless base cabinets, and face frame upper cabinets. The Walnut integrated backsplash further emphasized the countertop, combining the timeless appeal of Grothouse’s wood surfacing with the sheen and durability of our exclusive Durata® Satin Waterproof finish.
This particular vignette demonstrated how wood continues to be a beloved material in design, offering both aesthetic warmth and superior durability. The use of Walnut is especially significant, as it provides a sense of richness and organic beauty, making it a perfect fit for various design styles. As biophilic design and organic materials continue to shape interiors, Walnut remains a sought-after choice. Its rich grain and warm tones bring depth and character to both traditional and contemporary spaces, proving that wood’s timeless appeal never fades.
Conclusion: Wood Delivers Warmth and Wellness to the Future of Design
As we continue to embrace more organic materials in design, wood remains a cornerstone of traditional and modern aesthetics. Whether it’s through the striking contrast of natural wood countertops and Anvil™ Metal islands, the seamless integration of organic textures into minimalist designs, or the enduring appeal of wood in both traditional and modern spaces, Grothouse is proud to be at the forefront of these innovative design trends. At KBIS 2025, our collaborations with Wellborn Cabinetry Inc., nobilia North America, and Häfele showcased how wood and innovative designs can elevate a space, adding warmth, elegance, and integrated wellness. Stay tuned as we delve into the creative design work displayed through the Monogram and Belwith Products collaborations next!
