By CEDIA - Wed, Sep 3, 2025 - Press Releases
BETHLEHEM, Pa. (September 4, 2025) – The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS), the world’s leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry, and CEDIA, the Association for Smart Home Professionals™, have partnered to commission a U.S.-based research study examining the current state of technology integration* in home design. Comprised of data generated from a survey completed by industry experts including kitchen, bath and interior designers and specifiers, general contractors and remodelers, home technology integrators, home builders, and more, the report provides a comprehensive look into the smart home integration market.
As interest in home technology has increased over the past two years, the report found that homeowners completing projects with smart technology allocated on average approximately 20% of the overall budget towards smart home integration – over $41k for the average whole home project**. With an evolving industry landscape and breadth of products available, homes of the future will require collaboration between designers, integrators, architects, and builders as homeowners advocate for smarter, more intuitive home systems.
On September 3, NKBA | KBIS global president & CEO Bill Darcy, sat down for a Town Hall conversation at CEDIA in Denver, CO, with Daryl Friedman, global president & CEO of CEDIA, to discuss the findings.
“Smart home integration can be a substantial investment—whether for new homeowners or those upgrading their current space—and when done thoughtfully, it delivers an elevated, safer, and more seamless at-home experience,” said Darcy. “People aren’t looking for gimmicks. They want practical solutions that make everyday living easier, more efficient, and more connected.”
“Empowering design professionals and technology integrators to work closely pushes our entire industry ahead,” added Friedman. “Proper collaboration unlocks unique and innovative solutions tailored to every project and is shifting to become the new standard in home design – especially in the kitchen and bath, where so much technology is centered.”
With the top trade associations forging the way for ongoing and deeper collaboration and facilitating partnerships between the two industries, their common goal is to increase awareness for the role of the integrator at the onset of smart home projects. According to 75% of respondents, homeowners are currently the driving force for smart home integration, illustrating a client-driven demand for increased partnership. Looking ahead, 61% of respondents indicated that integrated technology is a “must-have” feature of the future, echoing the need for collaboration to be a priority upfront. By delving into the details, this report aims to recognise the features currently working the hardest in smart homes today, while uncovering the integration challenges and product opportunities to better prepare for the smart homes of tomorrow.
The full report is available at NKBA.org and CEDIA.org with free access for NKBA members and CEDIA members. Key findings include:
Integrated Technology Design Trends
The trends that are hot on the market for clients who have expanded their home’s abilities using smart technology.
The trends that are up-and-coming as lesser-known smart features with the potential to reshape integrated tech.
NKBA + CEDIA Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online among 190 respondents who are members of the NKBA and CEDIA communities and targeted occupations including interior designer, kitchen or bath designer, kitchen or bath specifier, general contractor/remodeler, home technology integrator, home builder, and custom home builder. If not qualified as the previous occupations, kitchen or bath showroom professionals, manufacturer or supplier of technology, appliances, and fixtures, and those working in home improvement stores were excluded from the field. Respondents must have completed at least one kitchen, bath, or whole home project in the past 2 years (either remodel or new construction).
About NKBA | KBIS
NKBA | KBIS is the not-for-profit trade association that owns the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show® (KBIS). With 55,000 members in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry, the NKBA has informed, educated and supported the industry since the association was founded in 1963. The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through community, professional certification and learning, and events. For more information, go to NKBA.org or call 1-800-THE-NKBA (843-6522). KBIS® and NKBA® are registered trademarks of the National Kitchen & Bath Association.
About CEDIA
CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA is dedicated to advocacy, connection, and education, and fosters a thriving community as the home for smart home professionals. Globally, CEDIA advances the rights of technology integrators by working with governmental bodies; gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople for learning and networking; and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the continued growth of the smart home industry. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver smart home technology solutions that enrich homeowners' lives. Learn more about CEDIA at cedia.org.
By providing you with specialised assistance, education, opportunities, and resources, CEDIA membership enables you to realise your full potential and progress both professionally and commercially. Find out more about how to sign up or renew right now.
Join CEDIA