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KBIS 2026 put innovation front and center—and for the Surface & Panel world, two standouts rose to the top: Richelieu Hardware earned major recognition for both decorative hardware and ergonomic cabinet access, while FreePower captured a top “innovation” win for bringing hidden, countertop-integrated power one step closer to everyday adoption.
Announced February 18 at the KBIS NEXTStage in Orlando, the Best of KBIS Awards (sponsored by LUXE Interiors + Design) celebrated products judged to be leading the way in design, performance, sustainability, and user experience—trends that closely mirror what fabricators, cabinetmakers, and component suppliers are hearing from customers right now: sleeker functionality, durable materials, and tech that disappears into the environment.
Surface & Panel Spotlight Wins
Richelieu
Richelieu’s awards reinforce a clear direction for kitchens, closets, and storage: beauty is expected, but ease-of-use is now a differentiator. The company earned:
- Style Statement: Kitchen – Silver: Atipica Decorative Hardware
- Wellness Trailblazer – Gold: Electric Lift for Upper Cabinets VERTI 840
For shops and specifiers, this is another signal that decorative hardware is trending more “statement” than accessory, while lift-assist and accessibility solutions are moving from niche to mainstream—especially in premium cabinetry, aging-in-place design, and space-optimized kitchen planning.
FreePower
FreePower won:
- Game-Changing Innovation – Gold: FreePower for Countertop 2
For surface professionals, this category win is a big deal because it points to the countertop becoming an active functional zone — not just a finish surface. As wireless power becomes more integrated and less visually intrusive, it creates new conversations around spec-friendly fabrication workflows, placement planning, and designing power into islands and work areas without cluttering the visual line.
Full list: Best of KBIS 2026 award winners (as announced)
- Best in Show: Smart Double Wall Oven with Live Look-in — KitchenAid
- Style Statement: Kitchen – Gold: The Signature Rockwell True Caliber
- Style Statement: Bath – Gold: Sensa Expanded Quartzite Collection — Cosentino
- Game-Changing Innovation – Gold: FreePower for Countertop 2 — FreePower
- Most Functional Find – Gold: MORE AntiEtch Next Gen — MORE Surface Care
- Sustainable Standout – Gold: MORE AntiEtch Next Gen — MORE Surface Care
- Style Statement: Kitchen – Silver: Atipica Decorative Hardware — Richelieu Hardware
- Style Statement: Bath – Silver: Ametrine Collection — Pfister Faucets
- Game-Changing Innovation – Silver: X20MAX Dishwasher Sink — FOTILE America
- Most Functional Find – Silver: PureWash E860 — Kohler
- Sustainable Standout – Silver: 48” Professional Induction Range — Induction Hardware
- Wellness Trailblazer – Gold: Electric Lift for Upper Cabinets VERTI 840 — Richelieu Hardware
- Wellness Trailblazer – Silver: Indoor/Outdoor Cold Plunge Tub — Empava
What judges said these winners reflect
A panel of six judges evaluated 50 finalists during KBIS 2026, noting broader trends that showed up across the show floor—particularly stylish outdoor living, simple-but-smart tech that improves daily routines, and durability designed for long-term performance.
