In the recent episode of The Designers Show, Robin Fisher took center stage to walk us through the long-awaited 5th edition of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design Guidelines—and let’s just say, it wasn’t your average textbook rundown.
Instead of dry bullet points and boilerplate code talk, this was a real-world, laugh-out-loud, occasionally off-script conversation between industry pros who know the difference between a bad floor transition and a back-breaking countertop. Robin—who’s been elbow-deep in these guidelines for years—gave an unfiltered tour of what’s changed, what hasn’t, and why it all matters.
If you missed it, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with the replay below.
Whether you’re designing a luxe scullery or just trying to stop clients from table dancing on unsupported quartz overhangs, this breakdown is worth bookmarking.
So... What’s Up with the 5th Edition?
First things first: this isn’t a total reinvention. It’s more like the NKBA team finally KonMari’d the old book.
Here’s what Robin revealed:
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Less clutter: They trimmed repetition, clarified the layout, and split accessibility/sustainability sections so they’re easy to find.
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New format, same great taste: The guidelines themselves haven’t changed dramatically—but how they’re organized is much, much better.
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More rooms, more relevance: Beyond just kitchens and baths, the new edition covers laundry rooms, closets, outdoor kitchens, even home gyms.
Basically, the NKBA stopped pretending designers only touch two rooms and started reflecting what real design work looks like.
“You’re the Designer. Own It.”
This was the unofficial theme of the episode—and Robin made sure it stuck.
Over and over, she reminded us: these are guidelines, not laws. There’s no design police showing up because you didn’t hit a 54-inch clearance. It’s about designing for the actual people using the space. Period.
Designers aren’t just following rules. We’re interpreting needs, making judgment calls, and solving weird spatial puzzles with humans at the center. The guidelines are there to help, not handcuff.
Accessibility Is Front & Center—Finally
The 5th edition takes accessibility seriously, and The Designers Show panelists weren’t shy about how overdue that is. But the updates go beyond wheelchairs and grab bars.
Think:
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Side-mounted faucets for easier reach
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Countertop height variations based on height, age, or mobility
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Better clearance and transitions for folks carrying babies, groceries—or just aging in place
Robin shared personal project stories—clients with prosthetics, wheelchair users with specific movement limitations, even households with radically different user heights (a 5'1" baker married to a 6'4" chef). All those use cases? They’re in the new book now.
Numbers, Clearances, & Hot-Button Tweaks
Designers always want the digits, and The Designers Show delivered:
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Work aisle widths: Now recommended at 48" to 54"—a hot topic that had the comments section fired up.
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Overhangs for seating: Increased to 21", 18", and 15" for table, counter, and bar heights.
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Landing zones: Refined guidance on placing prep surfaces across from ovens, fridges, etc., based on realistic movements (like carrying that 26-lb Thanksgiving turkey).
And yes, they got into the work triangle vs. work zones debate. Verdict? Both matter, but zones are better for multi-cook kitchens—something way more common today.
Pop-Ups, Power, & "Why Is This Even a Rule?"
Ah, the code rants. A Designers Show staple.
Some of the best moments came when the group tackled things like:
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Outlet requirements for kitchen islands (“Wait, so I have to wire for power even if I’m not putting appliances in it?”)
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Pop-up outlets that cost $300 just to be UL-listed
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And of course, the new catchphrase: No table dancing on unsupported quartz.
Robin even dropped a gem acronym you’ll never forget: HOGS — Heat, Odor, Grease, Smoke — a.k.a. what your kitchen vent should actually be removing.
Let There Be (Smarter) Light
Lighting got its moment too:
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Recessed cans should be placed over counters, not walking paths (so you don’t cast a shadow while chopping onions).
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Islands with seating? Treat the prep and seating sides as two different zones—pendants over one, task lighting over the other.
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Outlets? Yep, those are still code-regulated. Lighting? Not so much. So plan smart.
Bonus: They touched on FreePower wireless charging tech that installs under your counter surface. Very cool stuff if you want clutter-free charging zones.
Bonus: Free Tools & Resources
Rene plugged a handy site you’ll want to bookmark: rabbitdesign.net
It’s got:
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A building code chatbot
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IRC & NEC code lookup
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PDF downloads of classics like Human Dimension & Interior Space (aka designer gold)
All free. All super useful. Straight from a designer who’s tired of Googling through code forums at 11pm.
Final Thoughts from the Designers Show
If there’s one thing to take from this episode, it’s this:
“Good design isn’t about blindly following rules. It’s about using those rules to make smart, human-focused spaces.”
The 5th edition of the NKBA Guidelines gives you more tools, better formatting, and broader support for the way real people live. It won’t replace your instincts—but it’ll definitely back them up.
And no, Robin’s not getting royalties. She just genuinely believes the book will make your job easier.
So whether you’re designing a 200-square-foot condo kitchen or a multi-cook scullery, give the 5th edition a look—and catch the full episode of The Designers Show if you want to hear it straight from the source (with a few off-script laughs along the way).
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