Older Homeowners Focus on Aging-in-Place, Younger Families Prioritize Kitchens
By NKBA Editorial Staff
The NKBA I KBIS 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Outlook, which provides an industry-wide forecast of U.S.residential kitchen and bath industry activity for the year, projects a gradual return to growth, beginning in the second half of the year.
The Outlook includes insights into specific demographic factors that are key drivers of this projected +2.9% increase in repair and remodeling K&B spending in 2026.
Here are some highlights:
Homeowner households are trending older
In 2026, most household growth will come from older age groups, and these older households represent a major end market for kitchen and bath projects. Older households tend to have more built-up and accessible home equity to fund kitchen and bath renovation projects. Meanwhile, although households aged 34 to 44 will grow in number, most are expected to rent rather than own.
Older homeowners are staying put
More than half (55%) of owner households are headed by someone age 55 or older. Older households move less frequently than younger households, which raises the need for aging-in-place remodels that emphasize universal design. These older homeowners are investing in renovations that will keep their homes safe and functional for years and decades to come, without compromising on design and style.
A focus on bathroom remodels
Kitchen and bath spending increases around age 40, driven by life events and wealth gains. It rises again among homeowners ages 55–59 as they prepare to age in place. The expected growth in older households will drive accessibility-related bathroom renovations, increasing demand for senior-friendly products such as walk-in bathtubs, showers with integrated seating, grab bars, and touchless faucets and cabinetry.
Younger homebuyers prioritize kitchens
The kitchen’s importance will continue to increase in 2026. When shopping for a home, the quality and appeal of the kitchen will be a major determinant in which homes younger families choose this year. For nearly 75% of young families, the kitchen is the most important or a major factor in influencing their home-buying decision – something home sellers need to consider as they invest in renovations that will improve their home’s appeal to buyers.
“The tight housing market, combined with historic levels of built up equity, have reinforced many older homeowners’ decision to stay in their homes and improve them in ways that anticipate their long-term needs,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA I KBIS. “Aging-in-place renovations will continue to be a major driver of K&B industry growth this year and moving forward.”
Access additional insights and information by downloading the full NKBA I KBIS 2026 Kitchen & Bath Industry Outlook.
