Key Insights from Our 2026 Trends Reports
The idea of Spring cleaning has taken on new meaning over the years as modern life becomes cluttered in different ways.
With technology and social media ever evolving, the need to simplify and unplug brings new opportunities to create a haven in the home–particularly in the kitchen and bath.
One of the perks of NKBA is full access to our annual research reports of bath and kitchen design trends–the most comprehensive deep dive you’ll find in the industry.
With Spring cleaning season upon us, let’s look at the most recent trends our research pros uncovered in the areas of cleaning, storage, and organization:
Smart Design Brings Simplicity to Life
Homeowners are craving space efficiency and clear countertops. In the bath, that means smarter storage solutions for hair tools, makeup, and medications–such as James Martin Vanities with built-in custom dividers.
In the shower, we’re seeing bench seating with integrated and customizable storage compartments. When there’s more out of the way, there’s less to clean year round. Speaking of cleaning: larger tiles and slabs with minimal grout joints open up the bath space while simplifying maintenance.
The bath continues to evolve from a place of necessity into a personal sanctuary. Designs that reduce clutter and cleaning translate into priceless peace of mind–and extra time in the day. Over the next few years, self-cleaning toilets and exhaust fans will become increasingly popular.
Making Space For What Truly Counts
With the kitchen established as the gathering hub of the household, pantry and storage solutions are now a must have. The goal: to maximize time with friends and family–while minimizing work time.
That means a growing demand for pull-out stations and drawers keeping as much as possible out of sight. At KBIS 2026 in Orlando, the MagnaSusan from Century Components represented the new era of kitchen organization. The USA-crafted modern take on the lazy susan features a clever steel plate so dishes, ingredients, and cookware stay securely in place.
Islands are also evolving into essential storage spaces, creating more room for food prep and celebration–while keeping cleaning routines to a minimum. And since open shelving means more dusting, enclosed storage is gaining more popularity.
For growing families, attached mudrooms are a lifesaver to contain the chaos and reduce Spring cleaning to a single-room affair.
