Our most recent Kitchen and Bath Trend reports show us the way to the intersection of wellness and eco-consciousness
By Nicholas Tamarin
The recent NKBA 2025 Kitchen and Bath Trend reports provide insight into the developments shaping the future of kitchens and baths. According to that research, wellness is a key focus, while widespread adoption of sustainability in these spaces is still nascent. Benefits of incorporating eco-conscious design into projects can include:
• Reduction of landfill waste
• Lowering demand for virgin resources
• Qualifications for LEED, Well, and other green building certifications
• Recycled and repurposed materials offer unique patina, textures, aesthetics, and history
The Wellness Kitchen concept is prominent in kitchens, emphasizing natural light, quality lighting, connection to the outdoors, healthy eating and cooking, air and water quality, and social interaction. Making kitchens social and welcoming spaces is a priority, with 63 percent of respondents citing this as a popular design theme. Additionally, 72 percent of homeowners desire a greater connection between their kitchen and the outdoors.
Bathrooms are evolving into health and wellness centers, with a focus on creating spa-like retreats. The “RE” room concept emphasizes relaxation, retreat, recharge, renewal, recovery, and reinvigoration. Natural colors and materials are gaining popularity. Key bath trends also include easy-to-maintain design and materials, with homeowners seeking minimal upkeep in flooring, countertops, sinks, and showers.
These signals dovetail with emerging sustainable developments such as electric radiant flooring that eliminates heat loss through ductwork, surfaces made from earth-friendly VOC-free materials, and water sustainability features, including those that meet EPA WaterSense standards such as bath sinks that drain into
toilet tanks for flushing and alternative energy-efficient water heaters. Also noted are options including countertops and cabinetry made from recycled materials, formaldehyde-free MDF, NAUF plywood and particleboard cabinetry, and those that are FSC-certified. Popular types of recycled flooring and surfaces include the following:
• Reclaimed Wood: Sourced from old barns, factories, and warehouses—it adds character and history to any space.
• Recycled Rubber: Often made from used tires, it’s durable, slip-resistant, and perfect for high-traffic areas or home gyms.
• Recycled Glass Tiles: Made from post-consumer glass, these tiles offer a sleek, colorful option for kitchens and bathrooms.
• Recycled Carpet: Produced using plastic bottles (PET) or reclaimed nylon, offering soft, sustainable comfort.
• Recycled Cork: Harvested from wine stoppers or manufacturing byproducts, it’s resilient, naturally antimicrobial, and sound-absorbing.
For more on the hottest industry trends, check out our full reports here. Further insights into sustainable kitchen and bath design can be found on NKBA’s Sustainability Month page.
