Long an Afterthought, Lighting is Taking Center Stage in K&B Designs

First NKBA Research Report on Lighting Offers Fresh Insights and Advice for Design Pros

By NKBA Editorial Staff  

While NKBA has monitored lighting trends as part of its annual Design Trends research for many years, it has never conducted a qualitative study on the topic of lighting in kitchen and bath design – until now. The first-ever Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design report offers a unique look at the role of lighting in residential settings and how it increasingly benefits homeowners’ evolving lifestyles, aesthetics, and even their well-being.

The goal of this research is to inspire and encourage designers to strengthen their expertise in lighting design as a means of better serving their clients, broadening their skill sets and growing their businesses.

Here are some highlights from the report: 

Filling the Knowledge Gap

The interviewed designers said that lighting tends to be an overlooked and underutilized aspect of residential design, mostly because industry pros often lack knowledge about techniques and products. They also said that, in general, none of the professionals involved in a renovation take ownership of lighting, so it becomes an afterthought. By prioritizing lighting, design pros can differentiate themselves and potentially increase revenues by charging more for their expertise.

The Right Lighting Makes Everything Better

Proper lighting elevates an entire renovation project by improving a room’s functionality, and appearance. The interviewed designers cited several specific benefits, from improving the ability to perform intended tasks in a given room to defining the ambiance of a space based on the homeowner’s goals for its use. The report also cites practical benefits to the health and well-being of the homeowner – strategic lighting can positively influence circadian rhythms and moods, for example, and help prevent falls and accidents.

Factors Driving Lighting Design Growth

The continued evolution of residential lighting design is being driven by the application of improved technologies and increasingly innovative products that result in more dynamic K&B designs. Aside from aesthetics, lighting is becoming an essential part of integrated home systems that provide unprecedented control, convenience and efficiency.

Budgeting and Skill-Building

Featured throughout the report are practical insights into how design pros can step-up their lighting design skills by acquiring and deploying new knowledge to their projects, as well as smart budgeting advice to make sure lighting gets the right level of resources and attention, from the planning stages through execution of a design.

Practical Advice for Client Success

The designers offer a number of practical tips, including how to “get the right light in the right places” in a home and guidance about selecting the best fixture types, finishes and applications for a renovation project. Importantly, they emphasize the importance of “futureproofing” lighting plans to anticipate customers’ concerns about spending on lighting that could quickly become dated – or outdated.

“Lighting has traditionally taken a back seat to other elements of residential design, but that is changing, starting with higher-end remodels and increasingly in the mainstream market,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS. “Our goal in developing this report is to arm designers with insights, inspiration and practical guidance so they can enthusiastically and knowledgeably advocate for the importance of lighting in their projects. Better lighting results in better design, better client satisfaction and better business.”

Download and read the full NKBA/KBIS Lighting in Kitchen & Bath Design report here. And don’t forget to check out NKBA’s official educational programs and materials focused on lighting, such as the NKBA Specialty Badge Program: Lighting Specialist, NKBA Lighting Webinars and NKBA Voices from the Industry on-demand sessions, all accessible on NKBA.org.