NKBA | KBIS x CEDIA: Technology Integration in Kitchen, Bath, or Whole Home Design Projects

Technology Integration in Kitchen, Bath, and Whole Home Design Projects

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), in partnership with the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA), commissioned this study to evaluate the current state of technology integration in residential design projects.

Drawing on an online survey of kitchen and bath designers, specifiers, contractors, home builders, technology integrators, and other industry professionals, the report examines homeowner demand, identifies adoption barriers, and highlights opportunities for greater collaboration across trades.

In addition to tracking demand, the report surfaces the most requested smart home features and underscores the critical role technology integrators can play in helping designers and builders deliver on client expectations.

Key Findings

• Rising Demand: 68% of professionals have seen increased homeowner interest in integrated technology over the past two years.
• Client-Driven: 75% of projects are initiated by homeowner requests.
• Top Selling Points: Convenience (83%) and security (74%) lead the way in consumer motivations.
• Adoption Barriers: Cost (86%) is the most cited obstacle, followed by lack of understanding (70%) and limited technical support (55%).
• Integrator Awareness Gap: More than a third (35%) of NKBA members say they need an integrator but don’t know who to contact.

Additional Insights

• Technology integration trends in new construction and remodeling design
• Most requested integrated smart technologies in kitchen, bath, and whole-home design projects
• Alignment (and misalignment) between homeowner requests and designer recommendations
• Profile of homeowners most likely to request smart technology integration
• Strategies to overcome barriers around cost, education, and support