By Robert Isler

NKBA’s newly released 2023 Design Trends report revealed several new and upcoming trends as well as highlighted a number of others that continue to gain traction. The annual report, which surveyed over 600 members of the kitchen and bath industry, identifies the space, color, materials, products and technology trends that will dominate the kitchen and bath industry during the next two to three years. 

The trend that only continues to gain ground is the expansion of both kitchen and bath spaces. Nearly 40 percent of designers said their kitchen projects are larger, more involved this year compared with 2021, while about one-third said the same for their bath projects.  

Expanded Space for Storage/Functionality

The majority of designers noted that to add additional storage and functionality, they are knocking down walls or taking over adjoining rooms to add more square footage.  The increased space for kitchens enables designers to add walk-in or built-in pantries for expanded storage, larger (or two) islands and more appliances like a second dishwasher or column refrigerator and freezer.  

Meanwhile, for baths the extended space allows larger showers for two or more people (at the expense of the tub), the addition of a closet, dressing room or sitting area. In addition, the expanded space is also giving rise to more aging in place features such as shower seats (79 percent), zero clearance (66 percent) and grab bars (65 percent).

Sustainability/Environment Matters 

For both kitchen and baths, the trend towards sustainability and the environment will only grow stronger. The majority of designers for both kitchen and bath said they consider a manufacturer’s sustainability practices “at times” when making a product recommendation. The move toward embracing the environment also is seen by the continued movement toward opening up to the outdoors for both kitchens and baths. This means larger windows with fewer panes and glass doors that open to an outside patio, deck or garden. 

Color Ways   

Color and bold accents are gaining ground in both the kitchen and bath continues. Specific to kitchens is the rise of darker, richer colors with green(45 percent)  and blue (37 percent) topping the list. White/off-white remain the most popular neutral color. Meanwhile, brushed and matte finishes eclipse polished for fixtures and . “Warmer, natural colors, less gray and white,” said one designer in the survey. “Or [we’ll see] strong, dramatic colors mixed with light natural woods to warm it up.” 

For baths, the spa-like design trend can be seen in the rise of using blues (42 percent) and greens (37 percent) to give a sense of calmness, serenity. To add drama and a hint of glamor, there’s also the addition of metallics with little to no shine, as matte or brushed finishes dominate. 

Technology as a Functional Benefit 

When it comes to technology, clients increasingly want it make their life easier, more efficient. In the kitchen, this translates to steam cooking/air frying features integrated into ovens and a mobile app to control appliances. In addition, designers said their clients are also excited about touchless faucets and voice- or motion-controlled lighting. 

In the primary bath, respondents said their clients are looking for smart controls for heated floors, showers and lighting. They also want technology to help them conserve water and alert them to leaks/issues. 

Even though technology is part of everyday life, the survey showed that only 31 percent of kitchen and 23 percent of bathroom projects include integrated technology. In addition, only 28 percent of designers said they work with a technology expert on their kitchen projects.  For baths, only 23 percent said they frequently or sometimes use a technology expert. 

Millennials on the Rise. 

The survey showed that designers’ client pool continues to be mostly older, mainly Gen X  and Boomers. However, there is a growing Millennial  client base that is gaining momentum. In fact, 17 percent of respondents said they are designing more for this group than any other, nearly double what it was in 2020. 

Click here to download the full report.

By Robert Isler

The top kitchen and bath trends emerging from the recent NKBA 2022 Design Trends study can be narrowed down to a few key words: simple, natural, functional and bold colors. The study, which resulted from a survey of association members, showed that technology solutions, nature and, to a lesser degree, trends from Europe, are also strong influence.

Getting down to specifics, warmer colors and more wood tones easily top the list for likely styles. As for color, the trend is toward replacing all-white with lighter-stained woods and incorporating bold shades in backsplashes, wallcoverings, paint and artwork. Styles are shifting toward “simple, clean, minimalistic and modern”, featuring touchless technology and fewer accessories.  Cabinets were next likely to be discussed for near-term change, with deeper base cabinets for more storage space, fewer uppers, contemporary and flat-front all in play.

Top Kitchen Trends

The most prominent kitchen features during the next three years, according to those surveyed, will be easy-to-clean flooring (67 percent); large islands that can also function as dining tables (63 percent); and the removal of walls to enlarge the kitchen (62 percent). Interestingly, when the same set of choices were offered to millennials, they chose flex space for home office activities as their number one priority, followed by easy-to-clean flooring and touchless faucets.

Regarding sustainability, the majority singled out 100 percent LED lighting, followed by separate recycling storage and the increased use of natural light through larger, high-performance windows and doors. Millennials agreed with the first two, but for the third sustainability factor they chose alternate energy-efficient water heaters.

Nearly three-in-four respondents said they mostly designed mid-sized kitchens, measuring 150-350-square feet. And more than 40 percent of all respondents said they expect the scope of their projects to become more involved, while a whopping 84 percent expect the size of the kitchen to increase.

Top Bathroom Trends

In bathrooms, the top three projected styles are influenced by hotel and travel, technology solutions and nature. While technology and nature mirror what’s happening in kitchens, homeowners are looking to replicate the spa-like feel and smart features found in high-end hotels in their own bathrooms. They are increasingly seeking the better hotel experience at home, leading to a shift in the future of bath design.

Another top design change involves replacing the traditional shower and tub with  larger, curbless showers. Meanwhile living-in-place and functional designs are going to continue to gain momentum.

A popular trend going forward will be the expansion of the primary bath to provide space for a connected closet or dressing area.

Other prominent trends across all consumer lifestages involve the removal of walls or the redistribution of space within the primary bathroom. The most popular? Removing standard tubs to make room for larger showers and/or freestanding tubs, followed by increasing the bathroom’s footprint to provide space for a connected closet/dressing area. And as with kitchens, the top sustainability feature is 100% LED lighting.

Perhaps the most dramatic change forecasted that 76 percent of survey respondents expect the size of the primary bathroom will grow. Last year, 67 percent of respondents forecasted a space increase and three years ago only 42% predicted growth. The decision to remove walls adjacent to the bathroom and extend the space is leading to an evolution in the very definition of the bathroom from a functional room to one that doubles as an escape from life’s stresses.

Click here to download the full report.