By Robert Isler

NKBA’s 2023 Design Trends report provides insight into both emerging trends and those that will continue to gain momentum over the next two to three years. Combining the feedback of 600 K+B specialists, it’s no surprise that given the fact that the home has evolved into a place of rest, recreation, and work, the kitchen becomes even more prominent in terms of space, function and design.  

Let it Flow/Keep it Tidy

Kitchens are opening up and expanding overall functionality with a focus on more efficient storage  and concealed workspaces.  Technology is becoming more firmly entrenched while styles shift to embrace an aesthetic of vibrancy, combining multiple design elements and materials along with bold accents, splashes of color and texture.  

The trend is clearly towards a cleaner look as the room flows into other areas of the home as well as the outdoors. This includes removing walls that lead into adjacent rooms and incorporating large windows to create the appearance of a kitchen fusing with the outdoors (74 percent).  

With more open space comes the need to mask clutter.  The report indicates a high increase in the need for walk-in pantries (76 percent) followed by the built-in variety (66 percent) and butler’s pantries (62 percent) as well. Dedicated work areas for small appliances are also on the rise. 

The trend towards clean, and efficient design extends to countertops, backsplashes and flooring as well. Sanitary counter surfaces that can be easily cleaned, such as quartz (60 percent),  are on the rise.  Slab backsplashes will increase (50 percent) for ease of cleaning and seamless  design, with little to no grout.  Easy-to-clean flooring will continue to be a must  (70 percent) lead by hardwood (48 percent).

Multi-function & Multiples 

Large, multi-function kitchen islands that can accommodate the growing demands of the kitchen will continue to be extremely popular.  Designers are creating areas of the island to accommodate food prep, serving, entertaining and work/charging stations. Multiple ovens, either two large single ovens or the use of one large and one small, are gaining in popularity as well (64 percent).  Venting hoods are becoming a kitchen focal point, with wood and stainless steel the most popular material choices. And even cooking itself is shifting, as induction cooking gains  traction. French doors will continue to be the most popular refrigerator style (53 percent), well-above the 35 percent for bottom freezers.

Seamless Technology

Kitchen tech will continue to become more commonplace.  From smart app-based technology that enables one to control lighting, room temperature and even activate appliances (51 percent)  to new cooking technology.  This includes tech that supports precision-cooking, motion-sensor faucets, alerts for open refrigerator doors, taps that increase water purity and the demand for steam and air frying technology to be integrated into ovens (73 percent).  

Click here to download the full report.

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

One of the themes in NKBA’s 2022 Design Trends release was the expected popularity of larger primary bathrooms over the next three years. In fact, more than three in four designers who responded to the survey predicted this size increase. One in three believe the bathroom footprint will grow by at least 25 percent. So how will these more substantial bathrooms look and what are their must-have features? Both the NKBA report and a recent story in Home and Gardens have provided answers.

The NKBA report explores creative ways to increase a bathroom’s size and the prominence of the features that are deemed most valuable. The focus of the Home and Gardens piece is on design ideas for bathrooms that are already oversized. The most popular trend identified in the NKBA study is a larger shower. This could take the form of a two-person shower for couples – with separate showerheads – or a redesign for living-in-place; complete with a bench seat, zero clearance entry and attractive grab bars. Hand-held and rain showerheads are among the most cited features likely to be part of this revamped shower.The tradeoff to secure the extra space involves removal of the bathtub. Other predicted forms of enlargement include the removal of adjacent walls to create a connected closet or dressing area, connecting the bathroom to laundry facilities, connecting to a workout area, or adding comfortable seating.

One in three designers predict primary bathrooms will increase in size by at least 25 percent over the next three years.

For those who already have ample bathroom space, the options are far greater, as detailed by Home and Gardens. Double bathroom basins are on that list, because they are both practical and indulgent, while creating symmetry for the overall look of the room. Two-person showers were also mentioned, with the recommendation that its minimum width be no less than 5 ½ feet. Since a larger space allows for experimentation, the mixing of styles, such as two flooring materials, was suggested to make the room more inviting.

Maximizing storage space is always a good idea. In a large bathroom it can be made to resemble living room or bedroom furniture, taking the bathroom to the next level. To really step it up, a wellness shower is always enticing. Included might be freefall or atomization jet showers in various positions from ceiling to both high and low on the wall for the benefit of shoulders and back down to legs and ankles. The picture can be completed with the addition of chromotherapy and music. For a bathroom that is particularly generous in size, the sauna option should also be considered. As described in the Home and Gardens article, “The combination of warm, dry air and the fragrance of the natural wood create a calming effect, said to also stimulate blood circulation and deep cleanse the skin.” Those are benefits most would be hard-pressed to turn down.

By Robert Isler

The biggest takeaway from the NKBA 2022 Design Trends study is the continued strength of the Organic/Natural trend, which has risen to a close second in kitchen styles after Transitional. Among those surveyed, 57 percent said Organic/Natural was most popular and 59 percent chose Transitional. Two years ago, Organic/Natural placed ninth in popularity. 

Among millennials, the influence of nature was even more pronounced, with 44 percent saying Organic/Natural is the top style compared with 37 percent for Contemporary, and 27 percent for Transitional. Organic/Natural also placed first with millennials for bathroom style, followed by Contemporary. 

Rarely, if ever, has a style experienced such a rapid rise in popularity. Months of pandemic restrictions where people were sequestered in their homes likely helped jump start the need to bring an outdoor feel to inside spaces.

Organic/Natural has emerged from relative obscurity to become top style preference for both kitchens and baths.

Although color trends are not expected to change as dramatically, the current study shows that a pattern is clearly developing. Whites and off-whites are still the most popular kitchen neutral, but greens and blues are being frequently added (boldly, in some cases) to backsplashes, cabinets, wall paint and wall coverings. Wood tones are also on the rise and expected to be popular over the next two to three years. 

“I think more natural colors will become the new trend. I am seeing an increase of people asking for a painted cabinet that shows the grain of the wood and lighter stains,” said one survey respondent. Another forecasted a comeback of bold, muted colors, while a third talked of the trend towards more monochromatic color schemes in the kitchen.

Similar to kitchens, whites and off-whites dominated bathroom neutrals, followed by beige and bone. The top color choices for baths were blues, followed by greens — both colors being used mostly for wall paint and wall coverings, but also for artwork and cabinets/vanities. Metals such as gold, sepia, bronze and silver were also popular. 

Many surveyed agreed that the growing popularity of natural colors would bring warmer tones into the bathroom, including soft blue-based grays, pale blues and greens, as well as the darker blues. Still, one survey respondent said: “I think whites will continue to be big for bathrooms because it signifies cleanliness and purity.” 

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.