With the majority of daily activities still taking place inside, homeowners value clean, well-organized spaces for the emotional benefits they bring as much as the health and convenience perks; dirty, cluttered areas only induce unwanted stress.
In “The Impact of Clean,” a recent Kohler@Home session, J. Walker Smith, chief knowledge officer at the data, insights, and consulting company Kantar, said that a surge of interest in cleanliness and innovations like hands-free faucets, bidets, and antimicrobial surfaces bodes well for new products in the kitchen.
Likewise, bolder kitchen layouts are becoming commonplace. Lori Paranjape, founder of Nashville-based Mrs. Paranjape Design + Interiors, said that some of her clients are requesting scullery kitchens exclusively for dirty serving plates and dishwashers so that the main kitchen can remain in sparkling condition.
“Now we have a deeper understanding of the need for cleanliness because there are health concerns tied to it,” said Paranjape. “Clients are telling us what they need instead of us coming up with all the ideas.”
“Creating a Smarter Home,” another Kohler@Home session, demonstrated how smart home technology like digital showers and lighting programs, as well as voice-activated mirrors and tubs, can also influence wellness.
“Each client has a different approach, but it is our job to personalize the experience,” said Jordan Cooper, cofounder of Chicago-based Whizcribs. “We create experiences for individual spaces and people to solve problems.”
During bathroom manufacturer Fantini’s Wellness Week, Kristen Sidell, founding principal of Berkeley, California-based Sidell Pakravan, stressed the importance of natural light and connection to nature in bathrooms. Cindy Rendely, architect and owner of her eponymous Toronto practice, echoed this trend, noting her affinity for spa-like shades and such materials as stone, wood, and metal in these sanctuaries. “Whether a small or large space or budget, light can be used as a material in a bathroom, and natural light is free,” she said. “Light can heighten the overall experience.”
A version of this article was originally published by KBB.
