The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), owners of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), has released its Design Trends research report. The annual report provides insight into the styles, colors, products, materials and technologies that are expected to dominate the kitchen and bath design scene over the next two to three years, and wellness features are tracking high on the list once again.
“Kitchens and baths are bigger and more involved,” said Tricia Zach, Head of Research, NKBA, regarding the other findings in the report. “The study revealed that consumers want spaces to be multi-functional to meet their at-home work, education and entertaining needs.”
Highlights of the NKBA Design Trends Research
The NKBA has broken down some of the key findings of the 2023 Design Trends report as such:
- Vibrant Design takes over with bold colors, accents and mixed materials/themes for kitchens and bathrooms.
- Sustainability Matters more in the minds of clients and designers as they make their recommendations.
- Expanded Spaces are taking precedence, knocking down walls and adding in more functionality to rooms. For kitchens, this means adding larger or double islands and walk-in pantries; for baths, it means adding a closet, dressing area and/or sitting room.
- Wellness Drives Design, especially in the primary bath, where designers are creating spa-like experiences that offer clients a retreat for the mind and body.
- Tech Makes Life Easier through its continued growth as a clearly ‘functional’ element in the kitchen and bath.
NKBA Offers a More Granular Look at the Survey Results
Going a little deeper into the report, the NKBA has also highlighted some very specific developments within each category, such as:
Vibrant Design
A fusion of colors, textures and design styles create some unique, bespoke environments that pull from the best of many worlds.
- Design Styles are meeting in the middle to create some unique and revitalized aesthetics: Modern Farmhouse, Classic Contemporary, Organic Modern, Simple Transition, Nature Inspired
- Mixing warmer natural earthy tones, less gray and white, more medium wood tones
- Richer colors: coastal blues, greens and organic neutrals in both kitchen and bath
- Bold colorful accents through artwork, wallpaper, backsplashes
Sustainability Matters
Clients are paying closer attention to more sustainable products and solutions in their homes, as well as to the practices of manufacturers.
- Consideration of manufacturers’ sustainability practices
- 100% LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, VOC-free paints
- Increased natural light via low E windows
- EPA WaterSense faucets
Expanded Spaces
Homeowners are opening their kitchen and bath spaces to accommodate a changing home environment with multifunctional touches.
- Removal of walls to open kitchen and bath to adjoining areas
- Large islands with flexible functionality for food prep, dining, and work
- Walk-in, built-in or butler’s pantry for food and small appliance storage
- Primary baths with walk-in closets and sitting or dressing rooms
Wellness Drives Design
Homeowners are seeking sanctuary, and the primary bath has become the focal point of these relaxing, comfort-driven experiences.
- Using earthy, muted colors and light wood tones to create natural, calming designs
- Spa-like features in showers: large two-person showers, custom seats, multiple showerheads, zero clearance, and steam/thermostatic showers
- Sanitary/easy-to-clean surfaces – quartz/quartzite (reduction of grout)
- Larger windows connecting to outdoors and windows above tubs to maximize natural light
Tech Makes Life Easier
The prevalence of technology continues to grow, and the focus remains on customization to make experiences in the kitchen & bath simpler and more personalized.
- App/voice controls for lighting, water, and floor temperatures, as well as humidity monitoring
- Smart appliances (kitchen and bath)
- Touchless faucets, app-controlled appliances, whole house systems
- Water conservation technology
