The 2022 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) is only a week away, and wellness design is shaping up to be a major focus of the conversation this year. From the 450 exhibitor booths to the educational programs and more, health and home seems to be at the forefront of many manufacturers’ and professionals’ minds. And why not? Their own clients and customers have been focusing on health and wellbeing in their homes for years.

Ever since the renovation and remodel boom kicked off a year ago, homeowners have sought out storage spaces in their pantries; touchless, voice-activated appliances and smart ventilation solutions; and hygienic, low-maintenance surfaces and finishes, to name a few ongoing trends. Healthier, more functional lighting elements have also been a top priority.

Then, there’s where they’re building. According to Zillow’s homeowners survey from November 2021. Right now, homeowners are most frequently working on improving an office space (31%), finishing a basement or attic (23%), adding another room (23%) or adding in an entirely separate dwelling (backyard cottage or guest house)(21%). In many of those situations, kitchens and bathrooms are a core part of the building process.

For the designers, architects, homebuilders and contractors that work on these residential projects, wellness has become not just an opportunity, but a demand from their customers. And though the number of attendees may have shrunk since the last in-person show, it certainly hasn’t diminished the enthusiasm and excitement coming from everyone.

If earlier events from this year are to be any indicator, there’s certainly good reason for it. For those in the field of wellness design, we have seen innovation after innovation take to show floors, and KBIS 2022 is shaping up to be no exception, with newcomers, longstanding titans and fresh entrants into the market preparing their lineups for two of the most high-value areas for home wellness.