NKBA Reflects on 2022 Design Trends

Each year it seems that there are new interior design trends that are announced. Though it doesn't mean that the previous years are out of style, it does give homeowners, designers, and visualization specialists some new inspiration for their next project. The past two years have provided a lot of great insights, especially when it comes to the design and construction industry. Every year the world's leading non-profit trade association for the kitchen and bath industry, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), releases market research and design trends for the kitchen and bath industry. "We've seen the pandemic have an effect across all sectors in our society, and we're now starting to see how the change in human behavior is shifting the way we design our homes," said Bill Darcy, chief executive officer, NKBA. The 2022 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook report (nkba.org/research/2022-kitchenbath-market-outlook) projects that the kitchen and bath industry is poised to experience a 19% year-over-year (YOY) increase in spending—from $167 billion to $199 billion—for residential kitchen and bath construction and remodeling. Specifically, homes built during the mid-2000 housing boom are now considered by many consumers to be "outdated" and are expected to drive increased kitchen, and bath

remodels. The report found that the industry is expecting over 16% growth from these "prime remodel vintage" homes or houses between 20 and 40 years old that were not renovated during the initial COVID remodeling boom.

With that in mind, it can be predicted that DIY will continue to remain strong in 2022 as the report forecasts a 9% growth in spending. DIY spending is expected to account for $25.9 billion— mostly in lower- to mid-price point projects—in 2022. "The expected growth rate for 2022 is one of the highest predicted in the history of KBMO," said Darcy. "Even with this increasing demand, however, we cannot dismiss the current risks we are facing."

Additionally, growing demand will continue to exacerbate ongoing supply chain challenges. Due to the kitchen and bath industry having a more complex supply chain than most other U.S. industries, delays and other complications have a higher probability as various stakeholders coordinate to deliver products. According to the data, prices account for 6% growth, driven by inflation, product shortages, and rising labor costs. "The kitchen and bath industry is resilient. We are seeing the industry evolve before our very eyes as across the board, stakeholders are proactively taking new and creative steps to address these obstacles—and the fruits of their labor are visible as new opportunities arise," Darcy continued.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 56 › KEY TRENDS NEW THIS YEAR

•Designing for more Millennials and fewer Boomers. • Organic/natural designs are more popular. • Warmer hues and more wood tones. • For fixtures: less shine, more matte and brushed finishes

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NATURE STEPS UP IN A BIG WAY The research done for the KBMO 2022 helped lead the way for the NKBA Design Trends study, which included a deeper dive into all aspects of both kitchen and primary bathroom design trends for 2022 where they forecast the styles, features, materials, and innovations expected to be most popular over the next two to three years. The research found that the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated consumer interest in and adoption of key home trends in homes, such as integration of smart technology, multi-functional spaces, and natural and organic-driven designs. • The biggest takeaway from the NKBA 2022 Design Trends study is the inspiration taken from nature: New kitchen and bathroom designs are emerging from nature-inspired themes. • Organic, natural styles are prominent in both kitchens and bathrooms, especially among Millennials. Among those surveyed, 57% said organic/natural was most popular, and 59% chose Transitional. Two years ago, organic/natural placed ninth in popularity. • Increased natural light with large high-performance windows and doors for outdoor access will be prominent. • More homeowners will be creating outdoor living areas outside the kitchen. The pandemic and the restrictions to be in their homes more than ever likely helped jump-start the need to bring an outdoor feel to inside spaces.

New colors, tones, finishes align with nature-inspired design. Design is moving away from white and gray as primary colors in both kitchen and baths.

Whites and off-whites are still the most popular for neutral kitchens and baths; however, shades of greens and blues are being frequently added 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. Still, one survey respondent said, "I think whites will continue to be big for bathrooms because it signifies cleanliness and purity."

For fixtures and hardware, there is less shine, more matte, and brushed finishes in black, stainless, nickel, pewter. Motion control or touchless kitchen faucets will be most popular, especially in matte or brushed black or stainless finishes.

Lighting for both tasks and accent will be popular with connected controls for adjustable light levels. Larger hanging and floor lighting are not expected to be in broad demand. While under-cabinet lighting leads the lighting trend with 65%, followed by recessed lighting and pendant lights. Technology will play a big part with lighting by the increase of voice-activated lighting being as popular as dimmers.

Contemporary, flat front cabinets and wood-look laminate cabinetry are leading the kitchen and bath cabinetry. Customers like the textured laminates. They are easy to care for and are consistent throughout the order. They are also less expensive than wood.

Homeowners tend to go with deeper base cabinets and fewer upper cabinets. They are looking for better food storage options, refrigeration, and cooking methods for more in-home cooking. Concealed storage is also big. Millennials want a clean look and have larger storage areas for large countertop appliances.

And looking at countertops, research shows that light-colored quartz, quartzite, and granite countertops will be popular, often with different colored island countertops. Quartz selection is likely deeply influenced by the increasing desire for sanitary surfaces and follows the trends for health and wellness. Most vanity tops in the bathroom will be lighter shades of quartz.

Client needs are dictating the overall approach of kitchen and bath designs post-pandemic. Clients are rethinking their kitchen design to accommodate WFH and more efficient use of space. "Consumers are more eager to embrace new technologies, innovative ways to provide multi-functional options to maximize their space to fit any occasion and are opting for surfaces and designs that make it easier to clean, as well as address health and wellness," said Darcy.

Accessible and comfortable are key elements. Clients are emphasizing healthy homes, which is why the push for organic and natural has been at the top. One common theme involves the desire of clients to remain in their homes longer and create a better home environment for their families. s p