Trends & Movements in the Kitchen & Bath Industry

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Last week, I attended the Kitchen & Bath Design News Seminar in Minneapolis. It’s an event that has been traveling the US where speakers talk about the trends and movements in the design world.

One of the speakers was Richard T. Anuskiewicz, a well-known and talented designer and one of NKBA’s 30 under 30. With his experience designing for clients and for expo booths, he has seen a lot of forces, trends, and movements in the kitchen and bath design world.

Photo: Richard T. Anuskiewicz

Forces

Richard spoke about how forces going on in our world impact the way we design spaces. It also impacts how clients are thinking about their homes and plays into their needs and wants. One of the quotes he shared regarding the forces shaping the design world was “Yesterday’s luxuries become today’s standards.” This means that we always need to be adapting and staying ahead to share these new standards with our clients. Here are some of the forces impacting design:

Economic

In the past few years, there has been a steady growth in home prices and the economy. In the United States, 77% of consumers say that now is a good time to buy household durables, which include cabinetry and countertops.

Cultural

With cultural forces, there has been an increase in multi-generational homes. This means that elderly parents are moving in with their adult children and their children, which makes for three generations under one roof. Some of the challenges with this include homes that allow for one level living, more in-law suites, and designing for aging in place.

Technological 

Technology plays a huge role in the design world as well. With the ability to have next day delivery, order everything online, and buy with the click of a button, it impacts clients perceptions of the design process.

Photo: Richard T. Anuskiewicz

Movements

Richard described movements as something impacting or adapting the industry for the future. These movements typically last 3-5 years, making them longer and more lasting than trends. Here are some of the movements we’re seeing:

Cleaner Lines

One of the movements that we are seeing in the design world is cleaner lines. He talked about how this is a movement that is being seen across all design styles. In traditional kitchens, this is seen through more simple cabinetry with less detail and raised paneling. In addition, cleaner lines are seen in more modern designs with thicker countertops and quartz backsplashes.

Photo: Richard T. Anuskiewicz

Open Floor Plans

Another movement in the design world is the open floor plan concept. This has been something we’ve been seeing for a while and Richard said he doesn’t see it going anywhere. People want to have multi-use spaces and areas where they can connect and entertain. To achieve this, having the same flooring throughout the main level helps to keep the space consistent and flowing.

Concealed Storage

Another movement we’re seeing in the design world is concealed storage. Clients are wanting to hide appliances, every day items, and be able to clear the mess away. From bifold doors to appliance garages, hiding these items away allows for use when needed and a beautiful and clean space when not.

Photo: House Beautiful

Customization

Customizing elements within the design for clients is another big movement. One of the ways Richard does this is through furniture looking islands. At construction2style, we also love incorporating custom tile in kitchens and bathrooms. Add personalization to a space makes it truly fit the client and adds a unique factor as well.

Photo: Richard T. Anuskiewicz

Health + Wellness

In addition, health and wellness is a big movement in our world and it’s impacting design too. In the kitchen, this includes needing more fresh items in the fridge and better washing capabilities for vegetables and fruit. For the bathroom, spa-like experiences like saunas and wet rooms are gaining in momentum.

Ergonomic Design

Finally, better ergonomic design is a movement we’re seeing. This includes elevators becoming more in demand in the common home as more people are living longer and staying in their homes. Other ways to achieve more ergonomic design in through walk in showers, main level living, and drawers with the ability to be raised and lowered.

Photo: Richard T. Anuskiewicz

Trends

Richard defined a trend as being driven by art, food, photography, design. They last 2-3 years long and are constantly turning over. Here are some of the trends that are popular currently:

Washed Finishes

We have been loving on rift cut white oak, just like many others are. Lighter wood tones, white-washed floors, and washed finishes are big right now. These lighter tones bring a new look to the wood cabinetry of the past and allow the space to feel light and bright, while bringing in the warmer element of wood.

Photo: Richard T. Anuskiewicz

Mixed Metals

Mixed metals are what we’re all about! Clients ask us a lot about mixing metals in their space and we say go for it. It creates a layering effect that brings warmth and dimension to your space. From fixtures, to appliances, hardware, and lighting, we are seeing golds, silvers, and bronzes mixed in one space.

Color

Another trend that is BIG right now is color. This is one we’re totally into as well! In the kitchen, we’re seeing a shift from all white kitchens to both bright and muted colors. By bringing in pops of color in backsplashes, lighting, hardware, it adds personality and fun to a space.

Photo: Kitchen and Bath

Textures

Finally, textured elements are a trend we’re seeing in kitchen and baths right now. Wood elements, raised and textured tile, and fabrics make bathrooms and kitchens have more dimension and depth with the addition of texture.