Late last year we conducted an email interview with Tricia Zach, head of research for the National Kitchen & Bath Association. We wanted to find out more about what might be in store for residential bath trends for the new year.

For the record, Zach noted that her information and stats were pulled from both the NKBA 2023 Designs Trends and the NKBA Q3 2022 KBMI Report.

“While Q3 2022 ratings remain above 50 across all segments (Design, Building & Construction, Retail Sales and Manufacturing), their deceleration is indicative of the industry managing its expectations as consumer demand slows and recession concerns rise,” she wrote. “Additionally, Q3 2022 KBMI indicates a 1.3 percent decline in full-year 2022 sales expectations, versus full-year growth expectations of 9.4 percent reported in Q2 2022 – this after two banner years of gains during formidable obstacles.

“As a result of current trends, industry professionals are proactively adapting their business strategies. Design firms have altered materials/finishes used on projects; building and construction firms have limited estimates to 30 days; and retailers have scaled back on orders from manufacturers.”

PHCPPros: What are some general 2023 trends for bathroom fixtures, showerheads and faucets?

Zach: Top bathroom trends involve opening space by removing bathtubs for larger showers. And removing walls also increases the primary bathroom footprint, and can create a connection to the closet/dressing area and/or adding laundry facilities. 

In addition, transitional, contemporary, organic/natural and modern continue as top-recognized designs. Bathroom tones will be earthy and muted. Whites will be popular neutrals with some blues and greens for warmth and a spa feel with metallics for hints of glamour or rustic elements.

Designers will also utilize bold colors on vertical surfaces, or on vanities and artwork to create an interesting contrast. Fifty-seven percent of our respondents say they are using wall coverings and wallpaper.

For faucet colors, black and nickel and pewter are popular colors usually in matte or brushed finishes, and have levers or motion control sensors.

Designers will favor bathroom storage with concealed electrical outlets. And anti-fog backlit mirrors with connected features will be prominent.

Light-colored quartz and Quartzite are top countertop selections, influenced by easy care and the desire for a sanitary surface.

PHCPPros: While the latest trends make for great headlines, what would you say are some long-lasting “standard” designs that have stood the test of time and are likely to always be a part of a bath remodel?

Zach: Large format tiles and slabs will be popular in bathrooms, requiring fewer grout lines and maintenance. According to our data, long subway tile makes up 26% whereas short subway tile drops to 7%. And while there is certainly a trend to removing tubs to make way for larger shower systems, tubs are still prominent features to have in a bathroom. Accordingly, our research indicates a preference for freestanding tubs at 74% and soaking tubs follow at 68%.

PHCPPros: 2022 certainly was full of economic calamity. What is the general thought within the NKBA community concerning the money spent and the level of activity on bathroom remodeling in 2023?

Zach: Kitchen and bath design firms are cutting back on certain cabinet features, opting for a more budget-friendly product. Designers also leverage different brands of countertops that provide a similar look at a more economical price.

Economic uncertainty and financial concerns are causing project cancellations and postponements. In addition, inflation is skewing overall product preferences. Retailers say inflation is shifting overall price points up and consumers aren’t necessarily opting for high-end products. Some high-income clients have cash on hand and are willing to pay an increased premium for high-end products.

PHCPPros: If some homeowners, however, are economizing in 2023, what would you say are ways that homeowners can get the best value when remodeling a bathroom?

Zach: Firms are sourcing more affordable products to align with consumers’ budgets. Kitchen and bath design firms are cutting back on certain cabinet features, opting for a more budget-friendly product. Designers also leverage different brands of countertops that provide a similar look at a more economical price.

Our research say 52% of kitchen and bath design firms leverage new brands for better lead times and availability. Meanwhile, 51% of designers are unsure of when they’ll return to their preferred brands. Normalization of pricing and lead times remains a question mark.

Kitchen and bath industry professionals indicated they are scaling back on materials and finishes to reduce overall project costs. 

Here is a sampling of verbatim comments:

• "Cutting back on certain features for cabinets and going with basic appliance options to stay in budget.”
• “I am offering the option to paint or reface cabinets rather than order brand new ones.”
• “Ordering materials from local manufacturers to lower shipping costs and lead time.”
• “We are using more in-stock products versus all custom ones to stretch budgets.”
• “I’m buying less expensive tiles, countertops and plumbing items to reduce project cost.”
• “Using less expensive lines of cabinetry and finishes in areas like the laundry room, mudroom and the pantry.” 

“We’re going with semi-custom cabinets compared to fully custom ones.”
 
PHCPPros: Finally, we’ve written a lot on supply chain issues for behind-the-wall commodity items that our readers rely on. What is the status for 2023 on remodeling products?

 Zach: According to the 2022 NKBA Q3 KBMI Report, 75% of building and construction firms say cancellation/postponement rates for kitchen and bath projects increased in the third quarter of 2022.

Building and construction firms are working through backlogs and say high inflation has limited new demand. Building and construction firms expect demand to continue to slow.

Manufacturing firms are reducing orders for kitchen and bath products as inventory levels grow. Manufacturers contemplate margin reductions to offload existing inventory ahead of an anticipated downturn.

On the positive side, 67% of manufacturers report lead times under 10 weeks for kitchen and bath products, indicating supply chains are starting to normalize.