NKBA survey respondents also reported an increase in awareness for universal design features and aging-in-place elements among homeowners.
Contemporary and transitional designs have overtaken traditional in today's kitchen and bathroom style preferences, according to the National Kitchen & Bath Industry Association’s 2017 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Report released on the opening day of the group’s annual Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
Among the trends identified by the annual NKBA member survey, the most significant for 2017 are:
- Neutral color palettes have proven timeless, as professional designers continue to see neutrals, specifically whites and grays, dominate kitchen and bath color schemes.
- NKBA survey respondents reported an increase in awareness for universal design features and aging-in-place elements among homeowners. Designs that encourage safety and comfort continue to be the most popular amenities in both kitchens and baths.
- Technology has become increasingly important in kitchen and bath design, with many survey respondents identifying homeowner tech requests such as hidden electrical outlets and accessible charging and docking stations.
The 2017 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends survey was fielded online to NKBA members during August 2016 and generated 562 responses that represent multiple industry segments across North America. Findings represent the number of respondents who said they specified these colors, materials, product types and designs for their kitchen and bath clients during 2016.
Over one-quarter of survey respondents described their customer bases as "empty nesters," with nearly 40 percent reporting that multi-generational households and families with teenage children represent their primary customer bases.
The full 2017 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Report is available for $99 to NKBA members ($499 for nonmembers) at NKBA.org/Research. An executive summary of the research is available free to NKBA Members.
