Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM DECEMBER 2022 30 A S S O C I A T I O N N E W S E ach year it seems new interior design trends are announced. This doesn't mean that previous years are out of style; however, it does give homeowners, designers, and visualization specialists some new inspiration for their next project. The past couple of years have provided a lot of great insights, especially when it comes to the design and construction industry. The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), the world's leading non-profit trade association for the kitchen and bath industry and owner of the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), released its highly anticipated Design Trends research report for 2023. The annual report provides insight into the styles, colors, product features, materials and technology that will dominate kitchen and bath design over the next two to three years. "Kitchens and baths are bigger and more involved," said Tricia Zach, head of research, NKBA. "The study revealed that consumers want spaces to be multi-functional to meet their at-home work, education and entertaining needs." THE 2023 DESIGN TRENDS REPORT SHOWCASED THE FOLLOWING: • Vibrant Design. Bold colors, accents and mixed materials/ themes are increasingly a factor in kitchens and baths. • Sustainability Matters. Manufacturers' sustainability practices are becoming more important to designers as they recommend products to clients. • Expanded Spaces. Breaking down walls to expand spaces to add a function or conceal clutter: for kitchens, this means adding larger or double islands and walk-in pantries; for baths, it means adding a closet, dressing area and/or sitting room. • Wellness Drives Design. Especially in the primary bath, where designers are creating spa-like experiences that offer clients a retreat for the mind and body. • Tech to Make Life Easier. Technology continues to play a growing, but a clearly "functional" role in the kitchen and bath. Transitional, contemporary, modern, organic/natural and farmhouse continue as top-recognized designs, however, designers are now combining multiple design elements to create the perfect style for their clients. Designers are combining a natural/organic feel with modern or contemporary design elements for Organic Modern designs. Modern Farmhouse is a popular combo. New terms include simple, minimalist, classic, clean and timeless. Nature-inspired colors continue to grow in prominence, notably greens and blues. Wood tones and grays are coming into the picture. Think Natural earthy tones, wood tones and eclectic accents. Blues will provide a calming color. Think Coastal blues, and blues that provide richness. Whites will be a popular neutral and hints of metallic add glamor or a rustic feel. For fixtures, the trend is toward more matte and brushed finishes in black, stainless, nickel and pewter. Additionally, designers see increased natural light with large high-performance windows and doors for outdoor access becoming more prominent, as homeowners continue to create outdoor living, dining and cooking areas outside the home. Similar to the kitchen, emerging bathroom trends involve opening space by removing bathtubs for larger showers, taking down walls and creating a connected dressing area. Smart Technology continues to rise. Homeowners are excited about smart controls via mobile devices or voice control, touchless faucets, integrated lighting tech and smart appliances. Key kitchen tech will include steam cooking/air frying ovens, mobile device charging/usage areas, as well as appliance apps and motion sensor faucets. In addition to dimmer switchers, voice-activated and mobile device controls for lighting will be popular. In the bathroom, homeowners are excited about heated floors, temperature/moisture controls, smart toilets/bidets and smart mirrors. "There's an opportunity to educate designers on integrated kitchen tech products. Only 31% of kitchen projects include technology," continued Zach. "This is a huge percentage where integrators and designers can connect with one another." Sustainability trends will continue in both the kitchen and bath NKBA REVEALS DESIGN TRENDS REPORT FORECASTING THE FUTURE OF KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN The 2023 study shows that clients want larger, multi-functional spaces designed to fit their lifestyle with a focus on storage, wellness amenities and "functional" technology

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