Retail Observer

in Manchester, Massachusetts, was a renovation completed with the priority of preserving original elements of the 300-year-old home. Honoring and using older parts of the home, along with the flood of natural light that comes in through the window and skylight, the design honors another trend identified by designers: environmentally conscious kitchens. Kitchen elements where sustainability is top of mind include appliances, flooring, lighting, and faucets. NKBA's 2024 Kitchen Trends Report also reflects an increased focus on the environmental benefits of induction. Photography by Jared Kuzia Photography. 5. FOCUS ON WELLNESS AND NUTRITION The 60-inch range, convection steam oven, and microwave in this design, "Somerset," by third-place Large Kitchen category winners Kelly Johnson, owner/designer, and James E. Howard, CKBD, Designer, from Glen Alspaugh Co., LLP in St. Louis, Missouri, are an indication of the focus on wellness and nutrition that clients now desire in their kitchens. Most designers say homeowners want more refrigeration with better flexibility, including solutions like columns and drawers, as well as convertible refrigerators – and that a majority of clients want appliances with integrated cooking functions such as air frying and steam cooking. Photography by Alise O'Brien Photography. 6. A CONNECTION TO THE OUTDOORS Nothing says the outdoors like an outdoor kitchen – as in this design, "Cabana Kitchen," by second-place Specialty Kitchen category winner Cindy Steele, designer/project manager at Fleur de Lis Designs in Los Gatos, California. In NKBA's 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, designers reported homeowners want a seamless flow of nature into their indoor kitchens, utilizing glass doors and window walls. These kitchens feature more natural and organic design themes, and designers will layer warmer whites, earthy greens, and wood tones to create a sense of nature, calm, and harmony. Photography by Exceptional Frames. 7. INNOVATION, CUSTOMIZATION, AND USABILITY "Wrap Around Working Pantry/Dirty Kitchen," designed by third-place Specialty Kitchen category winner Kimberly Kerl, owner at Kustom Home Design in Greer, South Carolina, provides plenty of storage and a creative solution of the working pantry – thereby offering an individualized, highly functional kitchen. According to the report, usability was reported as the top goal for all categories except flooring and countertops, and designers are creating unique designs for homeowners who want a more personalized look in their kitchens. Going forward, kitchens will feature customized lighting, personalized settings, and controls via apps, such as ovens that support temperature-control precision and other functional features specific to homeowner needs. Photography by Ben Ivins Media. 8. LESS CLUTTER, MORE STORAGE SPACE With multiple shelves and drawers, copious cabinetry, and an island with storage, this design, "Ellard Village," by first-place Small Kitchen category winner Jerel Lake, kitchen and bath designer at Lakehaus Designs in Atlanta, Georgia, provides the elements needed to keep the kitchen uncluttered. According to the report, the elimination of clutter is exactly what homeowners are looking for in their kitchens. Walk-in, butler, and built-in pantries with more space to keep clutter off countertops and out of sight will be popular, with additional solutions including hidden kitchens and appliances areas, islands with storage, appliance drawers, and charging areas. Photography by Marc Mauldin Photography. 9. SIMPLIFIED CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE "Guest House Kitchen," designed by first-place Specialty Kitchen category winner Jeffrey Forentine, CEO at JSF Design Inc. in Scottsdale, Arizona, has a streamlined, smooth aesthetic that makes the space easier to clean. This is part of a trend from NKBA's 2024 Kitchen Trends Report, as clients are looking for ways to simplify kitchen cleaning and maintenance, especially when it comes to flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and appliances. Per the report, the majority of designers said cleaning and minimizing flooring upkeep is a top client goal. Photography by Eric Kruk Photography. 5 7 9 6 8 RO

• Cover