Year: 2021

Showers have come a long way in design, from a basic area adorned with standard subway tile and heavy framed doors to an oasis adorned with spectacular tile and advanced shower systems showcased through stunning frameless glass surrounds. In keeping with this trend, many homeowners are removing seldom-used tubs to expand their showers, making them the focal point of the space.

While frameless shower doors remain the most popular versions, doors that feature etched designs, decorative borders and patterns are also garnering significant attention. Whether the design is contemporary or traditional, there is a shower enclosure to fit the space.

Below are some of the hottest trends in shower enclosures.

— Many clear shower enclosures are designed with minimal hardware for a streamlined look, creating a sense of openness in the bath.

— Frames, trims and handles are offered in a range of finishes, from the more standard chrome and polished nickel to the more current brushed brass and rose gold.

— As boomers adapt their homes to become safer and physically more accessible as they age, low-threshold and barrier-free showers are gaining in popularity, and easy-to-use and push-to-open shower doors are garnering more attention.

— Taller shower enclosures (at least 76”) are popular for their ability to take advantage of floor-to-ceiling tile designs.

–Matte black is featured in many gridscape and trim elements, coordinating with bath fittings in similar finishes.

–Frosted glass and distinctive patterns that blur the interior and deliver privacy to the bather are among the requests from today’s homeowners.

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — Ongoing supply-chain disruptions coupled with labor shortages, higher material costs and emerging uncertainties wrought by COVID-19 are cooling the pace of kitchen and bath market growth in the wake of an exceptionally strong year in 2021.

According to the latest Market Forecast Report issued in recent weeks by the National Kitchen & Bath Association, the 2021 kitchen and bath industry posted healthy, double-digit gains over 2020, although growth projections were “pared back a bit” compared to the NKBA’s previous (July 2021) forecast, “as lingering issues caused by the pandemic seem to be catching up to consumer sentiment.”

The NKBA projected total 2021 revenues of $167 billion, a 19% increase over the $141 billion that was posted in 2020, but lower than earlier forecasts, which predicted that full-year revenue totals would reach $171 billion.

“2021 has been like none other for our industry, as strong growth across virtually every sector led to record revenues,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of the Hackettstown, NJ-based NKBA. However, some homeowners, faced with price increases related to supply chain disruptions, “are deferring projects until they’ve enough saved to get exactly what they want, or in the hope that costs will come down,” Darcy added.

The NKBA reported a nearly 10% year-over-year growth in the kitchen and bath remodeling sector in 2021, and a 26% growth in the new construction sector. Premium projects were up by more than 22%, while low-end projects grew about 11%, “suggesting a cooling of the DIY trend,” the NKBA said.

“These findings are very encouraging and indicate that…growth should be sustained into 2022,” Darcy said.

In related news, the latest NKBA/John Burns Real Estate Consulting “Kitchen & Bath Market Index,” issued in December, remained in “solidly expanding territory,” but cooled from the record number posted in the previous quarter. Expected future activity “also tailed off a bit,” having peaked in the first quarter of 2021, reported the NKBA and John Burns.

“In relative terms, the outlook remains quite positive,” with association members projecting about a 9% sales gain in 2022 – “impressive if it holds true, given 2021’s strong growth,” said the NKBA, adding that supply chain disruptions, cost of materials and availability of skilled labor are hampering the industry’s ability to take full advantage of strong demand…as NKBA members scramble to meet client needs, with most resorting to brands they’ve never previously used.”

Other findings of the NKBA/John Burns Report were as follows:

n The challenging business environment has forced the industry to become “supplier/vendor agnostic” – prioritizing product availability above other factors. The industry has also moved toward sourcing more domestic-based products in an attempt to circumvent global supply chain issues. Manufacturers are prioritizing high-value products to protect profit margins while stockpiling excess materials to help ease lead times and overall constraints.

n The kitchen and bath industry continues to feel the pains of ongoing supply chain challenges. Port congestion is further compounding strained supply chains that are still recovering from the effects of Winter Storm Uri and Hurricane Ida, while labor shortages are causing delays in the trucking industry. Meanwhile, lead times for domestic and foreign raw materials are well over 6+ weeks and has many within the sector struggling to keep up with demand in today’s economy. As a result, product backlogs extend well into 2022 as these difficulties prevent those in the industry from staffing full production schedules.

n Even in the face of ongoing challenges, the industry remains cautiously optimistic about the health of the sector. Despite projects being pushed into 2022, the industry is continuing to see demand for building and construction projects as 84% of firms report low postponement rates and 90% report low cancellation rates relative to their overall project volume.

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CHESAPEAKE, VA — Dave’s Cabinet, a leading cabinet manufacturer in the Mid-Atlantic region, has announced that the ownership interest of company founder David Alderman CMKBD, has been purchased by John K. Morgan, CEO of Green Forest Cabinetry.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Dave’s Cabinet, founded in 1980, occupies three manufacturing buildings on approximately 40 acres of land in Chesapeake, VA. The business consists of a fully equipped end-to-end cabinet manufacturing/finishing facility, a retail division, plus a modern granite/quartz fabrication unit.

“I am incredibly proud of the 40+ years of Dave’s Cabinet’s success, especially the commitment and work to better our local community,” said Morgan, who, along with Alderman, is a past president of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

“I could not be more pleased to have the opportunity to lead his legacy to the next level of tomorrow’s micro-manufacturing world,” Morgan added.

Under the terms of the agreement, Julie Boone will retain her existing ownership interest in Dave’s Cabinet, said the company, which also announced a continuation of an annual $5,000 grant/scholarship to both the Great Bridge Baptist Church, a local parish, and the student program at the NKBA nationally.

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DENVER — William Ohs, the Denver-based manufacturer of luxury cabinetry and furniture, has acquired Draper DBS, a Bucks County, PA custom cabinet supplier, “merging two companies that are well-established and respected in the luxury cabinet industry,” the companies announced.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“The combination of Draper DBS and William Ohs brings together the ideas and manufacturing concepts of two legendary visionaries in the luxury kitchen market,” said Rick Casey, v.p./manufacturing for William Ohs, founded in 1972 by industry pioneer Bill Ohs. “The combined synergies create both exciting and unparalleled opportunities moving forward,” Casey added.

William Ohs and Draper DBS “will be able to provide the same detail-oriented approach to a larger market while capitalizing on increased manufacturing efficiencies,” corporate officials said.

“I am excited and humbled to be drawn into the most creative act of wood joinery in the industry, the dovetailing of the crafts, hearts, and creative legacies of Draper DBS and William Ohs,” said William Draper, founder of Draper DBS. “This will be an intertwining of our combined strengths, histories, and visions to cultivate the future inspirations of all those who love great and evolving furnishing design.”

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WASHINGTON, DC — Despite inflation concerns and ongoing production bottlenecks, builder confidence edged higher in December for the fourth consecutive month on strong consumer demand and limited existing inventory, the National Association of Home Builders reported.

Builder sentiment in the market for newly built single-family homes moved one point higher to 84 in December, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), released today.

“While demand remains strong, finding workers, predicting pricing and dealing with material delays remains a challenge,” said NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke.

“The most pressing issue for the housing sector remains lack of inventory,” observed Robert Dietz, chief economist for the Washington, DC-based NAHB. “Building has increased but the industry faces constraints, namely cost/availability of materials, labor and lots. And while 2021 single-family starts are expected to end the year 24% higher than the pre-Covid 2019 level, we expect higher interest rates in 2022 will put a damper on housing affordability.”

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ Millennial clients – particularly those with children – are increasing in influence while the impact of Baby Boomer clients is gradually declining and Gen X is remaining constant, according to a 2022 Design Trends Forecast released this week by the National Kitchen & Bath Association.

The NKBA’s annual design trends forecast points to a gradual, yet palpable, shift in the primary customer base for new and remodeled kitchens and baths, after several decades in which the market was driven largely by a huge cohort of Baby Boomers (aged 57-75) and Gen Xers (aged 41-56) consumers.

While baby boom and Gen-X consumers remain the industry’s predominant buying force, the steady increase in business from Millennial clients (ages 25-40) is increasingly impacting both market share and anticipated kitchen and bath design trends, according to the NKBA, which said Millennials’ impact has “a high probability of increasing in the future.”

“Those working with Millennials see slightly less-expensive projects, but that’s likely driven by Millennials’ lower disposable income during their current life stage,” said the NKBA, whose 2022 Design Trends Forecast was based on a survey of approximately 650 designers, dealers, and other design professionals. The survey’s aim was to identify styles, features and materials that are expected to be more popular in the next several years; to identify the products that have the most dramatic impact on today’s kitchens and bathrooms; to assess if there are notable variations in designer client base profiles; and to predict if client base profiles are predictors of perceived design trends.

Among the overarching themes emerging from the NKBA’s 2022 survey is that kitchen clients generally want flex space for work, touchless fixtures, easy-to-clean surfaces, outdoor living areas, LED lighting and recycling storage. There is also a concerted desire for mobile-friendly spaces, healthy cooking, app-controlled appliances and voice-activated lighting, the NKBA said.

In the bathroom, consumers want a large shower, and are likely to remove tubs in order

to allocate more space or access to storage/dressing areas, the NKBA said. There is also a pronounced need for energy and water efficiency, connected products such as water temperature controls, entertainment and communication, the association added.

In general, new kitchen and bathroom design is emerging from nature-inspired themes, the NKBA reported. “Organic, natural styles are prominent in both kitchens and bathrooms, especially among Millennials, (and) increased natural light with large, high-performance windows and doors for outdoor access will be prominent,” the NKBA said.

“Homeowners have a desire for spaces that can multi-function,” the NKBA observed, pointing to a growing trend toward large islands for food prep that also function as dining tables, homework and work from home; flexible space for home office activities; pantries that include space for storage and a working area for small appliances; and workstation sinks with built-in features (drying racks,

cutting boards, etc.) In addition, bathrooms that connect to dressing areas and/or laundry facilities, and vanities and medicine cabinets with outlets are also experiencing increased popularity.

When designing new spaces, homeowners are generally thinking about the following:

n Cleanliness: easy-to-clean surfaces and countertops that are sanitary and non-porous. The current strong demand for quartz is expected to continue, as are the popularity of larger-format tile or slabs with less grout, and touchless faucets.

n Sustainable design: 100% LED lighting; a dedicated recycling area; low-E windows and doors; Energy star/efficient products; EPA WaterSense fixtures; VOC-free paint; products with recycled materials, and radiant flooring.

n Universal design: spaces that will allow for aging in place; curb-less showers; fewer free-standing tubs, grab bars, seats in showers and-held shower heads.

Although homeowners are excited about integrated technology, it is not being utilized in most projects. Specifically, only 30% and 21% of kitchen and bath projects, respectively, include integrated technology features, the NKBA reported.

“Designers have new ways to interact with their clients, especially Millennials,” the NKBA said. “Future design projects will include a mix of in-person and virtual meetings. In-person meetings both in designer’s offices and at the client’s home will be most prominent.

“Designers will (also) take advantage of virtual channels with video calls and video meetings with clients,” NKBA researchers added. “Millennials are more open to virtual meetings while Boomers are looking for regular onsite meetings at their home.”

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ – As the year comes to a close, many in the kitchen and bath industry are looking ahead to the return of the Kitchen & Bath Industry, the largest North American event dedicated to this segment of the market. With safety protocols and procedures in place, professionals are celebrating a return to an in-person exhibit and educational forum, where they can learn, reconnect and recharge for a promising business future.

Once again scheduled to be part of Design & Construction Week with the International Builders Show, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is scheduled to be held February 8-10, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. KBIS and IBS, hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the National Association of Home Builders, respectively, are expected to feature over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space and showcase more than 1,000 design and construction brands.

While the event is still several weeks away, Kitchen & Bath Design News is offering this sneak peek at just a few of the products that will be on display.

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What a long, strange year it’s been! Let’s take a look back at the dominant 2021 trends and anticipate what 2022 will likely bring.

While it’s hard to predict with clarity, given some major unknowns, here are some hot takes from across the industry and the country from unique perspectives:

San Diego-based designer Tatiana Machado-Rosas, Jackson Design and Remodeling’s design department manager;Long Island, New York-based kitchen and bath designer Susan Serra;Home Technology Association CEO Josh Christian;Bob Gifford, business development director forluxury retailer Hastings Tile & Bath in New York City;Susan Chung, research v.p. with the American Society of Interior Designers;Boise, Idaho-based custom home builder Emily Clark of Clark & Co. Homes.Wellness Trends Accelerate

Designers have been focused on wellness for decades with interest from some clients, but the pandemic really drove its importance home. Literally! “For 2021, a continued focus on health and hygiene helped drive the kitchen,” observes Chung. She also sees its importance elsewhere, noting that “the bathroom really became a place to escape the stress and fear of the outside world.” Wellness showed up in outdoor, work from home and mindfulness spaces, too. “As the home became a hub for all types of activities colliding together, homeowners were looking to design as one way to alleviate stress and promote tranquility,” the ASID executive concludes.

Beyond the spaces noted above, wellness showed up in related rooms. “The switch from what had been called the ‘mud room’ to what is now called the ‘utility room’ or pre-wash area; so many people wanted a location to drop groceries and sanitize items before heading into their homes,” shares Gifford. This is tied to an increasing interest in hands-free functionality, he explains: “Soap dispensers, faucets, hand-towels – anything and everything that gave people a sense of comfort and control over their environment.”

Kitchen Design Trends

“Multipurpose kitchens with open floor plans continued to be a strong trend as clients look to make their kitchen the vibrant heart of their home,” says Machado-Rosas. “Integrating smart technology, particularly with more people using the kitchen space to work from home or attend virtual classrooms, became even more essential. In addition, clients had a renewed interest in keeping their spaces hygienic, which led to a desire for easy-to-maintain materials for countertops and flooring,” she adds. The design manager conversely sees a resurgence in natural stone for sinks and countertops, attributing it to a desire for the sense of calm that comes from a connection to nature.

Across the country, Serra sees three dominant trends: “Wellness on steroids, cooking convenience and visual comfort.” Health and cleanliness were the top concerns she was hearing from clients. This included “performance materials in surfaces, as well as appliances [and fixtures] that promote healthy living and preserve our health, such as renewed attention to proper ventilation, enhanced touchless faucets and larger sinks going mainstream – often with two faucets” as a few examples.

Changes in shopping and eating habits are also influencing kitchen design, the New York designer believes. “A new hybrid type of cooking has emerged; time (but not too much) is being taken to create healthy homemade meals from fresh, quality foods, assisted by smart, efficient appliances. The purchase of a freezer for bulk food storage, better cabinet storage solutions and designing in more countertop space creates a near utopia for one or more cooks.”

Visual comfort is also a trend, Serra has observed. “As the kitchen has taken on more lifestyle functions in the past 18 months, homeowners are much more open to creative design solutions,” she shares. This has meant larger windows, nature-inspired texture and finish mixes, and comfortable dining areas with flexible designs or banquettes. “The transition of the kitchen aesthetic to more seamlessly integrate with surrounding rooms lessens the perception of the kitchen as workspace and nudges it more toward a living space,” she suggests.

Clark has also seen kitchens evolve, she comments, citing an “expansion of the scullery or the working pantry, work zones as opposed to a work triangle, and multiple mini-kitchens for multi-generational living.” Antimicrobial counters, touchless faucets and chef sinks also support healthy living and cooking, the home builder notes. Natural finishes, warm woods and creative design solutions with saturated cabinet colors are showing up in her northwestern region too.

Bathroom Design Trends

“The emphasis in bathroom design has been to create a highly customized space that communicates joy and tranquility,” Machado-Rosas observes. “Clients have been seeking a personal retreat with a spa-like atmosphere where they can truly relax.” These have included steam showers, heated floors, statement tubs – sometimes custom – and premium features catering to clients’ personalized needs and desires. Natural materials show up in these luxury bathrooms, too, the San Diego designer notes. “Balancing porcelain or glass tile with natural woods and stones and amplifying natural light have been popular,” she adds.

Clark sees the trend toward personalized luxury in her Idaho homes, as well. These include “sculptural soaking tubs, steam showers with light, sound and aromatherapy, tiles with hand-cut looks and subtle tonal differences, reeded or fluted textures, oversized area rugs and diaphanous drapes.”

“All during 2021, we worked with designers who wanted (and still want) the flexibility to customize their projects by using different colors and finishes for their vanities,” Hastings’ Gifford recalls. “For tubs, the solid surface materials remain popular because they have a supple texture and they are easy to clean and maintain.” The New York retailer also saw strong interest in hands-free faucets with white finishes and versatile wall-mounted vanities.

Technology Trends

Technology continued to trend in kitchen and bath projects, and it shows no sign of slowing. Smart features have a growing presence in kitchens and bathrooms, Home Technology Association CEO Christian notes. “We are seeing entertainment products being installed in kitchens like waterproof TVs built into the counter backsplash, charging docks, tablets for cooking tutorials or recipe surfing, built-in ceiling speakers or a simple wireless speaker on the counter.” He is also seeing sleek, integrated outlets, lighting keypads and flush-mounted concealment systems so that the room’s electronics are present but hidden.

“With bathrooms, we are seeing a lot of circadian rhythm lighting being installed so that time spent in the bath is consistent with a homeowner’s sleep cycles,” he says. Additional bathroom technology trends cited by the designers include smart toilets, enhanced shower systems, built-in sound and lighting systems and smart shadings.

Machado-Rosas sums up the situation this way: “We saw a significant increase in clients asking for fully integrated smart technology in their homes. Because of the combination of enhanced affordability and ease of use, we expect to see this trend grow exponentially in the years to come.”

Predictions for 2022

ASID’s Chung is anticipating that flex spaces, universal design, locally sourced products because of supply line and sustainability concerns will trend in 2022. She also believes that the pandemic has increased the perceived value of designers in helping their clients navigate the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

HTA’s Christian anticipates a strong push toward wellness technology, indoor and outdoor home theater spaces and the death (at least short-term) in ‘just-in-time’ delivery systems. He also sees designers working earlier in the process with technology professionals to more seamlessly integrate their projects.

Hasting’s Gifford predicts the increasing importance of video tours to replace travel and live events where possible. He also anticipates more integrated sink/vanity options, solid surface tubs continuing their popularity and, though no one wants to hear this, he notes, price increases across all products because of the increased costs of raw materials.

Among the designers, Serra anticipates appliances with upgradable technology, more dining space in kitchens, and more storage for multiple cooks. Machado-Rosas expects to see technology show up in more products and for smart home systems to become more affordable, a continued attention to creating calming spaces, multi-purpose rooms, larger pantries and customized bathrooms. She also expects minimalism to trend strongly for its low-

maintenance benefits.

Home builder Clark expects to see more hidden kitchens, induction, multi-function appliances and less upper cabinetry. She anticipates bathrooms getting more artisanal materials, sound and light enhancements for spa effects, and even what she calls family wellness suites. These would resemble high-end spa facilities with steam or sauna areas, grooming stations and central shower stalls.

While 2021 kept many design industry professionals at home, dealing with inventory and other challenges, 2022 is already shaping up to be a more active, in-person kind of year. The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, paired again with the International Builders’ Show, will meet in person in Orlando in February. Exhibitors reflecting the trends observed by these professionals will be on hand to share their wares. I’ll be there. Will you?

Jamie Gold, CKD, CAPS, MCCWC is an author, wellness design consultant and industry speaker. Her third book, Wellness by Design (Simon & Schuster), published September 2020. You can learn more about her Wellness Market presentations, books, Wellness Wednesdays Clubhouse conversations and consulting services at jamiegold.net.

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