Are you planning on updating your kitchen or bath space or have new construction in the future? Not sure what design trends are in or how to design your space? There’s no bigger meter than the annual Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, where top designers and brands gather to discuss the year’s leading innovations and trends.
Although KBIS was virtual this year, there are plenty of exciting trends that homeowners will want to see as they plan their home improvement and interior design projects.
2021 design trends reveal the COVID-19 pandemic will have a lasting impact on kitchen and bath design. As homeowners spend more time at home, kitchens and primary bathrooms are getting larger, the volume of outdoor living projects is increasing, and there is a need for easy-to-clean surfaces, flexible living spaces, and seamless technology integration for added convenience.
Design preferences in both kitchen and bath will continue to be more contemporary and transitional in style, with added influence of a new leading trend of natural/organic. This combination feels more European in style and scale, with clean lines and minimal detailing. The warmth and texture of natural finishes and larger windows to bring the feeling of outdoors inside. Conversely, traditional design, which has been one of the top three kitchen and bath styles for more than a decade, is now anticipated to be one of the least popular.
According to Bill Darcy, National Kitchen & Bath Association CEO, “We expect designs for both the kitchen and bath to continue trending toward a more modern, organic feel that is both streamlined and adaptable. The kitchen has long been the heart of the home. But especially during the pandemic, it has emerged as the most prominent, multitasking room as well. We see this continuing with more open-space concepts, an extension into multi-season outdoor living spaces, larger kitchen island hubs, and increased functionality and storage to allow homeowners to cook, eat, work, home-school, and play all in the same vicinity.”
Other Kitchen Trends
Appliances
- Gas and induction cooking methods are nearly equal in popularity, with induction expected to replace traditional glass electric cooktops.
- Ventilation hoods will become the new decorative focal point in the kitchen.
Faucets
- Matte and brushed finishes in stainless steel or black.
- Motion control/hands-free or touch/tap.
Surfaces
- Quartz, particularly in lighter colors, will continue to be the driving material for countertops.
- Large-scale backsplashes featuring a solid slab or long subway tile.
- Mixing complementary colors and materials on perimeter countertops and islands.
Technology
- Dedicated device-charging/viewing.
- Seamless video communication.
- Emergency power for the refrigerator.
Other Bathroom Trends
Shower/Tub/Faucets
- Larger freestanding showers to accommodate two people with zero-clearance entry, integrated seating and grab bars.
- Larger-format surrounds with fewer grout lines.
- Linear drains.
- Voice-activated or hands-free faucets.
- Black and nickel in matte or brushed finishes.
Toilets
- Bidets.
- Self-closing lids.
Vanities
- Floating vanities with integrated electrical outlets, charging capabilities and storage.
Flooring
- Radiant heated flooring.
Technology
- Motion-sensor lighting.
- Temperature control.
- Leak detection with mobile alerts.
- Mirrors with integrated internet access.
As homeowners plan their annual improvement projects, these trends can help guide them in making wise investments and smart decisions that support their lifestyle.
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