January 29, 2021

KBB spoke with six industry professionals to get their take on tried-and-true kitchen and bath trends, those potentially borne out of the pandemic, some surprises and what’s in store for the future. Client needs run the gamut from additional storage in the form of closets, mudrooms and basements to low-maintenance materials to top-tech toilets.

We spoke to Nina Green of NGD Interiors; Michele Alfano, Michele Alfano Design LLC; Jack Bernstein of Kurrent Kitchen + Bath; Kate Bailey, Ferguson; Nick Vanderhovel, CKBD, Artisan Home; and Anne-Marie Brunet, CKBD, CAPS, Sheridan Interiors, to see what they are seeing in today’s market.

What kitchen & bath trends are today’s homeowners looking for?

“The majority of clients I interview ask about ease of maintenance and cleaning. If we can reduce the time it takes to clean, we’re providing a valuable service to our clients. This includes pairing non-porous countertops and simple door styles to reduce the amount of dust ledges.”

-Nick Vanderhovel, CKBD, Artisan Home

“Today’s homeowner is looking to integrate all their products into one system. From intuitive and smart lighting solutions, smart keyless locks, touchless faucets, hands-free flush automation, automatic lid opening and self-cleaning, HVAC and air purification systems and more, having the convenience to control their different products from a cell phone or tablet is paramount.”

– Kate Bailey, Ferguson

“Integrated appliances! Disguising your refrigerator or dishwasher with custom paneling or flushing your appliances into the cabinetry offers more of a streamlined and luxurious aesthetic and effect.”

– Michele Alfano, Michele Alfano Design LLC

“Our firm has had a lot of clients who have wanted to mix styles together to create a space that isn’t pigeonholed into one. We have had an increase of wallpaper usage in the kitchen and like to use Phillip Jeffries commercial-grade wipeable vinyl that has the same look as hand-painted silk or grass cloth.”

– Nina Green, NGD Interiors

“Matte white is making a huge comeback to the industry. We still see a lot of matte black and satin brass, but we are also seeing a lot of split finishes (satin brass + matte black, matte white + matte black). In vanities, we are seeing a lot of dark navy.”

– Jack Bernstein, Kurrent Kitchen + Bath

“Low-sheen and easy-to-clean surfaces; hence skirted toilets, sleek tubs, showers without doors or curtains, bathroom organization, integrated electronics in bathrooms, lighted mirrors and better lighting and fixtures.”

– Anne-Marie Brunet, CKBD, CAPS, Sheridan Interiors

What are clients asking for that may be a result of the pandemic?

“Appliances that can elevate everyday meals while making it easy to cook have been a request. We have seen more undercounter refrigeration for beverages and wine and an increase of specialty appliances.”

– Green

Brown Jordan’s Tecno Collection

“With the importance of outdoor versus indoor entertaining, more outdoor cooking/grilling has occurred. Tecno is Brown Jordan’s outdoor Euro-inspired kitchen, crafted from stainless steel with a powder-coated, maintenance-free finish.”

– Alfano

“Smart toilet seats that people can add to an existing toilet have risen dramatically directly because of COVID, and we’ve been adding ozone features into our tubs, which removes impurities from the water. In showers, people have been asking for fixtures that are geared toward relaxation and well-being, such as multiple showerheads, rainheads and steam.”

– Bernstein

“Customers have been upgrading their existing fixtures and appliances to touchless faucets, handle-free ovens, knock-to-open dishwashers and refrigerators you can open with an elbow or foot. Hands-free features increase homeowners’ sense of security by eliminating additional surface touches. The hygiene benefits that hands-free technology offers are no longer for early adopters; it will eventually become the norm due to the pandemic.”

– Bailey

Delta’s touchless Coranto Faucet

“Due to COVID and people purchasing in bulk, clients realized they lacked the necessary pantry space to store all their excess items. My requests for walk-in pantries is up tenfold, although they aren’t always the easiest spaces to add to existing floor plans based on the available space.”

– Vanderhovel

“Closets are taking off and any organization – renovation, built-in or otherwise – most likely as highlighted by having to work from home as a result of COVID.”

– Brunet

What’s something out of the box you’ve been seeing?

“This past year, people saw the importance of lighting during Zoom and virtual conference calls. It’s no surprise that we also saw an increase in homeowners valuing and investing in light layering. Through thoughtful lighting, you can create flattering light for the participants on the call and visually invite people into your home to deepen virtual connections.”

– Bailey

“The addition of fireplaces. Clients really want that cozy feeling. We are seeing traditional and modern fireplace setups with traditional cabinetry flanking the fireplace with wainscotting panels to streamline linear fireplaces and stone/tile walls. We have had requests for both electric and gas.”

– Green

Miele offers a dishwasher with a knock-to-open feature

“Niches that hide a toilet brush and/or garbage can (built into your wall and totally seamless) are gaining in popularity, and some clients also want sinks with a drawer for sponges.”

– Bernstein

“I have been called out to an unprecedented number of basements lately. Usually a dark, dingy cavern of rarely used possessions, now homeowners are realizing they desperately need the real estate. With some households having more than one person working at home these days, people can get distracted easily.”

– Vanderhovel

What do you think will be new for 2021?

“In 2021, I see families still looking to have their spaces upgraded. With many forgoing vacations and high-end clothes shopping, they are pouring that money into renovations, furniture, appliances and feelgood household items. Logistically, 2021 will be construction heavy, as materials from 2020 projects begin to come in and as contractors and designers start projects that were delayed in 2020. It will be a very busy year!”

– Green

“A surge in appliances for growing your own food indoors, sunroom/greenhouses, food storage options and outdoor recreation/relaxing spaces with outdoor kitchens. I think the big trend for 2021 will be ORGANIZATION. People are recognizing the chaos that they live in and how that is affecting their overall well-being and mental health.”

– Brunet

“The future of design is moving toward understanding how it connects with our nervous system. In our bathrooms and kitchens, for example, sounds, smells, textures and visual light and pattern all create different responses where one person may be calm, and another person may be irritated. At my firm, we design with a deeper sense of how spaces work, what makes people tick and the connection to feeling good and living well at home.”

– Alfano

“We’ve sold a few screens for showers that have apps like Facebook and Netflix on them and that can connect to speakers in the shower or the showerhead. These Thermasol screens can also turn the water and steam on in the shower.”

– Bernstein

“Since the mudroom is a transition space from the outside in, many homeowners are rethinking its importance. As homeowners assess each point where germs can enter the home, the mudroom is elevated to a necessary room, and the space’s functionality is reimagined. For families with essential workers who are at a higher risk for COVID-19 exposure, this is especially true. Homeowners are also upgrading this space to be more welcoming, using appliances such as a washer, dryer and utility sink.”

– Bailey

ThermaSol’s ThermaTouch smart touchscreen control

“I think hands-free and tech will keep making strides. With voice-activated faucets and Bluetooth showers, I’m curious to see what comes next. In 10 years, I think kitchens and baths will be so tech focused we will see tech integrators as a normal trade to include in the installation line-up.”

– Vanderhovel

Top photo: Brunet said she used what would be a typical corner cabinet accessory for a kitchen in this bathroom project to make the most of every inch of space. Photo credit: Yellit Media