March 11, 2024

What will the world of kitchen and bath design look like this year? I believe we will be embracing wellness-enhancing products in 2024. Healthy cooking, voice-controlled appliances, and environmentally friendly kitchen and bath features will lead the way to a healthier home. Here are my top picks for embracing wellness in 2024 when remodeling for a healthier home.

Embracing Wellness in the Kitchen: Healthier Cooking

Steam ovens have made the biggest difference in healthy cooking. They have emerged as the game changer not only in cooking convenience but creating healthier meals. I have weaned my clients off their microwaves in favor of steam ovens. Not only does steam cooking preserve minerals and vitamins, but steam does also not change the structure of food when reheating. I have not had a single client regret including a steam oven in their kitchen. I expect this trend to continue with more opinions in 2024.

Water Filters and Water Stations

Faucets that deliver chilled, filtered, or sparkling water as part of any kitchen, coffee station, wine bar, and even bathrooms are gaining prominence. Water is not only precious but necessary for health and wellness. The quality of water has long been in the news as has the impact of packaging on the environment. These faucets provide healthy options that are easily accessible and encourage drinking more water. I anticipate these faucets to become more affordable in 2024 as clients embrace this wellness-enhancing feature. Manufacturers are aligning with eco-friendly practices by reducing the need for disposable bottles. I see this as a win for our health and the environment.

Indoor Air Quality

Embracing wellness and a healthier home in the kitchen begins with ventilation. Particularly crucial for clients who still prefer gas cooking, kitchen hoods that monitor and control air movement and use smart technology to turn the hood on and off in sync with the burners are a wise choice. As we learn more and more about indoor air quality, especially in the kitchen, efficient and effective air circulation will become standard in kitchen design in 2024.

Embracing Wellness in the Bathroom: Chromatherapy and Aromatherapy

I believe chroma and aromatherapy are two major enhancements to health and wellness. For years we have understood the effects of light on our moods and that is exactly what chromatherapy is all about. Specific colors of light can have positive impacts on our mood. Aromatherapy has also gained in popularity. Using essential oils from plants to relieve pain, improve mood, and help to increase relaxation is beneficial to any wellness routine. I am glad to see both therapies become more affordable and more available in bathroom fittings, fixtures, and lighting.

Steam Therapy

Shifting our focus to the bathroom, I see steam increasing in popularity for the health benefits it provides. Multi-function shower heads are another bath enhancement that can provide a home spa experience such as massage, rain, and gentle aeration. These features, which used to be considered a luxury, are becoming more accessible, offering both mood and health benefits.

Air Massage Tubs

Not just for large primary bathrooms, air tubs that provide hydro massage benefits are finding their way into secondary baths as well. With increased emphasis on recovery, especially for athletes and students alike, these tubs provide a spa experience and are becoming an affordable yet luxurious option for at-home wellness. I have been designing these features for my client’s homes for many years.

As we all pursue a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, I expect to see more people embrace these trends in 2024. As we learn more about the relationship between neuroscience and our interiors, I am confident you will be reading much more about creating healthier homes as we embrace wellness in design.

—By Sharon L. Sherman, ASID, NCIDQ, CID, CKD, founder of Thyme and Place Design in Wykoff, NJ.

Photo credit: Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock