Consumers will be cleaning up their kitchens in 2014, at least from a design standpoint, according to research released today at the 2014 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA).
“While transitional styles are still number one, we see kitchen design trending more contemporary this year, with clean, simple lines; less clutter, and little ornamentation,” said John Petrie, CMKBD, of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and 2014 NKBA President.
The outlook is based the findings of the NKBA 2014 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends Survey, which also revealed these trends in kitchen design:
- Contemporary will be the fastest growing kitchen style in 2014, with 62 percent of respondents saying it’s on the upswing after ending 2013 in second place. Transitional maintained a very small lead as the number one look for kitchens. Shaker styling is a solid third due in part to its versatility, lending itself to traditional or contemporary.
- More than half (56 percent) of respondents included accessible and/or universal design and easy-maintenance features in their kitchens, and demand is expected to continue.
- Two-thirds of NKBA kitchen designers incorporated docking and/or charging stations in their kitchens, as well as a desk or home office area. Some 56 percent included a flat-screen TV in their kitchen projects. These trends show no signs of powering down.
- Outdoor kitchens continue to be popular, with 43 percent of respondents designing them in 2013 and 41 percent expecting an increase in 2014.
- 63 percent of respondents specified energy-saving appliances in 2013, and 60 percent expect to see more demand this year. Almost 40 percent of designers specified water-saving kitchen faucets in 2013, and 47 percent see the market expanding in 2014.
- Furniture-type pieces were specified in kitchens by eight out of 10 respondents in 2013 and 56 percent expect to do more in 2014.
- Some 70 percent of respondents see quartz countertops increasing in 2014. Almost a quarter of respondents specified countertops with recycled materials and 40 percent expect to do more in 2014.
- Wood, the most specified flooring in 2013, will grow even more in 2014.
- Glass, now number three for backsplashes, is predicted to grow in popularity in 2014.
- Satin nickel, now the most popular faucet finish, is expected to continue to flourish in 2014, as will polished chrome.
- Stainless steels sinks choice are the most popular for materials with porcelain enamel a distant second. Granite composite, now number three, is expected to grow in 2014.
Kitchen Features in Demand:
- Induction cooktops
- Steam ovens
- French-door refrigerators
- Bottom freezer refrigerators
- Touch-activated faucets
- Electronic (no touch) faucets
- LED lighting
The 420 kitchen and bathroom professionals who participated in this year’s research represent a significant segment of the market for professionally designed and installed bathrooms in the United States and Canada. Respondents reported kitchen project prices ranged from less than $20,000 to more than $100,000.
Respondents reported the products, colors and features they used most often in their 2013 kitchens, then predicted which ones will flourish or fade in 2014.
In the fading column, NKBA members are doing fewer kitchens with highly ornamented Tuscan and Provincial looks. Distressed and/or glazed finishes are also less popular, as is country/rustic styles. They expect to use fewer electric cooktops and porcelain enamel sinks in 2014.
Trendspotting: A Place for Pets
Dozens of NKBA members reported that they created kitchens with features to accommodate cats and dogs, from day beds to feeding stations, litter box cabinets to doggy faucets.
But some found four-legged clients can be hard to please. “One of our NKBA kitchen designer members designed a special place for ‘Major the dog.’ But, apparently, ‘Major did not like it,’” said Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD, of Tewksbury Kitchen & Bath in Whitehouse Station, N.J., and 2014 NKBA president-elect.
