Emerging design trends unveiled at Salone del Mobile Milano

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

NKBA | KBIS team members had front row access to EuroCucina 2024 and partner event FTK (Technology for the Kitchen) held in Milan, Italy, April 16 – 21. The innovative kitchen products event highlighted brands from across the globe. The association’s team, along with experts from multiple influential industry brands, shared the most prominent emerging kitchen trends they discovered at the show.

1. Sustainability

Throughout EuroCucina, the NKBA | KBIS team was astounded by the number of brands showcasing innovative, eco-friendly products. Among them was nobilia, which offered not only green products, including its 100% recycled 2024 SENSO range, but also a green booth, which was 80% reused and recycled from the brand’s 2022 booth. “Anything that we do is engineered and developed under the aspect of sustainability,” said nobilia’s Thomas Johannesmeier, who is responsible for the strategic development of the United States market. He went on to speak about the brand’s lacquer, one of the surfaces it offers. Because it is 100% water based, it is recyclable and reusable for new products. Alternative products, like foil, can only be thermally recycled, or burned for energy instead of reused. 

Karl Hinkfuss, Director of Product Marketing for Kitchen & Bath Group INTL at Kohler, said, “There is a heavy emphasis on sustainability and the products that we’re showing that are being either brought to market in a sustainable way or made with sustainable materials.” At the House of Rohl, one of the highlighted eco-friendly products was the Ledro, available in August 2024 through the victoria + albert brand, which provides a fully immersed bathing experience in 150 liters of water instead of the usual over 225 liters. Additionally, House of Rohl displayed products made from heavy fireclay, a unique material that “will last you forever,” said James Smith, Marketing & Innovation Director for Fortune Brands in EMEAA, who runs the House of Rohl portfolio across the region.

DURAVIT also demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. Leonie Wöhrle, Head of Marketing Communications at DURAVIT, said, “We are currently building a CO2 neutral company in Canada, so we will be focusing on the North American market much more in the future.” Cosentino introduced an innovative surface, Earthic, which is made of 10% silica or less, at least 30% made of recycled components and manufactured with 100% renewable electric energy and 99% recycled water. The brand also touched on its recycled content, such as Dekton recycled materials and utilizing recycled glass.

2. Colors and Mixed Materials

“From a trends standpoint, what you’re going to see within our booth, and all around Salone, is the emergence of bringing colors back,” said Kohler’s Hinkfuss. “Colors are being infused into everything, as well as mixed materials.” He added: “There are unique products, like our Numi 2.0 intelligent toilet. We have a concept here, shown with e-ink. As the product moves, you’ll see different designs being portrayed within it.” The Sivida line on display at the DURAVIT booth, which provides multiple color options inside and out for wash basins through the use of its innovative, durable material DuroCast, demonstrated this trend.

As for materials, DURAVIT’s Wöhrle said, “We’re seeing a lot of new materials being added to the bath. In the past, it was mainly focused on wood and regular surfaces, and now we see a lot of marble style surfaces, which really add to the style of a bath.”

This emerging trend of colors and mixed materials in the kitchen supports  the emerging personalized designs trend identified in the NKBA | KBIS Kitchen Trends Report.

3. Expanded Kitchens

Another reported trend was kitchen products and appliances making their way into other areas of the home. “The kitchen itself is getting bigger and is going out of the kitchen,” said Manuela Ricci, Marketing Manager for European Countries, Signature Kitchen Suite. “That means our products have to be not only functional, but also very nice looking. This trend is especially true when it comes to wine cellars. We’ve proposed to our customers to have the wine cellar inside the living room, or even inside the bedroom. We see that products like these are making their way outside of the kitchen.”

4. Whole-House Decoration

A shift noted by Johannesmeier at nobilia was products being made for multiple areas of the home, not just for one specific room. “I believe it’s more about whole house decoration,” he explained. “We are seeing a lot of manufacturers becoming more universal manufacturers. It used to be quite specialized; people were kitchen manufacturers or bath manufacturers or living room manufacturers. Now, they are all growing together.”

“This is exactly what nobilia is showcasing,” he continued. “We are more than the kitchen world, we are called the nobilia house product. That means our products are usually designed universally.” He added, “When we look at the trend that we’re seeing, it’s accelerating here in Milan this year.”

5. Special Storage for Personal Items

Another trend identified by Ricci at SKS was storage of items such as beauty products in the kitchen. “People are conserving not only food inside the refrigerator, but also other things like beauty and skincare products and masks.” This supports two trends found in the NKBA | KBIS Kitchen Trends Report: customizable design and the kitchen being a place for wellness and nutrition.

The designer shared her favorite eco-friendly solutions with NBKA | KBIS.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

1. LED Lighting from CLEANLIFE

“CLEANLIFE has a very interesting system of lighting with LED,” explained Sherman. “Instead of individual transformers on each fixture, there is a main hub for DC power being used for the fixtures. This means better energy management and a more streamlined installation process.”

2. Water Conserving Faucets from Various Brands

“DELTA, BRIZO, KOHLER, MOEN and HOUSE OF ROHL have all made improvements in their water conservation when it comes to their faucets, developing shower heads which can still provide a great shower experience but with much less water usage,” said Sherman.

3. Composter for Garbage Disposals from Kraus

Sherman highlighted a composter that fits in a sink cabinet, which Kraus showed at KBIS as a prototype. “Liquids and solids are separated, and the solids go to the composter which creates usable composted solid in just a few days,” she said.

4. Energy Management Systems from Various Brands

Sherman pointed to SPAN and SAVANT as energy management systems that are “game changers” when it comes to how power is managed and distributed throughout a home. “These systems not only manage the type of energy coming into the home, but they can also determine the best use for that energy based on usage, the time of day and what products are calling for what type of power,” noted Sherman.

5. Toilets by TOTO

“TOTO is always improving  the performance of the water science that goes into their toilets,” said Sherman.

Sharon L. Sherman is the founder and principal of Thyme & Place Design. Her award-winning designs have graced magazine pages for more than 20 years. With her dedicated team of construction professionals, she brings her signature “quiet luxury” style and soulful design aesthetic to every project. Sharon offers a variety of design services available anywhere in the country. Whether you need quick advice, exquisite design, or full-service concierge level design and installation, Thyme & Place will bring a unique blend of design expertise to create an entire living environment that harmonizes with your lifestyle.

The Georgia-based urbanist and master planner envisions and designs whole communities rooted in wellness and sustainable living.

By Donna Heiderstadt

NKBA | KBIS asked Oliver about his passion for “good urbanism” and what the design/build community can do better to embrace sustainable practices.

NKBA | KBIS: What was it that first sparked your interest in building sustainable living environments?

Lew Oliver: Making good urbanism — placemaking shaped by excellent architecture and pedestrian activity — has always been my aspiration, since early childhood. It just so happened that this dovetailed into low-carbon footprint development patterns and permanent construction. I have come to appreciate the idea that creating beautiful and inspiring places is truly sustainable. Such towns and cities based on good urbanism are recycled, sometimes for hundreds of years.

NKBA | KBIS: What is the biggest challenge when developing a new community with a softer environmental footprint? And are “whole town solutions” possible anywhere, or are they dependent on climate, income and other factors? 

Lew Oliver: The biggest challenge in creating sustainable communities based on good urbanism is the time factor. They are typically more complex than typical single-use suburban models that off-load complexity onto government-orchestrated road building. Good urbanism requires incentivizing by the government, which leads to a decrease in traffic and a greater sense of social and economic integration. The model is applicable anywhere and can morph according to the climate and availability of materials.

NKBA | KBIS: What can the design/build community as a whole do to better embrace sustainable practices — even if they aren’t focused on developing on a macro level as you are?

Lew Oliver: Sustainable practices are as easy as: A. designing for zero waste; B. sourcing materials locally; and C. promoting industrial production of wall assemblies and modules, reducing labor, cutting down production time and promoting less waste in factory conditions.

NKBA | KBIS: Are there specific practices or product innovations that can make kitchen and bath design more sustainable? What strategies and methods can builders and designers incorporate now?

Lew Oliver: In terms of kitchens, designers and builders can incorporate electric appliances into kitchens, choosing options that are highly functional and attractive to overcome the desire for gas ranges. Countertop composters that can reside in a pantry or scullery divert waste from the landfill, and actually build soils in the garden. Fresh, unprocessed foods could be celebrated with attractive prepping sculleries. Health and well-being, together, equal sustainability.

In baths, water-saving features are now everywhere. The space could be re-envisioned as a mini-spa, and with saunas, could lead to saving water.

NKBA | KBIS: How do you see sustainable architecture and design evolving? What do you envision as commonplace practices 10 years from now?

Lew Oliver: In 10 years, walkable, self-contained communities that are inclusive of all ages, all family makeups and wider ranges of incomes and cultures will be preferred by developers, builders and consumers. Homes and businesses will be largely factory produced, delivering a zero-energy ready shell that is efficient. Single-use suburbs will become rare as more enjoy a cleaner, more social lifestyle that features large natural areas for recreation.

The expert-led panel at the NextSTAGE at KBIS 2024 discussed sustainable strategies and eco-friendly kitchen and bath design.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

At KBIS 2024, the expert panel at “Low Impact is a Good Thing: The Latest Initiatives in Low-Carbon Design” discussed the integration of sustainable practices, building codes, low impact design and green sourcing on the NextSTAGE. Moderated by Avinash Rajagopal, Editor in Chief, Metropolis Magazine, this event featured panelists Amanda Gunawan, Founding Principal, Only Way Is Up Design; Laurence Carr, CEO, Laurence Carr, Inc.; and Megan Thompson, Founder, greenList by Spark Interiors.

After discussing their personal and business approaches toward sustainability, panelists discussed the inevitable rise of sustainability as it becomes more required by law, and their definition of low-impact products, including the life cycle of products.

They also went into the importance of research and asking the right questions when it comes to finding sustainable products, using strategies including:

• Learning how products are made from representatives
• Finding out the impact on the employees making the products
• Learning where products are made
• Seeking out low-toxic, low carbon materials
• Considering end of use and end of product (ideally no waste)
• Learning about third party certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

The panel also discussed sustainability in kitchen and bath spaces. Rajagopal asked, “What are some of the practices or materials you’ve been drawn to in terms of having more sustainable kitchen and bath design?”

Gunawan answered by saying that, when it came to these spaces, there were various elements in each — and that, when selecting them, designers can choose the sustainable instead of the unsustainable option, such as reclaimed stone for countertops and water efficient options for spouts. “It’s all these little changes,” she explained. She also said that it’s important to start from the design with a sustainable approach. “The design needs to have a level of thoughtfulness from the very beginning, so you don’t end up redesigning, because that’s extremely unsustainable,” she said. “But another part of it is also seeing if you’re able to reuse something from the original design.”

For designers new to sustainability, Thompson recommendeda good starting point is setting a boundary in their practice. She went on by saying, “Maybe that boundary looks like, ‘I will refuse to sell my clients anything that’s harmful to them. Because if it’s harmful to them, it will be harmful to the planet.’ From there, if we’re doing kitchens and baths, work with your contractors, and ask for one dumpster just for cardboard. Just start with one little thing, get really good at it, then add as you improve upon your skillset.”

Carr recommended reducing negative impacts by opting for energy efficient appliances and water saving fixtures. She also talked about the evolution of regulations on ranges so that they have a smaller environmental footprint. This led to a conversation on electric, induction cooktops, which Carr described as being “as beautiful as, if not more beautiful, than gas stoves.”

Before the Q&A, Gunawan summed up sustainable design by saying: “It doesn’t mean that you have to throw out aesthetics. There is a way to do this right.”

Making the Best Case for Practices That are Better for Families – and the Planet

By NKBA | KBIS Editorial Team

While homeowners are increasingly curious about sustainable design practices, many still remain skeptical. As a result, securing consumer buy-in continues to be a challenge for kitchen and bath design professionals.

According to insights included in NKBA’s 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report, that wariness is rooted in a number of factors, including expense, lack of attractive sustainable design options and the long payback period to realize the financial benefits of sustainable choices.

The report provides important insights into how design professionals can do more to convince wary customers that sustainable design can be both beautiful and beneficial.

According to the surveyed industry professionals, homeowners rarely, if ever, bring up sustainability. As a result, designers need to initiate these conversations and recommend sustainable products and practices. To do so, they will require a deeper understanding of sustainable options so they can make the case for greener choices.

The report provides new insights into the value propositions for sustainability that are most compelling to consumers. Leading the way, by a large margin, is family health and well-being (42%), the idea that sustainable products and practices create healthier home environments for consumers and their families. Next, homeowners say that energy savings (22%) is also a significant benefit of sustainability. Reducing the household’s carbon footprint (17%) and reducing waste (11%) are also cited as important benefits.

The burden isn’t all on K&B designers, however. Brands will need to do more to offer products that are practical, economical and attractive. Survey respondents stressed that the industry must give design pros the information they need about sustainability – and its most attractive benefits – so they can become enthusiastic and knowledgeable advocates.

“The growing enthusiasm for sustainable design is a win-win for our industry and consumers alike,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA | KBIS.  “However, we know the adoption of sustainable practices is lagging behind that enthusiasm. Industry professionals are the key to educating consumers that the time to incorporate greener products and practices in their kitchen and bath renovations is right now.”To learn more about how the tide is turning on sustainable design, read NKBA’s 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report.

The designer discussed eco-friendly remodeling and green practices with NKBA | KBIS.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

Amanda Gunawan, Founding Principal at Only Way Is UP (OWIU) Design, is an architectural designer hailing from Singapore who works in Los Angeles. With a BA in Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and a varied design background including master-planning for the Singapore Government and working with Thom Mayne of Morphosis Architect, Gunawan focuses on OWIU, a firm that specializes in creating spaces with a focus on innovation, preservation and sustainability. Recently, she made Architectural Digest’s 10 AAPI Designers list and Prestige Asia’s 40 under 40 list.

At KBIS 2024, NKBA | KBIS sat down with Gunawan to talk about her company’s mission, eco-friendly strategies and the future of sustainability.

NKBA | KBIS: Tell us about OWIU Design’s mission and how sustainability is a part of it.

Amanda Gunawan: With OWIU Design, we’re very focused on thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship. It’s kind of impossible to tell how we imbue that into our practice without telling you the full story of how we started. So here it is.

We started as an architecture design practice, and somewhere along the way, wanting to fully commit to thoughtful design and careful craftsmanship, we found ourselves being super hands-on. We were basically playing contractor then. We were always there on-site, we were always teaching the workers to do certain things, and at a certain point we decided that it wouldn’t be possible to fully do all that until we became a full design and build company.

That’s when we decided to come up with our own construction company. With that, we also started developing our own homes. What we do is find really old homes, these ‘gems’ that are in a dilapidated state, and we find the middle ground between restoration and preservation. We renovate and give new life to these new homes. Sustainability, in that way, is very much injected into every aspect, from start to finish and even as we’re developing homes.

NKBA | KBIS: Are there specific sustainable solutions you are asking for too, or are you offering more of them? What does that balance look like?

Amanda Gunawan: It always depends on the client. That said, even when the client isn’t asking for it, we’re always offering it to them. We do our research. We like working with the right companies — like B Corps, which are a smart choice because it’s guaranteed; you know they’re doing good — and pushing their products to our clients. We try to educate and explain to clients why they would choose those products over others.

When our clients come to us in the first place, they already know what we stand for. They want that thoughtfulness and they want a design that lasts and evolves. That’s our practice. So we go down from a macro level, where in terms of design we’re designing thoughtfully and efficiently, to a micro level, where this applies when it comes to appliances, toilets, fixtures, natural lighting, everything.

Clients are definitely inquiring about these things. I think it’s very common in kitchens and baths. Our commercial clients are more well-informed. A lot of people are wanting to not use paint with VOCs.

It’s getting more popular, for sure. That’s why you come to a show like KBIS, where designers can educate themselves on solutions that are not as common. Resources are now so fully and readily available that clients are able to do their “superficial” research. This is where designers can learn in depth about what’s available, push out novel solutions they’re seeing, having done the research themselves.

NKBA | KBIS: Outside of those already covered, what sustainable strategies and solutions are you using?

Amanda Gunawan: We’re very big on starting from the root, like I mentioned. It’s just design. We think, “How do we create something so we can make as few mistakes as possible?” Mistakes happen, they happen every time: you’re going to have to go back to your original design and something gets wasted there. So from the very beginning, we minimize that as much as we can. And then, from there, we go down to the nitty gritty details, like picking out the right appliances and fixtures.

We also try to reuse as much as possible. There are times when we come to this juncture where we can decide if we’re going to pour out more time and effort, and cost even sometimes, to preserve something. For example, preserve a wooden panel or take it down and put something over it. We always choose to preserve it. Or we try to push our clients to go for that.

NKBA | KBIS: Are there any emerging sustainable kitchen and bath trends you’re seeing while working?

Amanda Gunawan: I just did my own kitchen and bath, so this is a great question for me to answer. I’m very impressed with all the technology, like the smart home technologies — but what impresses me the most are the little details. At my heart, I’m a designer, so I love the companies that embrace that, that come up with products that are still aesthetically beautiful and add tiny little details to enhance them.

I’m a big fan of TOTO, because their products are always immaculate, absolutely beautiful. They become design elements of the home itself. They’re also extremely efficient and sustainable. For example, there’s the automatic flushing system, which guarantees that, with just one flush, the bowl will be clean. It’s all these little nuances that make a big difference.

NKBA | KBIS: Where do you see sustainability heading in the future?

Amanda Gunawan: I think it’s going to become more and more important and more and more relevant. I think the best part is that it’s going to become more cost-efficient. It’s a big thing, and it’s happening, and more resources are getting poured into sustainability right now. For example, it’s really exciting to see that solutions I would only ever see in commercial properties are now in residential properties.

Soon, it’s going to become more and more prevalent. It’s going to become more and more affordable. People are going to think, “Why wouldn’t I choose this, over something else that is the same cost?” I’m excited about that.

The NKBA | KBIS chapter celebrated the environment and discussed sustainability in design.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

Last week, the NKBA | KBIS California Capital Chapter hosted its “Go Green for Spring – Sustainable Sourcing for K&B Projects” event as its April chapter meeting. The event featured  speaker Megan Thompson of greenList by Spark Interiors, a company that connects designers with sustainable manufacturers, who shared her passion for green design and educated the audience on many facts and tips about emissions, waste and sourcing. 

Thompson shared statistics during her greenList presentation with chapter members, including that 39% of world emissions are generated by the construction industry, and that 9,000,000 tons of furniture are thrown away into landfills every year.  Thompson also said that designers are at the forefront of sustainability — and that together, they can make a difference guiding industry manufacturers and clients to be more eco-friendly.

The chapter asked attending members to share what sustainability means to them by writing their comments on index cards. Students, vendor reps, designers, general contractors and installers submitted replies, including the following:

“Using materials created from recycled materials, with manufacturing processes that don’t negatively impact the neighboring community or workers, that are not shipped across the country and are recyclable.”

“Building to intentionally reduce the carbon footprint, while using materials that are safe for the installer and end user. Reducing the carbon footprint from manufacturing to product end of life.”

“The practice of intentionally seeking products, materials and finishes that are user friendly and environmentally friendly.”

The day after the event, Gloria Clark, NKBA | KBIS California Capital Chapter President, said, “I am honored to have passionate leaders in California bringing more sustainability and new construction policies to light.”

The designer discussed what green practices look like across ages and areas. 

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

NKBA | KBIS: Which generation or generations are leading the way in terms of sustainability?

Sharon L. Sherman: I am not sure it has anything to do with generations but regions. Some regions have made recycling much easier for more people to participate. I find that some areas of the country are more involved than others when it comes to sustainability, regardless of the generation. Personally, I am at the very tail end of the Baby Boomers (who, according to data, are not the most concerned), and I am very conscious of sustainability. In Europe, there’s a cross-generational commitment to sustainability. My kids are Millennials, and I know that they are concerned and are beginning to have the financial wherewithal to use that power in choosing which products and companies to buy from. Gen Z is probably as concerned but without the financial power.

NKBA | KBIS: What preferences do different generations have when it comes to sustainable solutions? What strategies and solutions are they using?

Sharon L. Sherman: I know that Millennials and Gen Z follow and support ethically aligned brands and products. They do understand that the future is theirs and that they can make an impact with the choices they make. My kids love to shop at vintage shops, grow their own produce in indoor gardens and are much less concerned about having the latest fast fashion. They don’t spend beyond their means, but that may be the way they were raised. If you grow up in a home where these values are important, you tend to embrace those ideals.

NKBA | KBIS: Do you usually bring up sustainability, or do your clients? Does this vary based on age?

Sharon L. Sherman: As a designer, I always include conversations about sustainable practices and the products we are using in my clients’ homes. Regardless of age, clients coming to me know this is part of my design DNA and what I will be bringing to the project. When a client tells me they not only love their home but love the way their home makes them feel, I know I have done my job.

As more people experience this type of design in the way their homes are designed and built, more people will look for this type of design service. Sustainability goes beyond just the products; it is a lifestyle and commitment to not just living a healthy sustainable lifestyle but living within that sustainable lifestyle.

NKBA | KBIS: What do you find yourself educating each generation on most when it comes to sustainability?

Sharon L. Sherman: How to  apply the principles of a sustainable lifestyle and sustainable products.

Choosing products that will enhance their health physically, mentally and emotionally is what most clients are looking for when designing their homes. People feel good about doing good for the environment, those in their community and the community at large. If something is easy to add to your daily routine, it doesn’t matter what your age is.

Here is an example: at KBIS, I saw an under-sink composter. Most people, regardless of age, would compost if it didn’t involve collecting the scrapes, taking them outside to some type of container and committing to tending to the container to turn the scrapes into usable soil. Now, if you had a composter that separated the liquid from the solids, deposited it into a container that tended to the waste and magically transformed it into composted soil, more people would sign on.

Finding solutions for sustainability that everyone at any age can seamlessly integrate into their daily routine is an absolute yes. Indoor air quality can be improved with a ventilation system that turns on with the range top, brilliant! This means better air, less cleaning of the cabinets and counters surrounding the cooking area, less cleaning solutions, longer life of the products — sustainability at its best.

NKBA | KBIS: When it comes to the future generation – Gen Zers – what sustainable choices do you envision them making in the future, as they eventually become homeowners?

Sharon L. Sherman: Their whole lives have been influenced by climate changes, pollution and clean water issues. I do think they will look to make sure they can live in a home environment which will provide a level of comfort combined with a strong sense of products which will promote healthy living. I know they will be using indoor gardens, choosing natural materials and looking for lasting products.

I just came back from the Round Top Antiques Show. Many younger aged designers and shoppers are looking for vintage and antique pieces to use in their homes. Repurposing and reusing pieces will continue to gain acceptance to make a positive change in the world. I can see that there is a commitment to aligning with values they can live with. 

The designer shared her favorite green solutions with NBKA | KBIS.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

1. Wallpaper from Elworthy Studio

Dornbush lauded the product as “artistic wallpaper made in the U.S., which uses certified non-toxic water based inks on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper.”

2. Organic Towels from Gayle Warwick

The designer identified these towels made in Switzerland as a top sustainable choice. “These ultra soft and highly absorbent cotton towels can be customized with a monogram or a bespoke design,” said Dornbush.

3. Cabinetry from CRYSTAL CABINET WORKS

Dornbush highlighted CRYSTAL CABINET WORKS’ products as being fully made in the U.S., compared to many other products that are solely assembled in the United States using foreign components. “They offer both North American hardwoods, which are sustainable because they are not currently endangered and have a lower carbon footprint than imported woods, and a low VOC finish,” the designer explained. “In addition, they are certified by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association’s (KCMA’s) Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP).”

4. Countertops from Cambria

“These countertops are GREENGUARD Certified and made in the U.S., which I think is particularly important for large, heavy products such as countertops,” said Dornbush. “Plus, they’re gorgeous and easy to maintain!”

5. Ceramic Tiles from Fireclay Tile

Dornbush selected this product for being “made of recycled material here in the U.S., and from a brand that is a certified B Corps and Climate Neutral Certified.” She added, “And the ceramic tiles are stunningly beautiful, too.”

Barb Dornbush is the owner of Campau Kitchen & Bath in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She focuses on sustainable residential interiors because she is concerned about the impact of the home furnishings industry on the planet. Dornbush won the first ASID Design Excellence Award for Sustainable Design in Georgia, was published in several magazines, has given talks to groups such as Georgia Organics and the Art Institute of Atlanta, and served on the program committee of the IFDA’s national conference to bring information about sustainability to more designers. She has also been a guest on “The Lazy Environmentalist” on Sirius Radio.

 

The 2024 research highlights millennials, consumers on the coasts and professional Associations as influential

By NKBA | KBIS Editorial Team

The demand for incorporating sustainable design practices in kitchen and bath renovations is slowly and steadily gaining strength. Industry professionals who participated in NKBA’s 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report say demand for sustainability in kitchen and bath design has been on the rise over the past two years. More than half (52%) said that demand for sustainability in kitchen design has grown during that period, while a similar number (47%) said the same about bathroom design.

NKBA’s 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report includes new data about influences that are making sustainability a greater priority than ever before.

Professional Associations, Homeowners & Media are Key Drivers

K&B professionals cite associations (58%) as the most influential drivers of sustainable practices in the industry, especially the US Green Building Council/ LEED. Next most influential are homeowners (56%) and the media (50%).

Interestingly, designers/specifiers claim that they have limited influence over their clients’ sustainability decisions. Only 23% of designers say their perspectives on sustainability were extremely/very influential in terms of homeowners’ end results.

Millennials are Leading the Way

Among homeowners, millennials (ages 27-42) are the consumer segment most interested in sustainable design in their kitchens and baths. Sixty-three percent of millennials are interested in including sustainable design elements in their kitchen remodels, and nearly as many (60%) in their bath projects. This is especially true among millennials who have children, indicating that they are most likely to associate sustainability with the health and well-being of their families. Least interested, by far, are baby boomers (ages 59-77), with fewer than five percent saying they are interested in including sustainable design elements in their kitchens or baths.

Geography Plays a Role

Awareness of and interest in sustainable design varies by region. It’s highest in the West Coast, Pacific Northwest and Northeast regions due to more stringent building codes and the implementation of sustainability-focused policies.

The Conversation Must Start with Designers

K&B professionals say homeowners rarely initiate conversations about sustainability. More than half of homeowners (53%) rarely or never proactively bring up sustainability when discussing their kitchen or bath project. Designers indicate they will have to lead these conversations about sustainable design practices and products, moving forward.

Read more about the future of sustainable design by downloading the full 2024 Sustainability in Kitchen & Bath Design report here.