Industry Pros Report Flat Revenue, Muted Consumer Demand in NKBA / John Burns Q1 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) Report

By NKBA Editorial Staff

While the kitchen and bath industry had been poised for a modest rebound in 2025, industry professionals are revising and slightly tempering their projection for growth this year, according to key findings in the NKBA / John Burns Q1 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report.

The Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) dipped to 55.1 in Q1 2025 from 59.7 in Q4 2024 as consumer demand for kitchen and bath products weakened amid concerns about economic uncertainty and the impact of new tariffs and other policy shifts. Kitchen and bath firms in three of the four segments surveyed downgraded their ratings, reversing the upward trend previously seen across all segments last quarter.

K&B industry revenue growth was flat at +0.2% year over year (YOY) in Q1 2025, reversing the trend from Q4 2024 when sales rose. Industry pros say they expect this trend to continue: in Q1 2025, K&B firms’ 2025 revenue growth expectation averaged +3.1%, down from +3.7% in Q4 2024. However, if, as expected, prices rise by a similar or higher amount this year, flat or even negative unit sales volumes could become a reality.

The Kitchen & Bath Market Index Survey, which is the basis for the KBMI findings, is conducted jointly by the NKBA and John Burns Research and Consulting. The Q1 2025 report is based on findings from 734 members of the NKBA community across four primary industry segments: design; building and remodeling; retail sales; and manufacturing.

Here are some additional insights about the uncertain start to 2025 and the industry’s latest outlook for 2025:

A Significant Rise in Input Costs

K&B retail and distribution firms report that their suppliers raised prices by +5.2% YOY in Q1 2025, reversing previous progress on kitchen and bath product inflation. Markups in Q1 2025 were highest (+7% YOY) for appliances, which have heavy exposure to countries impacted by recent tariff policy shifts.

Many firms had no choice but to raise prices in response. Kitchen and bath builder and remodeler pricing grew to +5.2% on average in Q1 2025. Lead times in Q1 are extending for key products, including cabinets, vanities and major appliances.

Tariff Policy Uncertainty Looms Large

K&B professionals now rate trade issues as their number one concern impacting the industry. Retail segment firms are already reporting an uptick in product costs. The industry expects supply chain disruptions to increase and pricing to continue to drift upward as tariffs reshuffle the international trade balance.

Consumer behavior is being impacted by uncertainty around changing tariff policies. Two-thirds of K&B firms (68%) reported that consumers either held steady on product quality or downgraded to lower-grade products in Q1 2025, reflecting caution in the planning of kitchen and bath renovations.

Insights into Adaptive Strategies

For the first time, the Q1 2025 KBMI report includes insights from K&B firms about how they are coping with their greatest industry concerns, specifically regarding the cost of materials, trade issues and fear of a recession. Their strategies range from seeking out alternative products and suppliers to lowering their profit margins.

“There’s no doubt that uncertainty around tariff policies and other macroeconomic factors is heavily influencing the K&B industry’s more muted outlook for 2025, as well as consumer behavior,” said NKBA I KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy. “As we wait for more answers to come into focus about the extent and longevity of these impacts, we know that our industry will continue to be resilient and find ways to meet these evolving challenges.”

Read more about what K&B industry pros are saying about the challenges and opportunities they see in the months ahead by downloading the NKBA / John Burns Q1 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report here.

The essential hour-long webinar is now available on-demand.

By Nicholas Tamarin

The kitchen and bath industry is facing a dynamic economic landscape in 2025. Headlines, policy changes, and market signals are presenting new challenges that will significantly impact demand, project pipelines, and pricing power throughout the year.

To help industry professionals navigate this uncertainty, NKBA | KBIS and John Burns Research & Consulting just released a one-hour webinar delving into the latest economic developments through the lens of the Q1 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI). This session is designed to provide timely and actionable insights, helping kitchen and bath professionals stay informed and make strategic decisions in a changing market.

What to Expect

The webinar features findings from leading experts, including Heather Shannon and Tricia Zach of NKBA | KBIS, and Nishu Sood and Elizabeth La Jeunesse of John Burns Research & Consulting.

• Macroeconomic Outlook: Sood provides an updated macroeconomic outlook for 2025, highlighting slowing job growth, rising recession risks, and the influence of media sentiment on market behavior. He also discusses major policy shifts, such as potential tariffs, and their anticipated impact on renovations, material costs, and labor availability. 
• Industry Perspectives: Zach and La Jeunesse share findings from the latest KBMI, drawing on input from professionals across design, construction, retail, and manufacturing. They examine how these segments are responding to current economic uncertainty, including the potential effects of new tariffs, rising product costs, labor shortages, and shifting consumer confidence.

Featured Presenters

Heather Shannon:  Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, NKBA | KBIS.

Tricia Zach: Head of Research, NKBA | KBIS.

Elizabeth La Jeunesse: Vice President of Building Products Research at John Burns Research and Consulting. La Jeunesse brings a wealth of experience in researching remodeling industry trends and macroeconomic forecasting, including previous work at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

Nishu Sood: Principal, John Burns Research & Consulting. Sood focuses on research across the residential sector and has extensive experience as a lead equity research analyst for the homebuilding and building products sector.

Head over here to view the webinar now!

NKBA I KBIS Kitchen and Bath Overview of Regional/Market Conditions report also features important, positive regional economic indicators 

By NKBA Editorial Staff

After two consecutive years of decline, kitchen and bath remodels per household are expected to increase nationally over the next two years, according to findings in the latest NKBA I KBIS Kitchen and Bath Overview of Regional/Market Conditions report.

National Kitchen Projects per 1000 Households will rebound from 66 in 2024 to 68 in 2025 and 74 in 2026; Bath Projects per 1000 Households, which dipped to 69 in 2024, will climb to 72 this year and 77 in 2026. 

This data-rich report provides a snapshot of regional markets for kitchen and bathroom remodel projects, new construction volumes, economic conditions, and related projections — going beyond the broader intelligence we also gather about how the K&B industry is faring nationally.

Here are some notable regional insights that help explain the changing national picture:

Positive outlook for new construction, especially in Texas and the Southeast

Nationally, the ratio of total new construction permits from 2024-2026 vs. 2021-2023 is estimated to be 91%. The Southeast and Texas have the most favorable outlook for New Construction – in both regions, permit volumes for 2024-2026 will almost fully return (95%) to the elevated levels from 2021-2023. The Northeast (82%) will lag furthest behind the national average of any region.

Significantly, however, when focusing solely on single-family new construction permits, volumes for 2024-2026 are projected to exceed 2021-2023 totals for all regions.

Strongest Kitchen and Bath remodel activity in the Northeast

Homeowners in the Northeast and Midwest are projected to do the most Kitchen and Bath remodels on a per household basis. Kitchen remodels are looking particularly strong in the Northeast, projected to decline less than National rates in 2024 and outpace other regions in 2025 and 2026. For example, bathroom remodel projects per household in the Northeast will grow in 2025 and 2026 at a faster rate than national projections — in 2026, alone, the region is expected to see +10.7 year-over-year growth in renovations per 1,000 households.

High Income Households growing fastest in the Southeast, High Income Industries in the Southwest and Texas

High Income Households ($150k or more) are projected to grow fastest in the Southeast, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (2023-2028) of 9.2%. California (5.8%) and the Northeast (6.9%) are expected to see the slowest growth in this area.

The Southwest and Texas have the most favorable outlook for growth in high income industries, specifically Information, Finance, Professional and Business Services. 

“Our industry is poised for growth over the next two years, largely because K&B professionals have made smart decisions during a challenging period,” said NKBA I KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy. “Beyond weathering a stagnant couple of years, they have strategically positioned their businesses to take advantage of an improving market as more favorable conditions return. We’re optimistic that they will soon begin to reap the benefits of that strategic thinking.”Read more key regional insights by downloading the NKBA I KBIS Kitchen and Bath Overview of Regional/Market Conditions report here.

Real Estate Investors, Looking to Differentiate Their Properties, are Key Sources of Market Strength

By NKBA Editorial Staff

Traditional homeowners aren’t the only factor in the expected expansion of the residential kitchen and bath market this year. According to findings reported in the NKBA 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook, this modest growth will also be supported by renovations undertaken by so-called “fix-and-flip” investors, as well as rental property owners.

In both cases, these investors view beautiful kitchen and bath designs as differentiators that will enhance the value of their properties — and their attractiveness to buyers and renters. Collectively, they’re expected to contribute more than $47 billion to the residential K&B market this year.

The report includes additional insights about how this group of investors will be a significant part of the K&B market in 2025:

“Fix and flip” investing will grow slowly

Nearly all flipped homes include a kitchen and bath remodel, which means investor K&B spending is closely tied to overall fix-and-flip trends. K&B industry pros report that they expect moderate growth in fix-and-flip kitchen and bath spending 2025 as these specialized investors look to make their properties stand out through upgrades in two essential areas of the home.

Flippers see high ROI in kitchen and bath upgrades

Flippers tend to invest most heavily in kitchen and bathroom renovations, indicating a higher ROI compared to upgrades to other areas of the home.

On average, 24% of flippers’ budgets are spent on kitchens, and 19% is spent on baths, making these two spaces the primary vehicles for increased home value through repairs and renovations.

Flippers spend an average of $14,700 on a kitchen renovation and $11,500 on a bathroom renovation.

Flips expected to increase after recent decline

K&B spending on investment homes declined last year as flipped home transactions declined. In Q4 2024, 44,000 units were sold, down 4.6% year-over-year. However, analysts expect that trend to reverse in 2025.

Rental properties continue to be a significant K&B end market

Rental properties remain an important part of the K&B renovation landscape, and these renovations are predicted to total $40.3B this year. Multifamily units will account for the majority of this spending at $21.7 billion (64%), while single-family rentals renovations will total approximately $18.6 billion (46%).

Resilient home features, such as hard surface flooring, seamless countertops and stainless-steel appliances, are gaining in popularity.

“We expect that new construction K&B spending will dip slightly in 2025 as builders confront multiple challenges, including rising new home inventory levels, increasing resale competition and a stubbornly high mortgage rate environment,” said NKBA I KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy. “That makes the spending from residential real estate investors like flippers and rental property owners even more essential to keeping the residential K&B market stable and resilient.”

To learn more about the demographic trends that are shaping the K&B market, download the full NKBA 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook report here.

Older Homeowners and Millennials are Spending Most on Renovations

By NKBA Editorial Staff

The headline from the NKBA 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook report is an expected return to modest growth this year — the report projects that U.S. residential kitchen and bath spending will increase by 0.8% to $235 billion in 2025, up from $233 billion last year.

Generally speaking, households motivated by life events, lower borrowing costs, and high home equity levels are expected to spend more on kitchen and bath projects in 2025. But a deeper dive into the report and its data-driven insights offers important clues into specific demographic trends that are impacting the health of the K&B industry.

Here are a few key findings:

Spending increases with wealth accumulation and life events.

Focusing on the factors influencing K&B spending, the research highlights two key life stages that move homeowners to invest in renovations. The first typically occurs when homeowners are nearing 40 years old, with life events and increased wealth serving as catalysts for home renovations. The other occurs with homeowners aged 55 to 59 years old as they prepare to make home improvements that will allow them to age in place.

Some K&B pros report strong results from boomer-aged clients, who tend to have larger amounts of home equity to leverage. These older homeowners either tap into that equity to make improvements to their existing homes, or, when they sell and downsize, use it to improve their new, smaller home.

More millennial households are pursuing large remodels

As the number of millennial households (35-44) grows in 2025, they are expected to take on larger remodeling projects.  In contrast to the decline in boomer households, millennials represent a new and expanding wave of homeowners moving into their prime renovation years. It’s a trend that is expected to continue as this group ages and shifts into an ownership phase of life.

The impact of older homeowners and their aging-in-place remodels 

The biggest drivers of K&B spending continue to be homeowners born before 1970 (currently aged 55+), who now control $110 trillion in wealth. Those born in the 1960s have a collective net wealth of $44 trillion, which is almost twice as much as those born in the 1970s ($23 trillion) and four times as much as people born in the 1980s ($10 trillion).

While younger households are emerging as a growing force in the K&B market, older households – especially those aged 55 and above – continue to dominate spending.  Their wealth accumulation, particularly in home equity, enables larger-scale renovations, ensuring they remain a key driver of market growth.

Older households move less than younger households, increasing the importance of aging-in-place remodels. More than half (56%) of owner households are headed by someone aged 55 or older. The aging of the U.S. household population continues to put more emphasis on aging-in-place remodels vs. remodels by recent movers.

High-income homeowners, high-cost renovations

Predictably, high-income homeowners are most likely to embark on high-cost renovations. In turn, these highest-priced projects – specifically kitchens above $100K and bathrooms above $60K – are expected to drive 22% of industry activity in 2025, making these high-value renovations a key contributor to overall market growth.

Most homeowners finance their K&B remodeling projects with cash. Nearly three-quarters (71%) of funding for K&B projects comes from cash or savings reserves. Home equity is the next biggest source of funding (10%), although home equity’s contribution to K&B renovations is significantly larger for big projects like kitchen and bath additions and full kitchen remodels. This number could continue to rise, as Americans now have more than $35 trillion in home equity, up 81% from the end of 2019 — an average of about $406,000 per U.S. homeowner – and financing conditions improve.

“It’s important to pay attention to the generational and income factors that will have a major impact on the health and growth of the K&B industry in 2025,” said NKBA I KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy. “While older homeowners, many with significant cash and savings at their disposal, continue to be an important growth engine, it’s encouraging to see more millennial-aged homeowners moving forward with large K&B renovations.”

To learn more about the demographic trends that are shaping the K&B market, download the full NKBA I KBIS 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook report here.

New 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook and Q4 2024 Kitchen & Bath Market Index Reports Show Clear Signs of Expansion Despite Lingering Uncertainties

By NKBA Editorial Staff

Two new reports developed by NKBA’s research team provide a comprehensive analysis of kitchen and bath market trends and industry expectations for 2025. 

Following two consecutive years of slight contraction, the kitchen and bath industry is poised for modest but meaningful expansion in 2025, according to key findings from the NKBA / John Burns Q4 2024 Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) and the 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook reports.

The Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) rose to 59.7 in the final quarter of 2024, an increase from 53.4 in the previous quarter, indicating some signs of industry strength despite ongoing uncertainties. Demand for kitchen and bath (K&B) products and upgrades strengthened as sales rose slowly across all segments.

Here are some of the additional insights about the strong close to 2024 and the positive outlook for 2025:

Important Fourth Quarter Momentum 

Several key themes emerged from the Q4 2024 KBMI. Importantly, the Current Activity Index strengthened across all segments as industry pros report that consumer uncertainty appears to finally be ticking down with the resolution of the presidential election. K&B firms expect spending to increase with incremental confidence in the economy. More firms feel poised to meet their growth targets now, compared to Q3 2024, despite the lingering concerns around the skilled labor shortage and ongoing higher costs. Revenue growth averaged +3.4% year over year (YOY) in Q4 2024, as K&B manufacturers’ orders rose 2.5% and retailers’ sales grew by 4.4% YOY.

Positive Projections for 2025

K&B professionals expressed YOY revenue growth projections for 2025 ranging from +2.4% for retail sales firms to +7.5% for building and remodeling firms. Full-year 2025 revenue growth expectations averaged +3.7% YOY on a revenue-weighted basis. While existing home sales were down for the year, they increased during the final quarter of 2024. Remodeling-in-place appears to be a critical substitute for relocation moving forward. Only one in five K&B professionals say that weak existing home sales are holding them back.

The Big Picture: A Return to Gradual Growth

The NKBA Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook Report is more in-depth than ever — it now includes estimates for both consumer and investor K&B spending and insights from brand-new data sources. Based on this more sophisticated perspective, the report projects that U.S. residential kitchen and bath spending will grow by +0.8% to $235 billion in 2025 — up from $233 billion last year when applying the same new methodology.

Professional-led K&B remodels are expected to rise by 2.9% in 2025 and continue to outpace DIY activity (+0.6%) in 2025. In a reverse from 2024, remodeling spending on kitchen and bath products is expected to outpace new construction spending.

X-Factor #1: What Will the “Missing Middle” Do?

The big question for 2025 – one that will be key to a robust recovery in K&B remodels – is whether middle-income consumers will jump back into the renovation market after two years on the sidelines. These homeowners living in mid-range homes are the most likely to tap into home equity, but they’ve also proven to be the most rate sensitive. If short term borrowing costs drop, this critical group could finally embark on renovations in increasing numbers.

X-Factor #2: The Impact of Changing Federal Policies

The possibility of increased tariffs and changes to immigration policy could elevate the cost of kitchen and bath materials and labor. These potential policy changes present downside risk to the positive forecast for 2025, both directly through higher costs, and indirectly through the pace at which the Fed lowers interest rates if progress on inflation stalls in 2025.

“There’s no doubt this new research will be the subject of much conversation at KBIS 2025 as we explore where our industry is heading and why we feel hopeful and optimistic heading into Q2 and beyond,” said NKBA I KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy. “While our industry is poised to finally realize much-anticipated growth in 2025, we have to keep a close eye on some key uncertainties that could hinder this expansion.”

For more insights into where the K&B industry is heading this year, download and read the full 2025 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook and Q4 2024 KBMI reports.

K&B Companies are Utilizing a Range of Strategies to Minimize the Effect on Their Bottom Line

By NKBA Editorial Staff

As the kitchen and bath industry continues to navigate the implications of a significant skilled labor shortage, the NKBA has conducted the NKBA I KBIS Skilled Labor Workforce Study to better understand businesses’ experiences and expectations as they work to meet this challenge. 

The survey of more than 400 NKBA members and other industry professionals explores current staffing needs, difficulties hiring skilled labor, hiring incentives, barriers to hiring, and other issues related to the shortfall.

These K&B industry pros say their workforces are predominantly (66%) comprised of full-time employees, and more than half (51%) of businesses are currently searching for more full-timers. Most (57%) are paying above-market wages – typically 8% or more — to attract and retain skilled labor. But the reality is that more than a third must resort to hiring less experienced or qualified workers to meet their basic staffing needs.

Here are some of the other key findings in the Skilled Labor Workforce Report:

Full-Time Employees Wanted

The consensus among businesses in the kitchen and bath industry is that the skilled labor shortage has risen sharply over the past five years. Specifically, 58% of K&B businesses are currently experiencing a moderate or severe shortage, up from 41% five years ago. More than half of businesses indicate the greatest need is for full-time workers. This group is the most difficult to hire – especially those with more than five years’ experience. The most in-demand positions are installers and carpenters, both cited by 42% of respondents.

Root Causes of a Persistent Problem

Businesses shared that changing lifestyle and work expectations (33%), a generational shift away from trades (29%), as well as a lack of education/training (29%) are the most common causes of the ongoing skilled labor shortage. Very few (8%) cited their hiring and retention strategies as a factor.

Scarcity of experienced workers and a general lack of applicants are the top barriers to recruitment. Others include the ability to offer competitive wages and high training costs associated with onboarding.

Feeling the Impact: Project Delays and Increased Workloads

Project delays — both starts and finishes — and increased workloads for existing employees are the biggest negative impacts on business caused by the skilled labor shortage. On average, 16% of projects are delayed due to the labor shortage. Those delays have the biggest impact on customers, primarily affecting project starts and finishes, as well as longer delivery timeframes and waits for products.

How Businesses are Coping

Businesses are adapting to the skilled labor shortage by expanding benefits and retention strategies, improving recruitment, and investing in educational programs – all efforts to attract new workers from a limited pool.

They are also doing more to improve conditions for their current employees. More than a third of the surveyed businesses (35%) have invested in digital tools and software to reduce the strain on existing staff. They’re also tapping into other external solutions by outsourcing products and services. Internally, businesses are streamlining workflows and implementing new training programs to achieve greater efficiency.

One area of opportunity in retention strategy is work-life balance. Participants cited better benefits (including work-life balance) as one of the top reasons for voluntary turnover (25%), but very few (7%) report their businesses are addressing work-life balance as part of their strategy. 

“We are experiencing a major skilled labor shortage that is greatly impacting our industry, and it’s not going away anytime soon,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO, NKBA | KBIS. “Kitchen and bath companies are being smart and resourceful in confronting this challenge as best they can. But tackling the underlying issues head-on requires big thinking and bigger action, from developing new educational models to changing cultural dynamics around professions we desperately need to revitalize.”

To read additional insights from K&B industry professionals, download the full NKBA I KBIS Skilled Labor Workforce Report here.

Along with the debut of the first installment of Behind the Design, the annual report stated that personalized design, accent colors, multifunctional appliances, and clutter reduction are trending.

By Nicholas Tamarin

The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA | KBIS) released the 2025 edition of its annual Kitchen Trends Report on December 17 to provide a comprehensive look into current and upcoming trends in residential kitchens that will have the biggest impact in the coming year. Paired with the webinar, was the debut of the inaugural installment of the highly anticipated Behind the Design video series starring its first designer, Mexico City–born Nar Bustamante.

According to the report, the focus over the next three years will remain on sustainability and wellness, calming earth tones, and the importance of lighting design. The report also reveals key emerging trends, including personalized design, clutter reduction, multifunctional appliances, and biophilic design, which focuses on bringing the outdoors inside and a connection to nature. 

“The kitchen and bath industry remains resilient as we are seeing record levels of home equity, with 20+ million homes entering their prime remodeling years,” says NKBA | KBIS Global President & CEO Bill Darcy. “The 2025 Kitchen Trends Report comes at a crucial time, guiding the key changes designers can make to increase the longevity of their clients’ spaces while customizing unique homes with both aesthetic and functional creativity.”

Comprised of data generated from a survey completed by industry experts including designers, manufacturers, remodelers, and architects, the full report, delivered by NKBA | KBIS’s longtime Head of Research Tricia Zach, is available at NKBA.org with free access for NKBA members. Key findings of the top 20 kitchen trends for 2025 included:

Colors & Materials: What’s In, What’s Out

• Blast From the Past: Past trends are making a comeback in 2025, with 52% of respondents saying the bright colors and earth tones of the 1970’s will be popular and 47% saying that the muted mid-century modern aesthetic of the 1950’s will see a resurgence. 
• Preference for Personality: As part of a broader trend that focuses on personalized design, 71% of respondents said they preferred colorful kitchens that showcase personality as opposed to only 29% of respondents who prefer a clean and classic white kitchen. Statement colors will primarily be incorporated into backsplashes, islands, cabinets, wallpapers, and wall paints.
• Color is King: White and gray kitchens are still off-trend, with homeowners preferring light, natural colors instead. Green is the most popular color for the second year, with 76% of respondents selecting it as the top shade for 2025. Other prominent colors are blue (63%) and brown (56%).
• Mix-and-Match: Stemming from the personalized design trend is blending colors and finishes, with 67% of respondents agreeing that mix-and-match backsplashes add a unique touch to the kitchen and 84% of respondents agreeing that lighting fixtures will increasingly feature differing materials.  
• Statement Cabinets: Of those surveyed, 52% of respondents agree that cabinets will be a primary place for incorporating statement colors into the kitchen. Additionally, white oak kitchen cabinets are the clear favorite with 59% of respondents listing them as the preferred color for 2025. 

Healthy Living Starts in the Kitchen

The kitchen is becoming an epicenter for wellness, with 74% of respondents agreeing that ovens with steam cooking and air frying technology will be popular to support healthier cooking methods. A total of 53% of respondents state that kitchens will become increasingly connected to the outdoors and become focused on healthy living in the next three years. Designers agree that water (72%) and air (62%) quality are top considerations in kitchen design, reflecting the continued prioritization of wellness.

Bringing the Outdoors Inside

Biophilic design is on the rise, with 72% of respondents reporting that homeowners want a kitchen with a greater connection to the outdoors. Creating an open and airy feel, 67% of respondents agree that large windows will be a popular way to bring more light into kitchens. Additionally, 64% of respondents say that sustainable food sources, such as herb and veggie gardens, are increasingly popular in the kitchen. 

Seamless Design and Clutter Reduction 

Open pantries and shelves are out, as homeowners increasingly desire clutter-free kitchens with concealed elements, such as hidden doors, panel-ready fronts for appliances, and walk-in pantries. Of those surveyed, 87% said homeowners want pantries that are concealed behind cabinet doors or panels to maintain a seamless kitchen design, while 66% said walk-in pantries and butler’s pantries will be popular in the next 3 years.

Making the Most of Your Kitchen

A total of 90% of respondents said that, as a result of working from home, homeowners are interested in remodeling to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the kitchen. Thus, multifunctionality will be a prominent kitchen trend in 2025, with 91% of respondents agreeing that appliances with more than one function are popular with homeowners. More specifically, 52% of respondents agree that adding a second kitchen island to increase functionality is gaining popularity and 83% of respondents agree that sinks with food prep and serving areas are becoming popular. 

The Mood Kitchen

Homeowners are increasingly focused on lighting’s role in creating a “well space” that supports functionality and mood. According to 74% of respondents, homeowners are using lighting to improve their physical and mental well-being. Respondents report that natural light and lighting quality are top considerations in kitchen design, with 88% agreeing that lighting is widely used to create different moods within the kitchen, such as brightness while drinking coffee in the morning or a darker atmosphere for a cocktail party. 

What Does Your Kitchen Say About You?

It’s clear that unique and personal design is crucial: 92% of respondents agree that the kitchen is a reflection of a homeowner’s personality and 85% of respondents agree that the kitchen has the strongest impact on the “personality” of the home as a whole. As personalized design continues to rise in popularity, 71% of respondents agree that their clients prefer a colorful kitchen to let their personalities shine through, and 75% of designers agree that homeowners want a kitchen that is unique to them. Decorative hardware, statement lighting, and pops of color in artwork are ways to showcase personality through kitchen design.

Following Zach’s report, Heather Shannon, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, NKBA | KBIS, introduced the premiere of NKBA | KBIS’s brand new video series Behind the Design. The debut episode starred acclaimed designer Bustamante giving us unprecedented access into his design process with a private video tour of one of his newest projects in his adopted hometown of Sacramento, California. “All the surfaces in this project are on by Cosentino. And I have a really great relationship with the Cosentino family. Talk about innovation. And I love the simplicity and the elegance that it allowed us to work with,” Bustamante says. “And when it comes to appliances, we get pretty picky, because it is one of those things that kind of makes or breaks the function of the kitchen. The ease of use, the quality, the elegance. And so I’m consistently a fan of Sub-Zero Wolf. They have been around for a long time. They know what they’re doing. The quality stands and it’s sophisticated, but yet very simple. They don’t get gimmicky.”

The future of bath trends was on the agenda at an informative program with industry experts who introduced new designs, products, and other highlights from NKBA’s annual Bath Trends Report.

By Nicholas Tamarin

The NKBA dove into the future of bath design headfirst during its annual Bath Trends Summit sponsored by Bed Bath & Beyond Professional on Thursday, November 21. This exclusive virtual first look at the NKBA’s 2025 Bath Trends Report–which explores the key design and product shifts we can expect in the upcoming year–was accompanied by inspiring presentations, dynamic designer panels, and interviews with industry leaders. And, as a bonus, attendees received a free download of the full report post-event (non-members who don’t attend the Summit will pay $2,995–NKBA members have access to all NKBA reports for free).

Four interactive installments featured 12 expert speakers and panelists over more than two hours including must-see sessions on the “Top 20 Bath Trends for 2025” with NKBA’s longtime Head of Research Tricia Zach, and “Smart Solutions for Tomorrow’s Bathrooms: Integrating Technology for Wellness & Design,” hosted by Heather Shannon, SVP, Strategic Growth, NKBA, who led a panel discussion with three bath designers discussing the latest innovations in smart home tech and how they are shaping the future of bath design.

NKBA Director of Marketing Crystal Watts kicked off her hosting duties by thanking sponsor, Bed Bath & Beyond Professional. “I want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our sponsor, Bed Bath & Beyond Professional, whose support has made this summit possible–their commitment to driving innovation in the home and bath sectors continues to make a significant impact, and we’re grateful for their partnership,” Watts said, before launching into the first in a series of poll questions that were peppered throughout the day’s events and which culminated with announcement of three winning respondents at the end. Dorothy Harter, CMKBD; Josh Bowman; and Sunita Ritesh, all won Bed Bath & Beyond Professional’s Superior Napa Zero Twist Cotton Soft Waffle Bath Sheet Set and a NKBA | KBIS package featuring local products from its national headquarters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Ritesh was also the lucky recipient of a $500 gift card to Bed Bath and Beyond.

Zach, who has a deep knowledge of industry trends and consumer behavior, then introduced NKBA’s 2025 Bath Trends Report, which is based on the professional opinions of 500 designers, specifiers, showrooms, dealers, manufacturers, remodelers, and architects. “What sets bath trends research apart from many other studies conducted on this topic is the caliber of its respondents,” Zach said. “The designers participating in this year’s study have an average of 18 years experience. Collectively, they have completed more than 3,000 bath projects in the past year.”

Zach concluded by sharing the exciting launch of NKBA’s Kitchen and Bath Pro Hub along with a sneak peak. “NKBA has built an online research community for the kitchen and back industry,” Zach said. This community is a place where industry pros can interact with each other and the NKBA research team contribute their professional opinions, review research results and insights, offer suggestions for future research topics for their kitchen and bath designs being showcased, and even earn points which can be redeemed for gift cards. It will also encourage you to download the mobile app that will allow us to notify you when we have launched a new survey or when we release research results we feel will help you better run your business or advance your career. Keep an eye out for an invite to the Kitchen and Bath Pro Hub early next year and sign up. You’ll want to be a part of this new adventure.”

Next up was Shannon’s “Smart Solutions for Tomorrow’s Bathrooms: Integrating Technology for Wellness & Design, which explored the latest innovations in smart home tech and how they are shaping the future of bathroom design, with panel featuring Greg Barrett, Director of Product Management: Professional Lighting, Savant; Josh Christian, CEO, Home Technology Association (HTA); and Elma Y. Gardner, CMKBD, Owner of By Design Studio, Inc. 

That was followed by “Designing for the Future: Innovations in Residential Spaces for Every Generation”, also moderated by Zach, featuring Paula Kennedy, CMKBD, CEO, Timeless Kitchen Design LLC; Molly Erin McCabe, AKBD, Owner & Principal Designer, McCabe by Design LLC; and Ebony Stephenson, Owner & Principal Designer, Designs by Ebony, LLC, discussing exploring forward-thinking solutions in bathroom design to create functional, adaptable, and future-proof homes.

Kelly Buchsbaum, NKBA’s Senior Manager of Chapter Relations, rounded out the summit with her session on designing beautiful baths for clients and contests, “Insights from Award-winning Bath Designers and Competition Judges”, featuring Gina D’Amore Bauerle, Owner/Interior Designer, D’Amore Interiors; Cailin M. Thelen, CMKBD, Designer & Owner, Thelen Designs, LLC.

Watts concluded by reminding everyone that “on December 17, we will be hosting our Kitchen Trends Summit, which will take you through the findings of the 2025 kitchen research report. Also, KBIS is just around the corner. If you have not yet registered, we’d love for you to join us in Las Vegas February 25-27.”

Florida, Texas and Southeastern K&B Pros Anticipate Strongest Revenue Growth

By NKBA Editorial Staff

The Q3 2024 NKBA/John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) includes important regional insights that reflect a generally static 2025 for the kitchen and bath industry as a whole, but also offers some clear signs that professionals believe a period of substantial growth is on the horizon.

K&B sales growth year- over year (YOY) was slowest in California, Texas and the Southwestern U.S. during the last quarter, according to the industry professionals surveyed. There were, however, indications of an upswing in other parts of the country. Most notably, K&B pros in the Southeast reported solid 8% YOY growth, while those in the Midwest (6%) and Northwest (6%) also cited positive results. Firms in Florida and Hawaii both cited an uptick in renovations following recent storms and the ongoing recovery from the 2022 Maui wildfires.

U.S.-based K&B firms, on average, expect to see revenue growth of 8% in 2025. Those solid projects are driven, in large part, by optimism from surveyed professionals in Florida, Texas and the Southeast region – all report expected growth of 10% or more next year.

Here are some additional regional highlights from the Q3 2024 KBMI report:

Slow Sales in the Southwest and California

Sentiment from California-based pros reflected ongoing uncertainty about several factors, including the election, the economy, and higher costs. Southwest firms also commented on the persistent divide between wealthy and more reluctant middle-income consumers. Despite these challenges, K&B professionals in these areas anticipate 2025 growth of 7-8% on average.

Southeast Firms Lean Into Proactive Business Strategies  

Companies across the Southeast described steps they will take in the new year to achieve their hoped-for 10% average growth rate. Examples include upgrading showroom displays, increasing marketing spending, networking with builders, and stepping up their media activities.

In the Midwest, New York and New Jersey, Gen-X and Millennials are Actively Renovating

Kitchen and bath professionals in the Midwest region, including Illinois, noted stronger Gen-X and millennial performance. On average, pros in the region expect revenue growth of 8%. Similar sentiments were reported by pros in the New York/New Jersey area.

“Industry pros across the country are reporting very positive expectations for the coming year, anticipating that, over time, the considerable pent up demand for K&B renovations will start to translate into more active projects,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO, NKBA | KBIS. “It’s clear that K&B firms have been smart in weathering a challenging year, and are being equally strategic as they prepare to capitalize on growth opportunities in 2025.”

To access additional regional data and insights, download the full Q3 2024 NKBA/John Burns Kitchen & Bath Market Index (KBMI) report here.