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Design NYC Magazine. The Magazine of the Architects and Designers Building

Products Shop Trend Report

Color Commentary

A rainbow of hues for kitchens and baths.

“The Marie Kondo-esque feeling that less is more, and beautiful things that enhance the experience of home, is top of mind.”

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2020 research, consumers are pretty specific when it comes to what they want from their kitchens and baths. Our lifestyles have changed, and so to have our requirements for the most functional rooms in the house. For example, more people work from home than ever before, therefore they spend more time through- out the day in these private spaces. Functionality is key, and the Marie Kondo-esque feeling that less is more, and high-quality, beautiful things that enhance the experience of the home, is top of mind.

Minimal white and warm wood are always popular, but there is also an infusion of color, in appliances, tile, paint, and cabinetry. More people are choosing open plan kitchens, integrated with the rest of the living spaces, so design elements and palettes are becoming more important.

In the bath, a spa mood still reigns and features that emphasize wellness are becoming more important. Tubs are still a necessity, but large, luxury showers are also having their day. More people are leading active lifestyles and are thinking long-term about aging in place, so money spent on a luxurious bath is seen as a good investment for the future, not just a way of improving resale value.

Our homes are our nests, and more than ever before we are feathering them with beautiful things that make us feel good and allow us to live comfortably, with joy.