Earlier this year, the National Kitchen & Bath Association released the results of their annual survey. What we found was some features that could have been guessed while there were a few surprises on the list as well.
Among key findings, Zen bathrooms, accessible design, quartz vanity tops, undermount sinks, and floating vanities are expected to grow in popularity this year. Traditional is beginning to fade out as a thing of the past as contemporary and modern becomes the preferred style.
What to Look Out for: Spa-Like and Accessible Bathrooms
ADA approved accessible bathroom features and spa-like bathrooms are big in 2014. Bathrooms deemed to be in compliance with guidelines instituted by the Americans with Disabilities Act are not just for those with special living circumstances. No-threshold showers are one of the preferred methods of achieving ADA approval. 70% expect to see more of this in 2014. These bathrooms are expansive, free-flowing, and extremely functional. It can make getting around easier, something that homeowners have found to be a nice perquisite at the end of a long day.
A serene Zen-inspired bathroom with a ceiling waterfall. Photo Credit: Home My Design. Learn more about Japanese Bath Design.
Zen bathrooms are on the way in as Tuscan designs are becoming less popular. I’ve covered some of the key elements that go into the thought behind Zen-bathrooms in a post entitled “The Principles of Japanese Bathroom Design.” It’s a really great read that you should check out to stay on top of this emerging trend.
“Spa bathrooms and Zen-like retreats are definitely desired aspects of today’s bathrooms, driving a more contemporary aesthetic.”
-John Petrie, NKBA President
Back in 2011, 3/4 of bathrooms designed by NKBA members were traditional in style. This has changed now with 68% of new bathrooms being contemporary. 62% of bathroom projects completed by NKBA bathroom designers in 2013 were traditional. Not sure what exactly contemporary is and how it’s different from modern design? This will explain.
Financial Findings
As one can imagine, the cost of a bath renovation can fluctuate drastically. The NKBA survey found that Bathroom Budgets ranged from as low as $5,000 to over $30,000. This is a large difference but it gives you an idea of what people are spending to get their master bathrooms in order. Wonder whether these high costs are worth it? Yes, they are. You can learn more by reading these articles.
- Where Does all that Money Go?
- How Much Can a Bathroom Remodel Add to Property Value?
What’s Hot’s
- Ceramic and Porcelain tile flooring
- Quartz Vanity Tops
- Linen Storage Cabinets
- Undermount sinks – JWH Imports recently introduced a new line of undermount vanities to coincidence with this trend.
- Wall-hung Floating Vanities (view here), Console Tables, and Open Space Shelving.
Floating bathroom vanities have a contemporary look that is sleek and attractive. View more. Courtesy BHG
[Compare this to the NKBA Survey to the 2014 Houzz Study. You can flip through it here.]
What’s Not
- Provincial Bathrooms
- Tuscan-Style Bathrooms
- Rustic & Country Styled Bathrooms
- Black fixtures
For more information on the influences on these trends, I recommend reading the Ideal Standard Bathroom Study. They take a look at user behavior in the bathroom, analyzing the actions and needs of various individuals. This provides insight on what we can expect to see as needs/necessities influence design aesthetics and layouts.
“The outlook for 2014 bathrooms is simple style, with an emphasis on clean lines and functionality that provides accessibility and easy maintenance.”
- Maria Stapperfenne, Tewksbury Kitchen & Bath in Whitehouse Station, N.J.
Official NKBA Survey Results
A gorgeous quartz countertop and undermounted porcelain sink. View more.
- Gray was the third most popular color scheme in 2013 and is projected to be the fastest growing color of choice in 2014 in lieu of 58% of survey respondents affirming this.
- Beige and bone (cream) color schemes.
- White fixtures and polished chrome faucets as seen in last year’s trends.
- 57% NKBA respondents have incorporated universal/accessible design on projects. 60% anticipate using more accessible features in 2014.
- 64% NKBA designers said they implemented soaking tubs in the master bath. 42% expect to see more of this in 2014. Most prefer free-standing non-jetted tubs.
- 1/3 of designers included lighting features in showers.
- 70% included shower bench seats/stools. Expected to grow in popularity in 2014.
- 55% used Electric Radiant Floor Heating. 50% see it increasing in 2014.
- 47% of respondents see the demand for steam showers increasing in 2014.
- 1/2 of those surveyed specified a no-threshold (curbless) shower. 7/10 expect to see this more this year.
- 84% specified comfort height toilets and 81% comfort height vanities. 2/3 expect this to increase.
2014 National Kitchen & Bath Association Design Trends Survey
No Threshold Shower do not have a curb like traditional showers. Courtesy Ziger/Snead Architects with Jenkins Baer Associates
420 kitchen and bathroom professionals participate in the NKBA Survey every year from the United States and Canada. The National Kitchen & Bath Association is a respected source of trade information. They have been around for over 50 years and run the popular Kitchen & Bath Industry Trade Shows that are seen across the country. The NKBA is an non-profit trade association with over 60,000 professional members.
Other Trends in 2014:
- The Touchless Toilet by KOHLER
- Tin Ceilings Used in the Bathroom
- Robern’s Digital Wood Collection – Printing Glass Vanities
- His and Hers Bathrooms on the Rise
References:
NKBA Reveals Top 10 Industry Trends for 2013
Contemporary Leaps Past Transitional in Bathroom Design
About the Author
Cheryl Khan is a contributing author to the Tradewinds Imports Blog. Designer by trade and writer by nature, she enjoys keeping up to date with the latest trends, designs, products, and color palettes of the year.
