America’s bath styles are shifting. According to research released from the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2014 Kitchen and Bath Design Trends survey, baths that are contemporary, spa-like, accessible and easy to maintain are gaining popularity.
“Spa bathrooms and Zen-like retreats are definitely desired aspects of today’s bathrooms, driving a more contemporary aesthetic,” said John Petrie, CMKBD, of Mother Hubbard’s Custom Cabinetry in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and 2014 NKBA president.
The ascendency of contemporary style is a major shift in the NKBA survey. As recently as a few years ago, traditional styling represented three-quarters of the baths designed by NKBA members.
Other key findings about bathroom design trends include:
Beige and bone color schemes, with white fixtures and polished chrome faucets, were popular designs in 2013. Gray, the third most popular color scheme in 2013, will be by far the fastest growing in 2014.
Fifty-seven percent of NKBA respondents specified bathrooms they described as universal design/accessible in 2013, and 60 percent anticipate doing more in 2014.
More than half of NKBA designers specified a soaking tub in a master bath, with preferences leaning toward free-standing, non-jetted tubs.
About a third of designers included lighting in showers, and 70 percent included benches or seats. Both are expected to increase in 2014.
Electric radiant floor heating was specified by 55 percent of respondents, and half see it increasing in 2014.
Steam showers gained steam, with twice as many respondents specifying steam showers as whirlpools for master baths in 2013.
Approximately half of NKBA respondents specified no-threshold showers, and seven out of 10 expect to do more in 2014.
Eighty-four percent specified comfort-height toilets, and 81 percent specified comfort-height vanities in 2013.
In demand bath features include ceramic or porcelain tile for flooring, quartz for vanity tops, linen storage cabinets, undermount sinks and wall-hung floating vanities, console tables and open shelving.
In the fading column, NKBA members noted a decline in Provincial and Tuscan-style bathrooms, as well as a decline in rustic/country looks. Black is the least popular fixture color and is predicted to decline even more in 2014.
“The outlook for 2014 bathrooms is simple style, with an emphasis on clean lines and functionality that provides accessibility and easy maintenance,” said Maria Stapperfenne, CKD, CBD, of Tewksbury Kitchen & Bath in Whitehouse Station, N.J.
The 2014 NKBA Kitchen & Bath Design Trends report is available at no charge to NKBA members in the member’s section of NKBA.org/members.
