The National Kitchen & Bath Association has revealed its 2025 Kitchen Trends and Bath Trends Reports, both of which show that homeowners are gravitating toward healthy living as an overarching theme in design. Whether it’s a connection to nature through materials and color, easy maintenance, elevated lighting schemes or customized solutions, the goal is achieving an environment that encourages healthy, serene, beautiful and functional living.
NKBA presented the results of the 2025 kitchen and bath trends research on the NEXTStage at KBIS 2025. Here are a few key takeaways from the survey.
The Good Life Starts in the Kitchen
A greater connection to nature through natural light and biophilic elements is a key kitchen trend, as shown in this kitchen by designer Jennie Grafas. Photo credit: Leigh Ann Rowe
Among the key takeaways from the Kitchen Trends Report, the kitchen has emerged as the wellness hub of the home. Building a healthy environment starts with food, as 74% of respondents agree that ovens with steam cooking/air frying technology will be popular to support healthier cooking methods. Designers agree that water (72%) and air (62%) quality are top considerations in kitchen design, and 53% of respondents say kitchens will become increasingly connected to the outdoors and become focused on healthy living in the next three years. In fact, 72% of respondents say homeowners want biophilic elements in their designs, and 67% say large windows are a key way to bring more natural light into the space. Additionally, 64% say sustainable food sources, like herb and vegetable gardens, are increasingly popular.
Personalization is also a central element in kitchen design: 92% of those surveyed say a kitchen reflects a homeowner’s personality, and 85% say the kitchen has the strongest influence on the general vibe of the home. Color, decorative hardware, statement lighting and artwork also play a big role in reflecting a homeowner’s personality.
Lighting, cited by 74%, is used to create a “well space” to support function, mood and physical and mental well-being. Appliances with more than one function, a second kitchen island, prep sinks and walk-in or butler’s pantries are also popular ways to maximize kitchen function and keep gathering areas clean and clutter-free.
The Bath as Spa: A Healthy Retreat
Color, customization and larger showers are becoming more important in the bath, as seen in this bathroom designed by Jan Neiges, CMKBD. Photo credit: Pure Lee Photography
The bathroom is being called the “Re-” Room: renew, recenter and reinvigorate, with 90% saying homeowners want their primary bath to be a retreat from the outside world where they can relax and recharge. With 66% noting that the most popular bath theme over the next three years is relaxed/retreat and 64% touting spa-like elements, it’s clear that wellness is the watchword for bathroom design. Some 72% of respondents agree that homeowners are using their showers for rehabilitation, such as steam showers, chromotherapy and aromatherapy; 70% point to increasing popularity of soaking tubs for physical healing and recovery; and 55% suggest that lighting for health and wellness is a top goal. As in the kitchen, lighting, storage, color and customization are all top of mind.
Both mood and task lighting continue to be critical considerations in the bath. The survey reveals that 55% of designers say health and wellness is the number one goal for homeowners in terms of bath lighting, with lighting quality cited by 96% and natural light named by 93% as top priorities. Skylights, windows and doors are increasingly on wish lists to bring in natural light. Tech also has its place in the bath, with integrated power outlets becoming a standard, according to 79% of respondents. Smart showers and toilets, programming solutions, motion-controlled lighting and heated flooring round out the tech pieces.
Homeowners are more frequently removing tubs to increase shower size (53%), and 42% are taking down walls to make the overall space larger. To simplify life, easy maintenance is a top priority, including smart, self-cleaning toilets and easy-to-clean surface materials.
A connection to nature is also a priority in bathrooms, with 65% of those surveyed expect organic and natural styles to stay popular, while 42% expect a return to a 70s palette of earthy neutrals and natural wood grains on floors, vanities and walls. Top bath colors are white, green, blue, gray and brown. A customized experience – considering specific storage needs, a private toilet closet, two-person showers (with two shower heads) and double vanities – is also growing in popularity.
NKBA’s survey was conducted online among 500 respondents who are members of the NKBA community and targeted occupations, including designers (which make up 58% of responses), showrooms, dealers, specialists, manufacturers, kitchen and bath remodelers/contractors and architects. The full trend reports and all NKBA’s exclusive research are available to NKBA members at no charge or may be purchased here.
