Trends in the kitchen and bath industry change over time; however, what stays the same is simple: making one’s home an oasis for living comfortably. According to KBB (the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), as well as the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), in a recent feature on K&B Trends and the Evolving Luxury Client (bit.ly/3W9XKZd), the trends shaping kitchen design are “Personalized Design, Healthy Living, Minimalistic Design and Well-curated Lighting.” The article also describes trends for the bathroom, focusing on “Lifestyle and Wellness, as well as Technology and Innovation.”

We wanted to hear from our industry colleagues about kitchen and bath remodeling trends, so we reached out to Brent Brake, director of luxury sales at Dellon Sales Co.; Robyn Petersen, showroom manager at Kitchens & Baths by Briggs; and Jennifer Lopez, director of showrooms at ProSource, to hear what’s hot and what’s not. Here is what they had to say.

The Wholesaler: Tell us about the kitchen remodeling trends you see in 2024.

For Brent Brake, there are several key touch points in kitchen remodeling trends: 

“Sustainability takes center stage in kitchen and bath design trends. Homeowners and designers prioritize materials that blend nature and the outdoors, creating eco-friendly spaces promoting wellness. The emphasis on natural elements like reclaimed wood, recycled glass countertops, and bamboo cabinets highlights a strong preference for sustainability.

Finishes are key players this year, with matte black and brushed gold leading the pack. Matte black is gaining traction in kitchen faucet trends, while gold and brass tones continue to exude luxury and make bold statements in design. These stylish finishes add a touch of opulence and elevate spaces with their elegance and sophistication. 

Technology in the kitchen and bath extends far beyond appliances to include integrated smart home features such as voice control, lighting, audio-video, and home networking. 

For Robyn Petersen, it’s the ability to easily prepare and entertain by maximizing the space with a new design feature. “The hottest trend in kitchens is the workstation sink. The kitchen is where everyone gathers, and workstations allow you to prepare, cook, serve, entertain, and clean up in a new way. You can have multiple tasks taking place without feeling overwhelmed. You can get a workstation made of stainless steel, composite, or fireclay, and even select your favorite sink style, such as a farmhouse, to complete the look.”

Jennifer Lopez leans into how the kitchen  is more than just a workspace. “As the heart of the home, a kitchen remodel is an investment. In 2024, homeowners opt for a classic farmhouse style with a modern twist like touchless faucets. The cool feature combines traditional Southern charm’s warmth with advanced technology’s convenience. Kitchen remodels, crisp white cabinets, rustic wood accents, and plush area rugs create a cozy atmosphere, with plumbing fixtures as an added bonus. 

A farmhouse-style sink and pendant lighting add to the rustic charm, while the touchless faucet’s modern design ensures ease of use and hygiene. This blend of old and new creates a unique look that’s both timeless and trendy. Whether you’re cooking up a Southern favorite or entertaining friends, this kitchen remodel is sure to impress.”

The Wholesaler: What are the bathroom remodeling trends you see in 2024?

BB: Bathroom design has shifted towards incorporating natural materials. Using organic textures such as wood, stone, and live plants creates a lavish and earthy sanctuary that engages both visual and tactile senses. This combination results in a more satisfying and holistic design experience.

The hectic nature of contemporary living has led to a surge in the popularity of spa-inspired bathrooms. These spaces offer a much-needed escape from the constant barrage of stimuli, allowing individuals to unwind and recharge. By incorporating elements that promote relaxation and tranquility, homeowners can transform their bathrooms into personalized sanctuaries, providing a respite from the stresses of daily life.

Incorporating universal design elements in bathroom renovations can enhance comfort, convenience, and safety without compromising style. Discover innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate into your bathroom remodel.

Bathroom countertops have evolved, with quartz and marble being the most popular choices. Granite, once the go-to material, is now less favored. Materials like manufactured products, bamboo, concrete, and recycled glass are also gaining traction. As for tile remains a popular choice for bathroom vanity backsplashes, showers, and floors, with brick patterns being the most popular, followed by traditional grid patterns, and herringbone patterns being the least favored.

RP: Many people are asking for a spa experience at home. Therapeutic baths, steam showers, and towel warmers continue to lead in the bathroom category. Consumers continue to put wet rooms in their bathrooms to incorporate the bath and shower in the same open space.

JL: One of the top trends is to incorporate natural materials, such as reclaimed wood and stone, to create a sense of warmth and coziness. Soaking tubs and freestanding tubs are here to stay, providing a relaxing retreat from the stresses of daily life. Matte black fixtures and accessories add a sleek and modern touch to the space. But what’s making a splash is using statement-making wallpaper featuring bold patterns and colors that add visual interest and personality to the room. With these elements combined, Southern bathrooms are becoming an oasis of relaxation and style perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The Wholesaler: How is technology influencing kitchen and bath design? 

BB: AI is reshaping our living spaces, bringing cutting-edge technology to enhance security and convenience. Smart cameras and locks safeguard our homes and medicine cabinets. Voice control is becoming a must-have in kitchens and baths, especially in luxury residences seeking advanced assistants beyond Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home. 

Wi-Fi-enabled appliances in the kitchen offer remote control and monitoring alongside innovations like steam cooking and sous vide techniques, revolutionizing the culinary journey.

In bathrooms, app/keypad controls for water and steam, personalized vanities with integrated outlets, smart mirrors, bidet toilets, and statement lighting redefine comfort and opulence. Exciting developments in home technology are on the horizon - stay tuned for more updates! 

Technology in the kitchen and bath extends far beyond appliances to include integrated smart home features such as voice control, lighting, audio-video, and home networking. The term “technology” within the home design realm encompasses many possibilities and innovations. 

RP: Technology in controlling showers, smart toilets, steam showers, bathtubs, and kitchen faucets has forever transformed the experience. Often, it’s a convenience to program and control your plumbing or lighting with your phone, voice, or controller.  

JL: In the bathroom, smart toilets and sinks are becoming increasingly popular, allowing for touchless operation and advanced flushing systems. Smart showerheads with built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity can stream music or take phone calls while you’re getting clean. 

In the kitchen, smart appliances are making cooking easier and more efficient. For example, smart refrigerators can track expiration dates and order groceries for you, while smart ovens can adjust cooking temperatures and times based on the type of food prepared. Additionally, voice-controlled assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home are becoming more prevalent, allowing homeowners to control lighting, temperature, and music with just their voice.

The Wholesaler: What are the hot new products/features in home wellness being integrated into kitchen and bathroom design?

BB: Kitchen and bath design trends prioritize creating spaces that foster emotional wellness, drawing heavily from nature and intentional living concepts to craft environments as aesthetically pleasing as they are emotionally nourishing. As the importance of mental health awareness grows, so does the popularity of renovating spaces to accommodate practices like journaling, meditation, and yoga. Lighting is crucial in creating an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and introspection.

A growing trend is prioritizing mental wellness by creating tranquil spaces for mindful reflection, yoga, and meditation. With an emphasis on soothing illumination, these areas are being designed with relaxation in mind to foster overall well-being.

Looking ahead to the future, remodeling a bathroom for aging in place requires careful planning and strategic design choices prioritizing safety, accessibility, and comfort for older adults.

Given the growing trend of homeowners opting to remain in their residences for extended periods, bathroom designs are evolving to accommodate aging in place through universal accessibility features. Nearly half of all bathroom renovations address special needs, ensuring effortless access for older household members.

RP: The cold plunge bathtubs are in demand. Customers are asking for a cold plunge tub and often want another therapeutic air tub in addition to the cold plunge. They want multiple therapies within the same bathroom. Steam showers are also in demand in the shower. Consumers seek to rid their bodies of toxins, decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and open up their pores in a ten-minute steam shower.

JL: Homeowners are embracing innovative plumbing designs, prioritizing wellness and relaxation in their bathrooms and kitchens. One of the hottest new trends is the integration of Mr. Steam’s steam shower systems, which combine with saunas to create a spa-like experience at home. These systems use advanced steam technology to release stress-relieving essential oils and minerals, promoting deep relaxation and rejuvenation. 

Smart showers with built-in chromotherapy lights and heated floors are also gaining popularity, while rain showerheads and body sprays provide a luxurious and pampering experience. In the kitchen, smart water filtration systems are becoming more prevalent, providing clean drinking water at the touch of a button. These innovative features are redefining how we experience wellness and self-care in our homes.

There’s also a push for materials that improve indoor air quality. That means choosing paints and finishes with low VOCs, materials that resist mold, and materials that are easy to clean.

TW: It’s all about the color - what is the new trend?

BB: Bold and vibrant! While neutral tones have been a classic choice for bathroom design, we witnessed a comeback of bold and vibrant colors this year. Homeowners gravitate towards deep emerald greens, rich terracotta, and dramatic navy blues to make a statement in their bathrooms. From accent walls to colorful cabinetry and bold tile selections, these vibrant hues infuse personality and energy into bathroom spaces. 

RP: Earthtones are coming back strong in 2024 along with various shades of blues and greens. The resurgence of wallpaper continues to bring in many patterns and colors. Fluting is back in style. We see it on everything from tables, bathroom vanities, and light fixtures to vases and other home décor. It has architectural roots in Greece and Rome. Wood, stone, iron, and plants add a touch of nature to the home, and many crave a bit of the outdoors inside.

JL: In plumbing fixtures, trending colors and materials in bathrooms and kitchens focus on nature-inspired hues and earthy textures. In bathrooms, matte black and dark gray fixtures give way to soft, creamy whites and warm beige tones, a sense of serenity and calm. Natural stone materials such as marble, quartz, and soapstone are also gaining popularity, adding an organic touch to bathroom design. 

In kitchens, metallic finishes like brass and gold are being replaced by more subtle options like matte black, matte white, and soft rose gold. Porcelain and ceramic fixtures with textured finishes like linen or suede are also trending, providing a tactile experience that adds depth and visual interest to kitchen design.