The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) conducts an annual survey of its members to identify emerging design trends, popular products, and shifting homeowner preferences. The survey results, drawn from 716 design professionals including architects, interior designers, manufacturers, and fabricators, provide valuable insight into where kitchen design is heading. For professional home builders, understanding these trends is essential for making informed product selections, designing homes that appeal to current buyers, and staying competitive in a rapidly evolving market. Professional kitchen and bath cabinet selections represent one area where trend awareness directly translates into better specification decisions. This article breaks down the major findings from the NKBA report and explains what they mean for residential construction professionals.
Demographic Shifts Driving Kitchen Design Decisions
One of the most revealing aspects of the NKBA survey is the demographic breakdown of homeowners undertaking kitchen projects. Understanding who is remodeling and building kitchens helps builders anticipate which features will matter most to their target buyers.
Primary Homeowner Age Groups
The survey asked professionals which life stages describe their clients. The results show that kitchen projects span multiple generations, with two age groups dominating the market:
- Boomers (ages 55 to 73) – 80 percent of professionals worked on projects for this group
- Gen X (ages 39 to 54) – 79 percent of professionals worked on projects for this group
- Millennials with children (ages 23 to 38) – 51 percent of professionals served this demographic
- Millennials without children – 42 percent of professionals worked with this group
- Silent and Greatest Generations (ages 74 and older) – 34 percent of professionals reported projects for this age range
These figures reveal that the kitchen remodeling market is not concentrated in a single age bracket. Boomers and Gen X together account for the bulk of project activity, but Millennials, particularly those with children, represent a growing share. Builders who design kitchens that appeal across these generational lines will capture the widest possible buyer pool.
Age of Homes Undergoing Kitchen Work
The survey also tracked the age of homes where kitchen projects occur. A substantial 71 percent of kitchen projects take place in homes that are 11 years old or older. This highlights the importance of the replacement and remodeling market for builders who also offer renovation services. At the same time, 19 percent of kitchen and bathroom projects occur in new construction, meaning builders who stay current with design trends can apply those insights to both new builds and spec homes.
Outdoor Kitchen Expansion and the Rise of Stay-Cation Living
The pandemic-era shift toward outdoor living has had a lasting impact on kitchen design. According to the NKBA survey, 65 percent of professionals expect outdoor living projects to increase significantly, with only 31 percent expecting demand to remain flat. For builders, this represents a clear opportunity to expand their service offerings.
Types of Outdoor Kitchen Projects
Among outdoor living projects, kitchens dominate the category. The survey found that 76 percent of outdoor projects focused on outdoor kitchens. Patio and deck upgrades came in second at 54 percent, followed by screened-in porches and three-season rooms at 31 percent. These numbers tell builders that outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces are no longer optional extras; they are expected features in many new homes.
Key Outdoor Kitchen Features
Homeowners are investing in specific upgrades for their outdoor kitchens. The survey identified the most requested features:
- Fireplaces and firepits – the most popular outdoor amenity
- Weather protection structures such as pergolas and covered patios
- Expanded or enhanced seating areas for dining and entertaining
- Integrated entertainment systems including audio and video
- Pools and hot tubs – requested in at least a quarter of outdoor projects
Notably, 40 percent of homeowners created entirely new outdoor living spaces rather than upgrading existing ones. For builders, this means outdoor kitchens can be marketed as standalone projects or as integrated components of a new home design.
Interior Kitchen Layouts, Styles, and Material Trends
The NKBA survey provides detailed guidance on how kitchen interiors are evolving. From layout preferences to color schemes to material choices, the data helps builders make specification decisions that align with buyer expectations.
Layout and Island Trends
L-shaped kitchens with islands remain the dominant layout, but the NKBA report notes that island sizes are increasing. Islands between 24 and 35 square feet are becoming standard, and homeowners are using them for multiple purposes including dining, homework, and social gathering. The trend toward larger islands often requires removing walls to open up the kitchen to adjacent living spaces. Builders should plan for structural modifications early in the design phase when clients request open-concept kitchen layouts.
Style Directions
When it comes to kitchen aesthetics, the report identifies three dominant style categories projected to lead for the next three years:
- Contemporary – clean lines, minimal ornamentation, functional design
- Transitional – a blend of traditional warmth and modern simplicity
- Organic or natural – nature-inspired materials, earthy tones, sustainable focus
Professionals surveyed describe the emerging style as European in influence, with a minimalist approach that prioritizes sustainability and integrates smart technology. Bright colors are not expected to make a major appearance in kitchens. Instead, whites, off-whites, grays, and beiges will continue to dominate as the top color schemes for cabinetry, countertops, and wall finishes.
Countertop and Backsplash Materials
Light-colored quartz is projected to become the leading countertop material. For backsplashes, slab tiles and long subway tiles are expected to be the most dominant choices. Builders should note that the kitchen island is where homeowners are most likely to experiment with different colors and materials, even when the rest of the kitchen stays within a neutral palette.
Flooring and Lighting Trends
Ceramic and porcelain tile are no longer the default flooring choices for kitchens. The NKBA report indicates that hardwood, engineered wood, and luxury vinyl plank flooring will be the most specified materials over the next three years. These materials offer warmth, durability, and visual appeal that align with the natural and transitional style trends.
Under-cabinet lighting is projected to see significant growth, with 60 percent of professionals expecting increased demand. Homeowners also want dimmer switches for greater control over kitchen ambiance. Builders should include under-cabinet lighting as a standard specification in new kitchens and offer dimmer upgrades as a value-added option.
Cabinet and Hardware Directions
Cabinets are trending toward full-painted wood in flat-panel or slab styles. European kitchen and bath design trends are influencing this shift toward clean, minimalist cabinet fronts with integrated hardware or simple pulls. The kitchen island is the one area where 68 percent of designers report using a different cabinet color from the rest of the kitchen. This two-tone approach allows homeowners to add visual interest while keeping the overall palette neutral.
Technology Integration and Product Specification Trends
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in kitchen design. The NKBA survey shows that homeowners want kitchens that are not only beautiful and functional but also connected and intelligent. Builders who incorporate these technology preferences into their kitchen designs will meet rising buyer expectations.
Smart Kitchen Technology Demands
The survey identifies three primary technology categories that homeowners want in their kitchens:
- Charging stations for electronics – built-in outlets with USB ports integrated into islands and countertops
- Video communication devices – smart displays for family communication and door monitoring
- Appliance monitoring technology – systems that track refrigerator temperature, oven status, and dishwasher cycles
Beyond kitchen-specific tech, homeowners are interested in whole-home monitoring systems that alert them to floods, gas leaks, and power failures. Builders can differentiate their homes by offering these monitoring integrations as standard or optional features.
Sink, Faucet, and Appliance Trends
The NKBA survey provides clear direction on sink, faucet, and appliance preferences. The following table summarizes the key product trends builders should know:
| Product Category | Leading Trend | Emerging Alternative | Key Detail for Builders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen sinks | Stainless steel, single bowl | White farmhouse (apron-front) | Single-bowl sinks offer better clearance for large pots |
| Kitchen faucets | Matte black finish | Stainless steel | 57 percent of designers prefer matte finish over the next three years |
| Cooking appliances | Gas cooktops | Induction cooktops | Induction trails gas by only 3 percent in popularity |
| Ovens | Convection ovens | Steam ovens | Steam ovens are gaining interest for health-conscious buyers |
| Refrigerators | Stainless steel finish | Panel-ready built-ins | Matching cabinet panels create a seamless look |
| Ventilation hoods | Stainless steel | Custom hood wraps | Hoods are becoming a design statement in open kitchens |
| Microwaves | Built-in microwave drawers | Over-the-range models | Drawer microwaves improve accessibility and counter space |
Luxury kitchen appliance trends continue to push toward professional-grade equipment with smart features. Builders specifying appliances for production homes should offer tiered options that include both standard and upgraded packages, allowing buyers to customize within their budget.
Faucet Finish Trends
The shift in faucet finishes is one of the most notable findings in the NKBA survey. While stainless steel has long been the standard, black finishes are gaining ground rapidly. The survey found that 42 percent of designers expect stainless steel to remain the most popular faucet finish, but 32 percent believe black faucets will take the lead. More significantly, 57 percent of designers see matte as the preferred faucet finish over the next three years. Top kitchen faucet trends for professional builders reflect this move toward darker, matte finishes that complement the neutral color palettes and minimalist cabinetry styles dominating kitchen design.
What These Trends Mean for Builders
The NKBA report offers more than a forecast of what will look fashionable in kitchen design. It provides builders with data-driven guidance for making specification decisions that align with buyer expectations. Several actionable takeaways stand out:
- Design kitchens with flexible islands that serve multiple functions including dining, working, and gathering
- Specify matte-finish faucets and fixtures in neutral or black tones rather than polished chrome or brass
- Include under-cabinet lighting and dimmer switches as standard features
- Offer quartz countertops as a primary option with the island as a place for color or material variation
- Plan for hardwood or luxury vinyl plank flooring instead of tile in kitchen areas
- Incorporate smart technology infrastructure including USB charging ports and appliance monitoring capability
- Consider outdoor kitchen spaces as an integrated part of new home design rather than an aftermarket addition
Builders who align their kitchen specifications with these trends will deliver homes that feel current, functional, and aligned with what today’s buyers expect. The kitchen remains one of the most important rooms in any home, and getting the details right directly impacts buyer satisfaction and home value.