Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM OCTOBER 2023 32 A S S O C I AT I O N [ N E W S ] T he future bath will be spa-like, sustainable, and will offer customized technology solutions, according to NKBA's Bath Trends 2024 report. The primary bath in particular will continue to be an important space in the home, expanding its footprint and adding more amenities to answer consumers' need to relax and get away from it all. To discover how the bath will evolve during the next several years, the following list highlights the most important trends that emerged from the industry report. The final 2024 Bath Trends Report will be available on NKBA.org in mid-October and is free to all members. 1. The bath will be a place to unwind. Organic/natural design themes including blues, greens, and natural woods will provide a natural or coastal atmosphere. In addition, spa-like features such as wet rooms, large showers, and body sprays and jets will help create a space of total relaxation. 2. Minimalist, low-maintenance design. Expect to see clean lines, with large tile or slabs in tub and shower surrounds. Also, statement vanities, paint, wallpaper and tile will emerge for pops of color and contrast. 3. A focus on green. Sustainability will become increasingly important in the bath, with a focus on VOC-free stains and paints, shower controls for adjusting water pressure and flow, energy- saving water heaters, and more. 4. Customized, integrated technology. Individualized features like smart mirrors, toilets, and showers, personalized vanities with integrated tech, and living in place solutions – such as easy-to- use faucets and grab bars – will be popular. 5. Creative solutions to maximize space. Continuing to gain traction with consumers will be setting up the toilet in a separate space, taking down walls to connect to a closet/dressing area, or removing the tub to increase the size of the shower. 6. Tubs and vanities are the focal point. Freestanding and soaking tubs are often the stars of the primary bath, closely followed by vanities with marble surfaces and practical integrated solutions such as power outlets and individual storage units. 7. Seamless flooring for easy upkeep. Textured and patterned tiles, combined with few grout lines – or none at all – will make for easy cleaning and will complement the minimalist design trend. 8. Light, light, and more light. Skylights, doors, and windows will continue to be popular in the bath, allowing more natural light to flood the space. Lighting solutions will include 100% LED as the new standard, with a focus on task, statement, and decorative lighting. 9. Showers will be individualized. Showers will be larger and will offer customized experiences, including built-in seating and niches, as well as hand-held shower head features. They will also include safety elements such as curbless entry and grab bars. 10. Under-mount sinks will be popular. Seamless and easy to clean, undermount and integrated sinks will be in demand. Most sinks will be white and made from porcelain/cast iron, vitreous china, a composite, or solid surface. For more details and additional information on the key trends, you can access the final 2024 Bath Trends Report on www.NKBA.org as of mid-October. The report is free to all members and costs $2,995 for non-members. THE RELAXING, HIGH-TECH BATH OF THE FUTURE NKBA's research unveils the top bath trends in the next three to five years RO Image, top of page — Design: Kendall Ansell Interiors, Co-designer: Katelyn Woods Photo: Janis Nicolay

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