Kitchen and Bathroom Trends For 2021 and Beyond.

The biggest trade show in the building industry known as IBS (International Builders Show) which coincides with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) has gone virtual for 2021 due to the pandemic. The show typically provides a ton of opportunities for learning about the latest trends in the industry and it also provides an inspiration and development of new ideas for future products. There is something to be said for designers’ ability to be able to walk around a huge floor and touch and feel the latest available products on the market as well as to learn about them straight from the source.

The show has gone viral so although there will be an opportunity to meet all the vendors virtually, it’s certainly not the same so we’ll see what impact it will have on the building industry long term. But for now we know that the pandemic influenced the overall design of new homes as well as individual elements that go in. So if you’re thinking of building a new home in Chicago, here are the trends that we’re seeing so far:   

Zero-entry shower otherwise know as a curbless shower are becoming more popular for both their seamless design as well as practicality because it allows its owner to stay in their home well into their retirement age. The floor of the shower is essentially on the same plane as the rest of the bathroom floor increasing mobility and reducing the risk of a fall. It also creates a flawless design because it allows for a shower door to go all the way to the shower floor and it gives an option to continue running the same tile material into the rest of the bathroom without an awkward transition of a step up.

Another popular design feature making its comeback in the owner’s bath is the tub. Maybe we all have a little more time and need for self-pampering? Not surprisingly with the pandemic there is an emphasis on incorporating easy to clean surfaces-so a free-standing flat bottom tubs over decorative clawfoot models.

Following the same logic, we see an increase in installation of automatic toilets, many of which offer an option to self clean after each use. Touch-less faucets are making an appearance in both bathrooms and kitchens and we see that their price is starting to slowly come down, making them a contender.

For materials we see quartz gaining its popularity in both bathroom and kitchen countertops as well as in the shower. Quartz can be cut into thin layers and installed in the shower instead of a traditional tile, which reduces the number of seems and it’s a much more durable material which requires very little maintenance.

In the kitchen make room for all new white stainless steel appliances. Yes, you’ve heard that right-white. The neat thing is that you can accessorize your appliances with different finishes of hardware-rose gold as an example has been a popular choice. White reduces the visibility of finger prints and brings high design elements into your kitchen.

To offset your white appliances and cabinets we see a lot of color and texture in backsplashes. Smaller tile is making its appearance as well as different textures such as specs of metals and wood which bring warmth and variety into a design.

We’re seeing attention grabbing lighting fixtures which can transform any room on a budget. So whether you’re looking to spruce up your current space or thinking about trading up to a brand new home you can easily incorporate most of these design elements into your next project.

If you’re shopping for a new home in Chicago, we would love to build your next dream home for you. We work with our buyers to help them select finishes as individual as you so your new home reflects your unique taste and personality.