Looking to 2024 and beyond, Patrick Speck, Leader, Global Design, LIXIL EMENA & GROHE UK, identifies three key trends shaping kitchens and bathrooms…
Creating design solutions that seamlessly enhance our daily lives necessitates a deep understanding of consumer lifestyles and aspirations. GROHE, using its experience as a global leader in bathroom solutions and kitchen fittings, adeptly navigates and drives development within these currents of change, reflective of its four core values, quality, technology, design, and sustainability.
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Personalisation
Consumers are increasingly steering the demand for personalisation, fuelled largely by the universal influence of social media. The surge in home renovation and interior design accounts across numerous platforms has propelled a fervent ‘house-proud’ movement, driving design aspirations to unprecedented heights. Manufacturers are actively responding to this surge in demand by providing an extensive array of choices, introducing innovative shapes, styles, finishes and colours. This demand is anticipated to persist well into 2024, driven by consumers’ desire to craft spaces that authentically reflect their unique personalities, while also granting them greater authority over every facet of the overall design.
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This penchant for personalisation seamlessly extends into the domains of bathrooms and kitchens, with these key rooms being a reflection of individuality and personal style. This trend is being seen through coloured brassware and fittings continuing to take a prominent position in the home, alongside brightly coloured tiles, furniture, and accessories. This trend paves way for joyful interiors, as homeowners seek refuge within their homes.
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Holistic Homes
Following similar themes of the personalisation trend, in 2024, the trend of transforming homes into wellness havens to alleviate the stresses of modern living will persist, continuing a significant macro trend. This trend will see consumers to carve out extended and flexible living spaces within their homes, driving the demand for versatile products that adapt to evolving needs. Notably, the year will witness a sustained focus on elevated design and functionality as integral elements within this transformation, with bathrooms and kitchens deviating from conventional roles to incorporate influences from upscale hotels and expertly curated residential designs.
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This amplification of personalised luxury and well-being underscores the ongoing evolution of home spaces in 2024, as we become more focused on how our spaces make us feel. As we see this trend evolve, we expect to see luxurious ensuite bathrooms being prioritised and functional, semi-professional kitchens separated from dining spaces as each space in considered in its entirety. Hidden kitchens and utility rooms are also gaining popularity, offering a purposeful space to carry out practical household tasks, while the main kitchen remains dedicated to hosting and entertaining. The sleek, multifunctional design of these rooms helps to enhance the overall sophistication and atmosphere of contemporary homes.
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Sustainability
As societal awareness grows, sustainability emerges as a key player across all sectors, with a particular focus on water conservation in kitchens and bathrooms. The industry will not only strive to deliver resource-saving solutions but also emphasises optimal value for money and performance. A 2023 survey conducted by YouGov, commissioned by GROHE, has provided some interesting insights into the nation’s attitudes towards resource saving home fittings. It seems sustainability and
eco-consciousness could be having an impact on bathroom habits and design choices, with 67 per cent of people noting that they are conscious of their environmental impact when showering/bathing.
When it comes to installing eco-friendly bathroom fittings, cost is cited as the biggest hindrance, with nearly half (45 per cent) of people agreeing, while 22 per cent of people noted there was nothing preventing them from installing eco-friendly fittings. We expect to see resource saving products to become a priority to those undertaking renovation projects and expect conscious consumerism to grow beyond the product itself. Customers are paying close attention to brands and manufacturer who champion sustainable practices and provide transparency in their business approaches.
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