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Predictions 2021

Beforewe launch into the results of NKBA’s highly anticipated 2021 Trends Survey, we wanted to notify the industry that the 2021 NKBA Excellence in Design Awards are now open.

The NKBA Excellence in Design Awards are the longest standing Design Awards Programme in New Zealand, with this being the 39th year. This is the opportunity for NKBA members to be celebrated by their peers, get public recognition and have their designs judged by a panel of experts. Entries close Monday 12 April at 5pm sharp. To find out more, visit: https://awards. nkba.org.nz/

Now to the survey results. This year we can expect more white, more timber and some very organised sculleries. Let’s dig a little deeper…

Major Kitchen Trends 2021

According to NKBA members, the ideal kitchen will be a combination of matte white and timber cabinetry, engineered stone benchtops and a seamless splashback, preferably with a marble look. The most in demand kitchens will also have a kitchen island, butler’s pantry and an organised cupboard space.

Cabinetry

In 2020 NKBA predicted a return to white and timber detailing and it appears this trend will continue into 2021. In the survey, 26% of respondents predicted timber to be the most popular cabinetry in the coming twelve months, followed by white (22%). When it comes to finish, 54% of respondents said that matte will be the finish of choice, followed by 18% of respondents suggesting ‘textured’ would be the preferred cabinetry finish.

Benchtop

NKBA members predict that in 2021 the majority of benchtops will be cut from engineered stone (46%). Though engineered stone reigned supreme, 18% of respondents said porcelain was on the rise.

Mark Bruce of Designmarked

Kitchens said that in ten years, porcelain will be the material of choice, but it needs more time in the market to seal its popularity.

“Engineered stone has been around a lot longer, is more affordable and has a wider reach, however porcelain is a high-end and innovative product that many designers prefer to work with. There is a much bigger design scope with porcelain and that means more unique options for the designers and their clients. I would watch this space,” says Bruce.

Splashbacks

In 2020, 42% of survey respondents said that tiles would be the trend for 2020 but this year we are seeing the rise of the seamless splashback, with 32% of respondents predicting a splashback that is seamless with the bench to be the hot trend in 2021. This is followed by marble/ marble look according to 24% of designers.

Most requested

What is the number one item on most people’s kitchen wish list?

According to NKBA’s survey respondents, it is a kitchen island, butler’s pantry, more organised cupboard space and of course a kitchen that wows.

Price

The cost of a new kitchen varies greatly and ultimately comes down to material selection and finish, but as a guide in 2020 the majority of NKBA respondents (34%) worked within the budget of $20,000$30,000 excluding appliances, this was followed by 25% working with a budget of $40,000-$60,000.

Bathroom trends

NKBA members say in 2021 that bathroom trends are all about luxury. Consider integrated lighting, a stand-alone bath and a two-person shower.

NKBA members said in 2020 the majority (50%) of bathrooms they designed were priced somewhere between $10,000-$30,000. However, 19% of designers said the average price of a new bathroom they created was under $10,000.

The impact of Covid-19

In addition to their trends analysis, NKBA also surveyed its members to get a visual of the impact of Covid-19 on the industry. According to the survey results designers, manufacturers, suppliers and anyone in construction is in high demand. In fact, 75% of NKBA survey respondents said in December 2020 they were busier than pre-COVID-19.

But which market is the most effected? The answer is all, but 78% of respondents said they have been working on renovations ahead of new builds and that kitchens are the most in demand. NKBA members say it is the supply of materials from overseas that is causing the most delay and creating the higher levels of demand.

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