The NKBA held its first-ever Design Trends Summit during Design Chicago, revealing highlights from the association’s exclusive research study. The event, held in the Dacor Kitchen Theater at theMART, focused on the space, product, material and technology trends emerging over the next two to three years.
The member-only Summit, hosted by Suzie Williford, Chief Strategy Officer and EVP of NKBA, featured discussions, panels and expert insight into the trends, with a focus on luxury. “I have wanted to do this for a very long time, bring the Design Trends Research results to life,” said Williford. “I’m so happy we were able to do this, thanks to Dacor and Design Chicago.”
The event kicked off with an overview of the report, given by Tricia Zach, Head of Research at NKBA. “Kitchens and baths are bigger and more involved,” she noted, adding that research respondents said clients are looking to design their spaces to be multi-functional to meet their at-home work, education, and entertaining needs.
She was followed by Carrie McCormick, a well-known Luxury Real Estate Broker in Chicago, who spoke about what her luxury clients are looking for in their kitchens and baths. “They want customization,” she noted, indicating that status appliance brands are still a draw as well as technology that makes life “easier”.
Other programming included a panel with Caesarstone’s Denise Butchko and Karen Needler, The Coveted Kitchen, who spoke about what they are seeing in the market. Interestingly, Needler noted that one of her six-figure projects was completed without ever having met the client in person – a definite shift.
We see the future of appliances focused purely on elevating the art of living. —Scott Davies, Director of Marketing for Dacor Luxury Appliances
In addition, Scott Davies, Director of Marketing for Dacor Luxury Appliances talked with NKBA’s Angela Rath about the brand’s future innovations. This includes adding more customization and smart technology that offers an enhanced user experience in the luxury market.
Davies, who was joined at the Summit with Dacor’s Geraldine Morrison, General Manager and Head of Luxury Brand & Product Marketing, and Jennifer Chick-Gray, Marketing Manager, West Division, concluded: “We see the future of appliances focused purely on elevating the art of living through three core principles: Unmatched attention to detail, designed for precision performance, and connectivity intersecting with technology to bring your kitchens to life, from anywhere.”
To view one of the Design Trends sessions featured at the Summit, go here to register for NKBA Live today at 2pm ET. Additional sessions will be available during the coming months.
