As NKBA celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, we look back on 60 key kitchen and bath data points from the past six decades. Here are 30 from 2021 and 2020.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

2021

The average cost of a luxury kitchen renovation was between $80,000 and $250,000. (NKBA Luxury Kitchen Study).

A luxury kitchen design by Brendan Flanigan. Image courtesy of Brendan Flanigan.

The global microwave oven market was valued at $1.42 billion in 2021, and with an annual growth rate of about 7 percent, it was projected to reach $2.72 billion in 2031. (Transparency Market Research)

Americans were split on open-concept homes, with 51.2 percent preferring an open layout and 48.8 percent preferring a traditional layout – a nearly 50-50 split. Although the open concept was a popular trend for many years, praised for its spaciousness and seamless flow throughout the house,  the pandemic-induced work-from-home culture elevated the need for private spaces. (Rocket Homes)

An open-concept design by Summer Thornton. Image courtesy of Summer Thornton

A 2021 survey found that 12.4 percent of Americans entertained in their kitchens, 12.1 percent entertained in an outdoor living space, 19.5 percent favored the family room and 44.2 percent entertained in the living room. (Rocket Homes)

A design by Nahal Gamini with an expansive entertaining area. Image courtesy of Nahal Gamini

25.6 million air fryers were sold from January 2020 through December 2021, and air fryer use increased more than 60 percent during that period.(NPD Group)

 In 2020 and 2021, sales of air fryers increased by 76 percent during the pandemic, compared to the previous 24-month period. (NPD Group)

The median age of owner-occupied homes was 40 years, making them prime candidates for remodeling, according to the 2021 American Community Survey. (NAHB)

North America held a 45 percent share of the global sales for outdoor kitchens. (Grandview Research)

An outdoor kitchen design by Reisa Pollard. Image courtesy of Reisa Pollard

Sales of luxury major kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, cooktops and ovens, increased 45 percent YOY in the U.S. from January through September 2021. Kitchen cabinets and kitchen sinks were among the categories leading growth in the kitchen and bath home-improvement segment. (NPD Group)

The global smart kitchen appliances market was valued at $3.5 billion in 2021 — and with an annual growth rate of 12 percent, it is projected to reach $10.8 billion by 2031. (Transparency Market Research)

The global outdoor kitchen market size was valued at $19.64 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3 percent between 2022 and 2030, reaching $40.32 billion. (Grandview Research)

Elma Gardner, CMKBD, designed this expansive outdoor kitchen and living space. Image courtesy of Elma Gardner, CMKBD

A 2021 survey by NAHB found that the average size of a single-family home fell to 2,485 sq. ft., the lowest level that had been recorded to that time since 2010.  (NAHB)

Among the biggest influences on home design during the COVID-19 pandemic were , easy-to-clean surfaces, flex spaces and an increase in enhanced outdoor living areas. (NKBA Design Trends 2021)

When given a choice of home features considered essential or desirable when purchasing a home, 78 percent of buyers cited a table space for eating, 77 percent chose a central island, 76 percent cited drinking water filtration and 73 percent chose granite or other natural stone countertop. (NAHB) (2021)

Island and table seating are considered essential or desirable in kitchens, as in this design by Jennifer Stoner. Image courtesy of Jennifer Stoner

In a 2021 projection, it was estimated that the outdoor refrigeration market would experience a compound annual growth rate of 10 percent through 2030, as homeowners upgrade their outdoor environments. (Grandview Research)

Cooking fixtures —including gas grills, pizza ovens, smokers and specialty grills, side burners and other secondary cooking fixtures — held the largest revenue share in the outdoor kitchen market, at over 40 percent. (Grandview Research)

59 percent of home buyers rated multiple shower heads in the primary bath as essential or desirable in purchasing a home. (NAHB)

Multiple shower heads are a plus when considering a home purchase, as in this design by Gina Bauerle. Image Courtesy of Gina Bauerle

Sales revenue from bath vanities with tops grew 27 percent in 2021, bathtub and whirlpool sales grew 22 percent and tub and shower surrounds rose 20 percent. (NPD Group)

A design by Shea Pumarejo, CMKBD, featuring marble and tile on the vanity and around the freestanding tub and shower. Image courtesy of Shea Pumarejo, CMKBD

The four most-wanted features in a bathroom included a linen closet in the primary bath, a stall shower and separate tub, a double vanity and a private toilet compartment. (NAHB)

The cooking appliances segment, including ovens, ranges, cooktops and other cookers, generated global revenue of $161.2 billion. (Grandview Research)

Among a list of 30 kitchen features, double sink and walk-in pantries were cited as essential or desirable by at least 80 percent of home buyers. (NAHB)

A hidden pantry adds plenty of storage in this design by Sara Robertson, AKBD. Image courtesy of Sara Robertson, AKBD

A steam oven was considered essential or desirable by 51 percent of Millennials and 47 percent of Gen X, but only 19 percent of Baby Boomers. (NAHB)

Dual toilets were considered essential or desirable by 48 percent of Millennials and 50 percent of Gen X, but only 20 percent of Baby Boomers. (NAHB)

Twin toilet closets flank the shower in this design by Laleh Shafiezadeh. Image courtesy of Laleh Shafiezadeh

2020

In NKBA’s research report specific to the COVID-19 pandemic,  designers and builders said 52 percent of their current projects were delayed, while just 19 percent were canceled. Retailers said 44 percent of projects were delayed and 16 percent were canceled. (NKBA Benchmark Sentiment Survey: Special COVID-19 Edition)

Homeowners primarily funded their kitchen or master bath remodel with cash from their savings (62 percent). Only 10 percent report that the primary method used to pay was a credit card. (NKBA 2020 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook)

In 2020, the five features builders said they were most likely to include in a new home were a walk-in closet in the primary bedroom, low-e windows, a laundry room, efficient lighting and a great room combining a kitchen and family/living area. (NAHB Eye on Housing)

In 2020, the five features builders said they were least likely to include in a new home were cork flooring in the main-level living spaces, a geothermal heat pump, solar water heating/electric system, dual toilets in the primary bath and laminate countertops in the kitchen. (NAHB Eye on Housing)

Before the pandemic, 2020 residential K&B spending was projected to rise nearly 7 percent to $158 billion. After six months of pandemic-induced economic downturn, spending was projected to decline 6 percent to $139 billion. (NKBA 2020 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook)

Among those consumers who completed a kitchen or bath remodeling project between 2018 and 2020, 17 percent hired a designer and 83 percent did not. Those who used a designer spent an average of $10,000 more than those who did not. (NKBA 2020 Kitchen & Bath Market Outlook)

A design by Nar Bustamante. Image courtesy of Nar Bustamante

The growth of the leisure and hospitality sector was the primary factor fueling the demand for bathroom fixtures in North America. In 2020, the U.S. led the North American hospitality development with 1,771 new hotels and 235,467 rooms in its pipeline. (Grandview Research)