Glass Products Find a Place in Kitchen and Bath Remodels

Homeowners embarking on renovation and remodeling efforts continue to give increased attention to their bathroom and kitchen areas, which can bring new opportunities for different glazing products. While some trends remain the same from previous years, others, such as an increase in natural light, are becoming more popular.

The 2022 American Institute of Architects Home Design Trends Survey found that both the number and size of residential bathrooms are stabilizing with many lingering trends continuing to be popular among homeowners. While the size of kitchens has also started to stabilize, the number of kitchen facilities is on the rise.

According to the survey, 32% of respondents say there is an increase in the number of bathrooms in residences, which is the same figure that was reported in 2020. A majority of 68%, however, report that the number of bathrooms has remained stable.

Regarding bathroom size, 22% report an increase, which is a decrease of 3% from last year’s survey. Again, the majority of respondents, or 76%, report that bathroom sizes have remained stable.

Larger walk-in showers continue to be a leading feature for homeowners with 56% of respondents reporting popularity, although that figure is down 2% from last year. Stall showers, often featuring unique glass doors and enclosures, also continue to trend with a popularity reporting rate at 55%, down 1% from last year’s survey.

Homeowners are also looking for more natural light in their bathrooms. Last year’s survey found that 38% of respondents reported such features were popular, while that figure increased to 42% this year.

Kitchens are experiencing that same trend. For the 2020 survey, 41% of respondents said additional natural light was increasing in popularity. The most recent survey found that figure had increased to 44%.

The number of kitchen areas, which include separate kitchen facilities, and secondary food storage and preparation areas, is on the rise as well. However, the size of those facilities hasn’t changed much in the past year. While 52% of respondents report an increase in the number of such areas, 65% report that the size of those facilities has remained stable. Glazing products such as backsplashes, countertops and even cabinets are some ways of bringing glass into the kitchen.

According to the survey, home improvement continues to outpace new construction. However, those figures are down from a year ago. In the fourth quarter of 2020, 68% of respondents said the kitchen and bath remodeling sector was improving. In the most recent survey, that figure was 66%.

Even with that slight decrease, respondents across all regions reported solid business conditions from the fourth quarter of 2021.