27 new kitchen and bath products multifamily developers and AEC teams are using for the first time

Multifamily developers and their AEC project teams are adopting new kitchen + bath products and systems for the first time, according to early results from our inaugural MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction Kitchen+Bath Survey 2022.

To take the survey – with a chance to win one of 10 $50 debit cards – go to MFDC K+B Survey. To be qualified to participate, your company must be actively involved in multifamily design, development, or construction, and you must give your name, company name, and email, at the end of the survey.

NEW SPECS: FROM 'HANDS-FREE FAUCETS' TO 'MOBILE KITCHEN ISLANDS'

We asked: "What new Kitchen + Bath amenity (or amenities) have you used for the first time in the last 12-24 months? Please specify (including brand and model, if applicable.)"

More than half of the initial respondents said they had taken the plunge, despite the long-standing belief that the construction industry is reluctant to try anything new, Among the kitchen + bath products they had greenlighted for the first time in their multifamily projects:

• Hands-free faucets
• Lighted mirrors
• Trough-drain ADA shower pans
• Radiant-heated ceiling panels
• Under-counter wine/beverage coolers
• Rain shower bath faucets
• ADA-compliant shower panels
• Icemakers (not in refrigerator)
• Pull-out trash/recycling cabinets
• Standalone tubs
• Under-counter microwaves
• Soaking tubs (for penthouse applications)
• Panel shower systems
• Steam showers
• Mobile kitchen islands

FIRST-TIME KITCHEN PRODUCTS

Respondents got brand specific in detailing what new products they were using for the first time. One reported using Foremost Lagoon semi-frameless sliding shower doors, which come in 60-inch wide X 76-inch high configuration with a silver look.

Induction cooktops, which are gaining popularity among multifamily specifiers who want to go all-electric in their projects, were also mentioned. 

The Frigidaire Gallery Series slide-in induction range with front controls earned praise from this respondent: "Creates a clean, modern look for a minimal cost increase."

Quartz countertops were a new adoption for one respondent. Here's an example:

Pulldown spring faucets – which are growing in popularity among renters and condo owners for their ease of use – were the choice of one respondent. American Standard is one manufacturer of such devices.

Yet another respondent liked the "low-flow accelerator" aspect of faucets from manufacturer Brizo.

Samsung appliances were a new choice for one specifier. Here's an example of the manufacturer's appliance line.

In a separate report, on supply chain problems caused by the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine – "Specifiers ask: Where are all the refrigerators?" – multifamily developers and AEC teams bemoaned the difficulty of getting deliveries not only of refrigerators and other appliances, but also cabinetry.

One respondent was happy to be able to obtain cabinets from manufacturer Advanta.

FIRST-TIME BATHROOM PRODUCTS

Moving into the bath area, respondents said they were specifying new faucets and tub/shower systems.

"Black matte on plumbing fixtures" was the preferred style of one specifier. Here's an example:

One respondent expressed satisfaction with the choice of this shower base, from Mincey Marble.

Tub/shower surrounds from Aquawall were noted by this respondent: "Panel system for tub and shower surrounds that offer a tiled look.:

WASHER/DRYER COMBO FROM BEKO

Beko appliances won kudos from a survey respondent. Here's a Beko washer/dryer installation.

TAKE THE SURVEY, ENTER FOR A CHANCE AT A $50 DEBIT CARD

Join these early respondents and let us know what kitchen + bath products you're using for the first time, which ones you're having trouble getting, and what K+B products you're using on a regular basis – all valuable information to serve the $106 billion U.S. Multifamily design and construction sector.

To take the survey – with a chance to win one of 10 $50 debit cards – go to MFDC K+B Survey.