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."
![Frigidaire Gallery 30-inch front-control range](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Frigidaire%20Gallery%2030%2522%20front%20control%20.png)
Quartz countertops were a new adoption for one respondent. Here's an example:
![Caesarstone quartz in Modern, Traditional, and Farmhouse kitchen designs. Photo: Caesarstone](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Caesarstone%20Quartz%20-%20Mod%20Trad%20Farmhouse.png)
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.
![American Standard pulldown faucet](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Amer%20Standard%20pulldown%20faucet_1.png)
Yet another respondent liked the "low-flow accelerator" aspect of faucets from manufacturer Brizo.
![Brizo low-flow faucet](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Brizo%20faucets.png)
Samsung appliances were a new choice for one specifier. Here's an example of the manufacturer's appliance line.
![Samsung Front Control 51 dBA Dishwasher with Hybrid Interior in Stainless Steel](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Samsung%20Front%20Control%2051%20dBA%20Dishwasher%20with%20Hybrid%20Interior%20in%20Stainless%20Steel_0.png)
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.
![Advanta cabinets](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Advanta%20cabinets.png)
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:
![Olympia L-7400-BN two-handle bathroom faucet](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Olympia%27s%20L-6000-MB%20Lifestyle%20single-handle%20lavatory%20faucet%20in%20matte%20black_0.png)
One respondent expressed satisfaction with the choice of this shower base, from Mincey Marble.
![Mincey Marble shower base](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Mincey%20Marble%20shower%20base.png)
Tub/shower surrounds from Aquawall were noted by this respondent: "Panel system for tub and shower surrounds that offer a tiled look.:
![Aquawalls tub surround](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aquawalls%20tub%20surround.png)
WASHER/DRYER COMBO FROM BEKO
Beko appliances won kudos from a survey respondent. Here's a Beko washer/dryer installation.
![Beko washer/dryer laundry combo unit](/sites/default/files/inline-images/Beko%20laundry_0.png)
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.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 30, 2018
Silicon Valley cities considering taxes aimed at large employers
The aim is to offset the impact on housing costs and homelessness by tech companies.
Multifamily Housing | May 30, 2018
Concentrated redevelopment: Apartment complex takes mixed use to the next level
An “intergenerational” mixed-use apartment complex may be a prototype for reenergizing neglected neighborhoods in America’s largest county.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.
BD+C University Course | May 24, 2018
Building passively [AIA course]
17 tips from our experts on the best way to carry out passive house design and construction for your next multifamily project. This AIA CES course is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
Multifamily Housing | May 23, 2018
Yankee Dandies: Century-old New England mills become multifamily residences
Having long outlived their original uses, two century-old New England mills have become valuable community assets once again—as multifamily residences.
Multifamily Housing | May 16, 2018
Pampering the pups: Why dog-washing stations are a must-have in multifamily developments
Self-serve dog-washing stations are reinforcing strong bonds between multifamily residents and their beloved canines.
Mixed-Use | May 16, 2018
Los Angeles mixed-use building uses prefabricated wood frame to reduce costs
SPF:architects designed the building.
Multifamily Housing | May 14, 2018
Yardi Matrix report shows U.S. rent surge in April
Year-over-year rent growth leaders in April were Orlando, Fla., Sacramento, Calif., Las Vegas, Tampa, Fla., and Phoenix.
Multifamily Housing | May 9, 2018
6 noteworthy projects: Transit-oriented rental community, micro-unit residences, and an office tower becomes a mixed-use community
These six recently completed projects represent some of the newest trends in multifamily housing.
Multifamily Housing | May 1, 2018
Boutique condo provides 41 exclusive residences in Miami’s Bay Harbor Islands
Revuelta Architecture International designed the building.