According to Houzz’s 2020 home renovations survey, the most popular room to remodel is the kitchen, with 26% of homeowners surveyed saying they remodeled their kitchen last year. Now that the world has changed significantly in the last several months, homeowners are looking to home upgrades and renovations now more than ever — with more than 70% deciding to tackle home improvement projects this year, with more planned for 2021, according to a Bank of America poll. 

As the new year draws near, new trends and shifts in product priorities will make way in the coming months, especially when it comes to kitchen sinks and faucets. Three major categories stick out when it comes to new sink and faucet trends and how they’ll expand throughout the home, elevating the homeowner experience. These trend categories include healthier homes, easy and affordable upgrades and outdoor living enhancements.

Happy home, healthy home

As the pandemic continues across the nation and home projects and renovations rise, homeowners can expect to see more hygienic and health-focused products to incorporate into their own homes, specifically for sinks and faucets. 

When it comes to sinks, the materials used will matter. For example, nonporous quartz sinks will not only help prevent the spread of bacteria, but also offer a sleek and modern look so homeowners don’t have to sacrifice style. Copper sinks will also start to make their way into more residential settings, as copper is one of the few materials that has the ability to kill bacteria.

As for faucets, touchless is becoming the new normal. With sensor-activated options, touchless faucets will help keep the kitchen sink area sanitary, especially when multiple people are utilizing that space within the home.

Easy and affordable for all

Houzz also reports a 58% annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June 2020. People are spending more time in their homes, which leads them to notice the need for certain upgrades that they’ve been holding off. But just because they want to upgrade, doesn’t mean they want to break the bank. 

Amidst all of the factory shutdowns and delays in production, there has been a lower supply of many household appliances, leading customers to look at alternative brand options. This means consumers are opting to spend less and choose a more affordable option, even changing brands completely to finish their home projects, at a more affordable price point.

The other thing we are seeing when it comes to home renovations are easy and quick solutions that provide just as much satisfaction as hard labor projects. For example, instead of overhauling an entire cabinet, homeowners are adding new knobs and pulls for a new look, and opting to switch out their faucets for a quick refresh at the sink. 

Consumer attitudes have shifted as they want to update their homes, but still have reservations about what the economy may look like over the next year or so.

Create your outdoor living oasis

Those working on outdoor space renovations saw the biggest increase in demand with searches for pool and spa professionals three times what they were a year ago, per CNBC. As consumers gear up to make the most of their outdoor spaces, companies and manufacturers will follow suit to keep up with rising demand.

Homeowners will look to expand their living space, even if that means into the backyard. The focus will be on creating their own “oasis” and utilizing more space in their house by adding things such as an outdoor kitchen or bar to elevate their home. With an increase in these types of projects, custom sinks and stronger, sturdier materials that can withstand the weather and outdoors will rise as a result. For example, stainless steel sinks will see an uptick as the material will stand up to corrosion, and the gauge will increase durability to avoid wear and tear. 

This custom trend will allow homeowners to modify everything from faucet holes, ledges, type of materials and type of sink to fit seamlessly into a more unique space, like an outdoor bar.

How the world is evolving and adapting to the current global situation is changing the way we design our homes. Now more than ever, consumers are looking to ensure the home is safe in terms of an investment but also in terms of cleanliness. Beyond health and hygiene, consumers are spending record amounts of time in their humble abodes, making it even more important to have a space that serves as an escape for entertainment and relaxation for when the work day is done. 

The sink and faucet trends for 2021 may look different than what we’ve seen over the past several decades, but one thing remains the same, homeowners want to make their home a safe and inviting environment for friends and family. These new trends provide that solution, and offer opportunities for homeowners to upgrade and live a healthier, comfortable and elevated lifestyle both inside and outside the home.