DUBLIN —The global green building materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 12% over the next four years, due largely to “a growing awareness about environmental sustainability that’s driving demand,” a leading market research firm said last month.

According to Dublin, Ireland-based Research and Markets, the global green building materials market is expected to increase from $238.9 billion in 2021 to $383.9 billion in 2025. North America was the largest region in the green building materials market in 2021, the research firm said. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest region in the forecast period, researchers added.

“The introduction to environment-friendly products is gaining significant popularity in the green building materials market,” research officials said. “Major participants in the green building materials industry are concentrating on launching new product lines that minimize the global warming potential (GWP) without compromising product quality.”

The green building materials market consists of sales of eco-friendly, durable structural, exterior and interior products that use less water, are easier to maintain than traditional building materials, and improve the sustainability and efficiency of a building because of a lower carbon footprint. The products are used in framing, insulation, roofing, exterior siding and interior finishing for both residential and non-residential structures.

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HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — The National Kitchen & Bath Association has unveiled its “Thirty Under 30” Class of 2022.

The program, currently in its tenth year, recognizes talented kitchen and bath professionals under the age of 30. Nominees were evaluated on their career or educational achievements, commitment to excellence in the kitchen and bath industry and leadership within their organizations, according to the NKBA.

The 2022 Class includes: Jessica Bolles, Oasis Showroom/APR Supply, York, PA; Michael Boone, Green Forest Cabinetry, Chesapeake, VA; Andrew Converse, Moen, Cleveland; Alex Dickson, PK Brand Management, Kelowna, BC, Canada; Darla Duncan, Prime Cabinetry, Kennesaw, GA; Hannah Guilford, Heart & Hammer Homes, Fryeburg, ME; Cara Hansen, Triple Dot Design Studio, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Jesse Jarrett, Jarrett Design LLC, Emmaus, PA; Becky Leu, Leu Interiors, Des Moines, IA; Andrea Liston-Jones, Liston Design Build, St. Charles, MO; James McDonald, McDonald Contracting, Arlington, MA; Madelaine Millholland, CASE Design/Remodeling, Bethesda, MD; Basia M’Pinda, Kohler/Williams & Associates, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Antoinette Nunez, CKBD, F&J Builders, Wilmington, DE; Hannah Pregont, Superior Marketing, Brooklyn, NY; Megan Reed, AKBD, CLIPP, Beyond the Box Inc., Billings, MT, and Kelsey Richter, BDA & Associates, Fishers, IN.

Other Class of 2022 members include: Caitlin Ryan, Fisher & Paykel | DCS Experience Center, New York; Grace Sheehan, CLIPP, Kitchen Doctors, Midlothian, VA; Justyna Skolasinski, AKBD, Crystal Lumber, Crystal Falls, MI.; Amanda Slattery, Artistic Cabinetry, Jackson Lake, NE; Benjamin Stoler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; AJ Tentler, Delta Faucet Co., Indianapolis; Summerlyn Travis, Strohmaier Construction, Spokane, WA; Hannah Triebel, Sunnyfields Cabinetry, Baltimore, MD; Austin Waldhauser, Kenwood Kitchens, Columbia, MD; Emily-Anne Walker, Ferguson Enterprises, Williamsburg, VA; Patience Whipple, Chariot Plumbing Supply Design, Sandy, UT; Pip Wu, D.I.D., Ferguson/Wolseley, Burnaby, BC, Canada, and Shantelle Yablonski, Superior Cabinets, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

The incoming class will be formally inducted during KBIS 2022 in Orlando, FL, according to the NKBA.

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The kitchen is the command center of many homes, with countertops called upon to handle more and more tasks. Food preparation is just the start; surfaces in the kitchen are also used for work, school, pet care and much more. These myriad uses require countertops that are strong and easy to care for. And, because they are so prominent in the kitchen, these surfaces must also look great and complement the other elements in the space.

“Consumers want products that are easy to maintain, durable and able to sustain a very active lifestyle,” says Massimo Ballucchi, v.p. kitchen and bath business at Cosentino North America, based in Coral Gables, FL. Customers are upgrading their countertops for aesthetic reasons as well, he says. “They want products that are making their homes a showcase…products they can admire for a long time.”

Colors and finishes for surfaces vary greatly based on individual style and taste, but there’s a clear move towards incorporating natural elements. “Designs and materials that are inspired by nature continue to lead the way in home decor trends,” stresses Gwen Petter, director of design for Temple, TX-based Wilsonart. “We’re seeing it everywhere from décor and paint colors to textiles and building materials, including countertops. Research shows that nature can offer mental health benefits including decreasing stress and relieving anxiety, as well as improve happiness and well-being.”

Material choice is often driven by convenient maintenance. “With a wave of new home buyers, we’re still seeing many homeowners unaware of the varying levels of durability and maintenance required when it comes to their countertop choices, and they’re shocked when they realize the maintenance involved with many popular options, such as marble,” offers Gerri Chmiel, residential design lead at Formica Corporation in Cincinnati, OH. “Interior designers say homeowners most often ask for the look of marble or quartz, but also want durable surfaces that are easy to clean and maintain,” she adds.

This is leading designers to recommend products that are low maintenance yet don’t compromise on modern, beautiful design. Colors that add warmth to the space – along with bolder colors, textures and materials that help make a statement – are also currently trending. That’s according to manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Natural Look Without the Wear

An organic, natural feel is desirable, but that doesn’t mean consumers are necessarily choosing natural stone. Maintenance concerns are driving the need for products that have the look of natural stone while offering higher durability. This has created a shift towards quartz, porcelain, laminate and solid surface.

“Consumers are most interested in performance, in-style yet timeless looks and materials that offer solutions,” Petter remarks. “The serene beauty of quartz is always in high demand, and it’s no surprise when you consider the material’s many benefits: on-trend elegant designs for any space, easy to clean and maintain, durable, stain resistant.”

“Solid Surface is quickly gaining traction as one of the most sought-

after countertops for its reliable durability, impact resistance and nearly effortless maintenance,” she adds.

The tendency of natural stone to stain and etch has driven the market towards porcelain, which offers the look, feel and depth of natural stone without the maintenance concerns, says Michael Zeitlin, executive director of Raphael Porcelain in Lodi, NJ. “Zero maintenance is something that every homeowner dreams of having when going for that look,” he states.

Maggie Ellis, residential marketing leader at Corian Design, based in Wilmington, DE, says they see users gravitating towards stone-like aesthetics as well as industrial looks such as cements and ironstone. “It really depends on the consumer, how they use their space and their personal style. In general, natural patterns are in demand,” she reports.

Practical Matters

Kitchen surfaces need to stand up to a wide range of activities, especially with the overlap between home, school and work these days. Durability, easy maintenance and cleanliness concerns have had a great impact on countertop trends, manufacturers say.

“Worry-free is a prerequisite to any surfacing in today’s world – whether it be flooring or countertop. That demand is here to stay,” stresses Sam Kim, senior v.p. – product at MSI in Orange, CA.

“Materials in homes need to be durable, to withstand the increased wear and tear and more frequent cleaning,” notes Ellis. Because outdoor spaces are being used more often, she adds, materials such as high-performance porcelain that can stand up to UV rays and the elements are in demand.

“We’ve seen a remarkable shift in consumer priorities to include a new focus on cleanliness and therefore countertop surfaces that can stand up to this new cleaning routine the world has taken on,” Petter states. “Materials that offer antimicrobial protection and stand up to rigorous cleaning are in high demand as we continue into this new normal.”

“Quartz, in general, has always been a durable and low-maintenance option for countertops,” adds Ed Rogers, executive v.p., US Surfaces, for Austin, TX-based Vadara Quartz Surfaces. “We are always looking for ways to improve our materials, and I believe consumers now are becoming more educated before they ever leave the house as to the type of product they want and how they need to take care of it.”

Bernadette White, v.p. at Cancos Tile + Stone in Southampton, NY says that, along with durability, the fact that porcelain comes in multiple thicknesses – allowing for a backsplash in a thinner material and thicker countertop while still book matching veining patterns – makes it a popular choice.

Warming Up

Manufacturers note that white is still the most prominent color for kitchen countertops, but warmer tones with texture and character, rather than stark, bright whites, are on the rise.

“Homeowners are looking for simple, grounding spaces that bring a sense of calm, so we’re seeing light, white spaces continue to dominate,” observes Chmiel. “People are comforted by what’s familiar, yet they’re craving something fresh and don’t want white to feel too stark, so we’re seeing an infusion of color into traditional palettes with an added hint of texture and drama.”

Ballucchi says the most sought-after trend right now is a white countertop with veining. “It showcases a clean look and the veins bring us back to a connection with nature and the everlasting richness of marble,” he explains.

The kitchen countertop is still dominated by white marble colors, concurs Taewoo Kim, surface product design director at LX Hausys America, in Atlanta, GA. “With a white base tone, gray, gold, navy and green vein colors that go well with the cabinet color are predominant,” he adds.

“While we see warm tones increasing in demand, the majority of the market is still demanding a lighter/white design aesthetic,” offers Jason Brown, director of Product Management for Architectural Surfaces, based in Austin, TX. He says veined marble porcelains, especially those emulating natural marble patterns, are seeing a surge.

Sam Kim remarks, “Warmer tones of both background and vein colors are gaining popularity, as are alternative finishes, such as MSI’s concrete- finish in quartz, which features the feel of concrete without any of the maintenance, staining, fingerprints, etc.”

Ballucchi adds that there’s a trend toward soft grays with beige undertones, sometimes known as “greige.” These colors add a contemporary feel, he notes, but can also go well with traditional cabinetry. Adding the beige to colder gray warms it up, bringing a more organic feel, he adds.

Bold Colors and Textured Looks

Homeowners seeking to make a statement are often moving towards darker or more vibrant colors, often mixed with other materials to add contrast, manufacturers say.

“Consumers are more open to adding color to their countertops,” Ballucchi notes. “Just as blues and greens are getting stronger in cabinetry, equally saturated, solid hues are also being sought out in countertops, as seen in Silestone’s newly-launched Sunlit Days Collection.”

Brown agrees that colors are currently in demand. “We’ve also seen an increase in bold and vibrant colors in residential settings for countertop designs – bold bathrooms, for example. People like a statement piece. We’re also seeing statement pieces on the kitchen island, while the rest of the kitchen is a calmer color/design,” he notes.

Mixing materials helps create visual interest while also maintaining practicality. “We are seeing an increased interest in mixing and matching materials to maximize functionality and beauty,” Ellis reports. “For example, in the kitchen, some homeowners are using Corian Quartz for the island and Corian Solid Surface for the perimeter, and 100% natural Corian Endura porcelain for the backsplash.” Homeowners are also experimenting with texture, she adds.

“With color and patterns, we’re seeing continued emphasis on calming light colors and a twist on classic patterns,” says Chmiel. “When it comes to texture, there’s an increased interest in natural finishes that further contribute to a grounded space. Expect to see a greater emphasis on woodgrains and metals that develop a patina over time.”

“The feeling of concrete emphasizing modernity is attracting attention around the city,” adds Taewoo Kim. “Concrete, which has a rough feel as if it has been painted white, different from the existing marble texture, is increasingly attracting attention from consumers who are looking for a stylish kitchen.”

Rogers believes that color selection is dependent on the individual homeowner’s tastes and preferences, and whether they want a monochromatic look or interesting movement. “Book-matched patterns are very popular, particularly for consumers with larger island workspaces and seating areas,” he said. There is also movement to develop different textures, he adds. “For us, specifically, more diverse/complex backgrounds using a combination of colors and veining techniques add depth to the material – making it look as natural as possible.”

On the Edge

Edge treatments may not be the top consideration when choosing countertops, but they must be part of the conversation, manufacturers note. “It is commonly said that the edge gives character to the project,” says Ballucchi. “Although the choice is based on personal taste, some edges do complement certain kitchen looks better than others.”

Zeitlin notes that, even in residential treatments, waterfall edges and full backsplashes made from the same material as the countertop are being used more often to give the space a cleaner, more luxurious look.

White reports that clients are wanting multiple built-up edges in the kitchen – such as 5cm thickness on the island and 2cm thickness on the countertops.

Brown offers, “Eased edge or flat polish is predominantly the edge of choice. Mitred waterfall counters are also trending now.”

Clean lines rather than bulky, ornate edges are in demand, according to Rogers. Waterfall edges on islands and full height backsplashes to match the countertops are also popular, he adds.

Functional upgrades

The longer people remain at home due to COVID-19, the more concerned they become with ensuring that the space works for them. “There has been a surge in demand for home renovation, as people are spending more time at home and want their space to be both functional and beautiful,” Ellis reports. “We will likely continue to see interest in materials that are highly functional, sustainable and beautiful.”

“The function of the kitchen, especially the island, has expanded from simple cooking to socializing and hobbies, and as the size of the kitchen has increased, the tendency to emphasize the island has increased, as well,” notes Taewoo Kim.

Chmiel believes the pandemic inspired many homeowners to reassess the look and function of their spaces. “With working and schooling from home still being a reality for many families, homeowners are prioritizing hardworking, multifunctional surfaces that exude comfort and serenity, creating a calming foundation for a kitchen or bathroom,” she explains.

This increased demand has created some challenges for manufacturers, including rising shipping costs, challenging supply chains and longer lead times. “Even with those challenges, demand remains very strong, and projects are being booked well into next year,” reports Rogers. “The pandemic has, ironically, gotten consumers to reconsider their living spaces [and desire] a more personal way to make it their own type of space that really reflects their needs and wants.”

Conscious Consumers

More and more, issues of sustainability and social responsibility play a role in the products consumers are choosing, manufacturers report.

“We’re seeing homeowners place a larger emphasis on using environmentally friendly materials,” Petter notes. “Wilsonart takes great effort to incorporate sustainable measures in all our products and processes. From raw materials to indoor air quality, the results are products such as the Wilsonart HPL and Solid Surface collections, which are environmentally sustainable and offer an array of designs that mimic the best of Mother Nature without impacting the environment.”

Ballucchi agrees that sustainability is an important factor in product decisions. “Consumers are now spending time and doing the research on what products to buy, and they want a product that has sustainable practices in the manufacturing process,” he stresses. “Overall, consumers are shifting to buy products from companies

they can trust.”

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WASHINGTON, DC — The Federal Housing Finance Agency has announced an increase in conforming loan limits (CLLs) for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) in 2022.

In most of the U.S., the 2022 CLL for one-unit properties will be $647,200, an increase of $98,950 from $548,250 in 2021, according to the FHFA.

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 requires that the baseline CLL for the Enterprises be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the average U.S. home price. According to the latest FHFA House Price Index (HPI), house prices increased 18.05%, on average, between the third quarters of 2020 and 2021. Due to rising home values, the baseline CLL in 2022 in all but four U.S. counties or county equivalents will increase by the same percentage, the FHFA said.

“These increases are an important step to ensure that government-backed mortgages keep pace with the sharp rise in home prices over the past year,” said Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders. “Supply-side challenges, including building material bottlenecks and lot and labor shortages, will continue to place upward pressure on construction costs and home prices in 2022.”

For additional information, visit https://www.fhfa.gov/CLLs.

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While bath accessories are often touted for the organization or comfort they provide, products such as medicine cabinets and mirrors can be statement-making pieces while they provide a needed function. Lighting is a key component of today’s mirrored fixtures, and many deliver different colors and temperatures to add brightness or a softer atmosphere, depending upon what is desired.

Some of the trends in bath mirrors and medicine cabinets include:

–Specialty lighting within mirrors that adjusts according to need and personal preference, including for makeup application and grooming as well as to mimic daylight and indoor lighting.

–Refrigeration within medicine cabinets to help preserve expensive face creams or properly store medications.

–Electronic outlets inside cabinets that supply power for hairdryers and electric shavers, as well as charging stations for cell phones and tablets.

–Backlighting on mirrors and medicine cabinets with color settings for drama and night-light displays for middle-of-the-night visits.

–Medicine cabinets and mirrors with smart capabilities for connected function, complete with disappearing television screens and computer settings for music, weather and other reports.

–Mirrors in dramatic shapes that enhance the overall design or act as the focal point of the bath.

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Before

The homeowners, a couple with a toddler, wanted to transform the master bath in their 1950s San Jose home into a soothing spa-like retreat, but the existing space presented quite the challenge – at only 36.5 square feet, the master bath was disproportionately small and cramped.

After

Designer Ratna Mehetre of Hans Spaces LLC incorporated an adjacent hallway linen closet and a small master bedroom closet in order to expand the bathroom’s footprint. The goal of the gut renovation was to create a space that would not only be luxurious, but toddler-proof as well. A new freestanding soaking tub was incorporated into the space, sealed to the wall on one side for safety, along with a custom-built walk-in glass shower with angled custom doors. A vanity was selected that would provide the look of a floating vanity with the added stability of a free-standing vanity. The space is accessible via a pocket door, and there are floor drains outside the shower for easy cleaning. Reflective and cool finishes were selected for the wall and floors in order to create an illusion of additional spaciousness, while a large round rattan mirror provides a feeling of depth.

After Photos: Steven Matthew Solidarios

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ORLANDO, FL — Returning to an in-person format, the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show is scheduled to be held February 8-10, 2022 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Part of Design and Construction Week, KBIS will once again be co-located with the International Builders’ Show.

KBIS and IBS, hosted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the National Association of Home Builders, respectively, are expected to feature over 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space and showcase more than 1,000 design and construction brands.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

The combined KBIS and IBS events will offer diverse programming, both on and off the show floor, along with a range of new products, technology, demonstrations and networking opportunities.

Some of this year’s highlights include:

The Kitchen & Bath Design + Industry Awards/Opening Party, dubbed “Night of Elegance,” is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Rosen Centre.DCW’s Opening Ceremonies, which will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8, will feature keynote speaker Earvin “Magic” Johnson.Wednesday, Feb. 9 opens with the NKBA State of the Association, scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. The presentation will be followed with the State of the Industry keynote address by Ginny Clarke, Holistic Leadership Strategist and Former Director of Executive Recruiting at Google.The second day of KBIS closes with The Bash at Mango’s Tropical Cafe, from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., hosted by the NKBA.EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES

The much-sought-out Voices from the Industry Conference will once again provide educational sessions and workshops, many offering continuing education units (CEUs). Over 80 hour-long informational sessions will offer attendees the chance to hear presentations from industry peers aligned to one of six tracks: Grow Your Business, Kitchen & Bath Specialty Training, Design, Management, Building/Remodeling and Customer Service. Several of the presentations will be hybrid, meaning the sessions can also be accessed online.

Education and information will also be provided through a variety of channels at the show, including:

KBISNeXT Stage, which will showcase the industry’s latest trends and insights shared by leading kitchen and bath experts. Programming includes DesignBites and a series of panel discussions on hot industry topics.

Wellness Pavilion, an area that showcases new and exciting wellness products and education covering themes such as biophilia, technology, lighting and more.

Discovery District, a portion of the South Hall devoted to emerging and international brands. At its center is the Discovery District Lounge, a place to sit, relax, recharge and network.

DCW Outdoor Living Pavilion, South Hall’s segment devoted to new products for grilling, entertaining and living well in a home’s outdoor space.

The ICFF Pavilion brings together brands that feature authentic design, contemporary design and high-end manufacturing. The area is focused on kitchen- and bath-

specific brands including fixtures, hardware, basins, tubs and vanities, as well as furniture, seating, flooring, lighting, materials and accessories.

NKBA Global Connect has an ongoing mission to expand KBIS and NKBA’s international impact, and it will offer curated International Delegation tours, an inaugural Pavilion in South Hall and the launch of the official German Pavilion at KBIS.

Design Milk X Modenus Talks Lounge, a collaboration between Design Milk and Modenus Media, is returning to KBIS for a fifth year and will be located in South Hall near the ICFF Pavilion. For 2022, #dmmtalks will focus on presentations and conversations around design business, emerging designers and artisans as well as networking breakfasts, luncheons and cocktail hours.

DesignBites “speed dating for brands” program returns, showcasing the latest product innovations. Situated on the KBISNeXT Stage, the presentation gives exhibitors the opportunity to share their newest products and programs in a three-minute presentation.

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AUSTIN, TX — The Decorative Plumbing and Hardware Association has named its 2021 DPHA Professional of the Year Award Winners, the Bethesda, MD-based trade association announced.

The winners, who were cited at the DPHA’s recent 20th Anniversary Conference and Product Showcase in Austin, include:

Customer Service Department of the Year: Waterstone Faucets, Murrieta, CA.Manufacturing Professional of the Year: Bruce Reidel, Mountain Plumbing, Irving, TX.Representative Agency of the Year: Excel Marketing, Boise City, ID.Representative Professional of the Year: Kory Nelson, Premier Decorative Group, San Ramon, CA.Showroom Professional of the Year: Joshua Moss, Advance Plumbing Company, Detroit, MI.Showroom of the Year: Ultra Design Center, Denver, CO.

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One part of a kitchen cabinet that not many people think about very much are kitchen cabinet pulls and kitchen cabinet knobs. Choosing either kitchen cabinet knobs or pulls can make a huge difference in the overall look and style of your kitchen. It can be really difficult to choose between kitchen cabinet knobs and

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