Personal lifestyle changes often have a way of influencing our personal design style. While you may assume these shifts in the way we live are associated with age and life stage, that’s not entirely true.
What is true, however, is that these major lifestyle changes are altering the way we design and use our kitchens. That’s the conclusion drawn by the National Kitchen & Bath Association from their Living Impacts Design study.

The four key design themes emerging from the study are Connected Living, Simplified Living, Healthy Living, and Living in Place.
Connected Living

The need for increased human interaction, information access, and a connection with nature.
87% of those surveyed listed need for greater inclusion and visibility with open kitchen layouts, multi-function spaces within the kitchen to work for a variety of activities (meal prep, entertaining, school, and work-from-home).
Simplified Living

Home is a shelter and a retreat from a chaotic world.
80% of respondents said minimizing clutter, cleaning and targeted storage is a critical design need for the kitchen.
Healthy Living

Creating spaces that fuel and heal the body; establishing a deeper connection to nature and a focus on wellness.
48% want kitchens that help them to be more health conscious.
Living in Place

Multiple generations are living together under the same roof, so there is an increased need for spaces that work for all, no matter their age, ability or physical challenges.
67% surveyed have a desire to age in place, and more than 60% want kitchens that are easily used for all ages and skills.
Reposted from Christina Mogk blog, Design Bites