Off the Cuff Podcast with Bill Darcy

NKBA CEO Bill Darcy reviews popular trends in 2020 that he projects to continue to see moving into 2021.  

Recently, I tuned into ‘Off the Cuff Podcast’, where editor Ruth Mitchell sat down with NKBA CEO Bill Darcy to discuss kitchen and bath innovations and trends. Bill, who joined NKBA over 14 years ago, has empowered his members with new services and tools. This past year has proved to be challenging for everyone, but Bill looks to use the pandemic as an opportunity for growth! 

Through the hardships and despair the pandemic has brought on, a silver lining is that companies and designers everywhere have been forced to reach new creative levels. Bill notes that designers now partake in video meetups with clients, virtual presentations, and work to build and create virtual shows. He predicts that designers will utilize these tools post Covid, and we can expect to see a hybrid model moving forward. 

The kitchen and bath industry has also seen great success, given the circumstances this past year. Bill discussed his thoughts on this success and what trends he predicts moving forward, as he noted that families spending more time in their homes emphasizes a need for reinvestments. Now more than ever, people have the time and ability to devote themselves to a neglected space. The fiscal potential is promising as well. Bill noted, “Up over 6% in Q3; quarter 3 predicts 1% increase in sales, year over year, from 2019- which is fascinating given the state of the world and the pandemic. 62% of companies drew a higher demand for their companies in Q3 across the board, which is a promising indicator for 2021.” 

He also highlighted some trends that are expected to continue moving into 2021. Bill emphasized the need for an “escape” in the home. Adding features that promote healthy living and technology, like larger sinks for cooking and washing produce, steam showers, and steam floors. In doing so, he reinstated the need for simplified living, with items like self-cleaning toilets, organizing, food storage that require less maintenance. Lastly, as many may expect, technological advances are here to stay in 2021, with new and improved features like – water leak detection, hands-free devices, water conservation technology, charging stations, motion-sensored lighting, and energy efficiency.  

 I’m excited to implement some of the trends Bill mentioned and am looking forward to what’s to come in 2021!