1. Younger homeowners are really starting to make their mark, but Midlife Made-Its are still your sweet spot. These homeowners, currently in their 40s or 50s, are at the peak of their earning years and want a nicer kitchen or bath to show for it. Kitchen and bath designers surveyed by RICKI report that together, Midlifes account for 55% of their customer base. Appeal to this influential segment with products such as high-end appliances and specialized storage solutions.
2. Designers expect Moving Ups (homeowners in their 30s or 40s buying a move-up home) to join Midlife Made-Its in driving growth and profit over the next five years. These consumers want connected, beautiful homes, with products such as smart appliances and unique backsplashes. Their style tastes lean toward transitional (43%) or traditional/refined (34%).
3. Younger Starters (new homeowners in their 20s or 30s) are not ready to be a driving force, and they’re also the most challenging segment. Their style tastes trend toward new, with almost half (49%) preferring a modern look.
4. Older Next Phasers (in their 50s or 60s, with winding-down work lives) have almost come to expect universal design elements that make their lives easier.
5. New technologies represent the number-one change for designers, thanks to widespread integration of tools such as 3D design software and virtual reality.
6. Designers are shifting more of their marketing to digital platforms, but customer experience still reigns supreme.
7. It’s still great to be green. Looking ahead, 44% of designers offer or plan to offer more eco-friendly products.
8. In the showroom, first impressions are everything. Designers call more/better showroom displays their number-one priority, and a whopping 86% have made changes or plan to make changes to their showroom.
9. It pays to be social. Social media use ranks as one of the top five business technology changes for designers.
10. Connectivity is key. Designers count digital customer communications including texting as another crucial shift in their business practices.

Would you like other highlights from this research study? Request a free copy of Summary Study Highlights presented at KBIS. Contact Kent Panther by email or call 704-332-9071.