regulations for low-flow faucets and their ma-
terial makeup.
Manufacturers repeatedly listed two kitch-
en trends impacting their research, develop-
ment and product introductions: the kitchen
becoming the hub of the home for socializing
and entertaining in addition to a place to cook
and clean, and the continuation of interest
in professional- or commercial-grade kitchen
products appearing in residential spaces.
Peggy Gallagher, product manager for
Delta Faucet Company, points to research
proving the evolving role of the kitchen.
"What we understand is consumers, first, are
looking for the right kitchen faucet to really
coordinate and complement a particular style
tyle, functionality and durabil-
ity drive innovation, and while
this is true within many product
categories, it is especially true in
the kitchen faucet market. As kitchen style
preferences shift—the 2017 U.S. Houzz
Kitchen Trends Study reports contemporary
has surpassed transitional as the top kitchen
style—kitchen and bar faucets and pot fill-
ers see new shape and finish introductions.
Introductions continue to include pull-down
and pull-out features, and technology expands
with hands-free and touch offerings as well.
Durability as a selection criterion factors in
a faucet standing up to daily wear and tear
as well as meeting the growing concern and
Kitchen Water Essentials
Manufacturers discuss
where homeowners
want to interact with
water in their kitchens,
how they use faucets
and pot fillers, and why
water quality remains
an important concern.
By Kacey Larsen
S
KOHLER's Ramos points to an increase in
the sales of pot fillers and wall-mounted
kitchen faucets, but she explains that
homeowners seem to be moving away
from a "matchy-matchy" mentaility.
Circle 10 on inquiry card
PRODUCT TRENDS: Kitchen Faucets & Fixtures
54 February 2017 QR QualifiedRemodeler.com