Smart Tech Demand Rising in Kitchen & Bath, But Conversion Remains Low
A new joint study from CEDIA and the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) reveals a
clear gap between consumer demand for smart technology and actual installation rates. The
findings, unveiled at CEDIA Expo/CIX 2025, highlight both challenges and opportunities for
integrators in the design-build community.
According to the report, 68% of design professionals see more interest in smart tech than two
years ago. Yet conversion rates remain uneven: while features like heated bathroom floors (92%
awareness, 50% conversion) and kitchen lighting control (84% awareness, 55% conversion)
show traction, categories like smart ovens (30% conversion) and security cameras (21%) lag far
behind.
Perhaps most striking, only 32% of NKBA respondents had heard the term “integrator,” and just
14% had worked with one. Homeowners still drive most tech conversations (75%), while
integrators initiate just 9%—a sign that the industry remains reactive rather than proactive.
Barriers remain cost (86%), complexity (77%), and lack of clarity around benefits (70%). But
homeowners continue to prioritize convenience, security, efficiency, and comfort—showing
fertile ground for growth if integrators can simplify messaging and engage earlier in projects.
With smart home adoption shifting from luxury to expectation, the CEDIA–NKBA partnership
aims to put integrators in the design conversation sooner, bridging the awareness gap and
unlocking more consistent conversion across categories.