Which Trends are Spicing up Today's Kitchen Designs?

Wood flooring and glass backsplashes are expected to show up in more kitchens this year. Those were among two findings from the latest trend report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association, which surveyed 420 designers to find the top kitchen trends in 2014.

Below are some of the kitchen trends designers identified:

Trend #1: Contemporary styles

“While transitional styles are still number one, we see kitchen design trending more contemporary this year with clean, simple lines; less clutter, and little ornamentation,” says John Petrie, the 2014 NKBA president. Contemporary styles are on the upswing this year and may even inch closer to overtaking the popularity of transitional styles.

Trend #2: A place for electronics

The kitchen is increasingly becoming a hub for home owners’ electronics. Many kitchen designers are incorporating docking and charging stations in kitchen remodels, as also a desk or home office area and a flat-screen TV.

Trend #3: Energy savers

Home owners continue to look for the energy savings. Energy-saving appliances are expected to be in higher demand this year. Also, water-saving kitchen faucets will be another energy-saver that home owners look to incorporate more this year.

Trend #4: Quartz countertops

Quartz countertops are expected to gain popularity this year. About 40 percent of designers expect more kitchens to incorporate countertops made of recycled materials this year.

Trend #5: Satin finishes

Satin nickel has become the most popular faucet finish in the kitchen and is expected to continue to dominate in 2014, designers say. Polished chrome is second in popularity.

Trend #6: Granite composite sinks

Stainless steel is the most popular sink material; porcelain enamel is a distant second. But designers say they expect granite composite materials to become a growing option this year. Granite composite sinks, often found in darker hues, are known for being very durable and scratch resistant. They often are comprised of about 80 percent granite and 20 percent acrylic resin.

Trend #7: Pets place

The pets want a place in the kitchen too. More home owners are asking for them to carve out a special space for their cats or dogs in the kitchen ranging from a nook for the pet’s day bed to litter box cabinets, a feeding station, or even a doggy faucet.

Top Kitchen Features in Demand

Designers identified the following kitchen features as being in highest demand, according to the NKBA survey:

• Induction cooktops
• Steam ovens
• French-door refrigerators
• Bottom freezer refrigerators
• Touch-activated faucets
• Electronic (no touch) faucets
• LED lighting

Losing Popularity
What’s heading out of style in the kitchen? Designers said they are remodeling fewer kitchens with highly ornamented Tuscan and Provincial looks. Also, they said distressed and glazed finishes are decreasing in popularity as well as country/rustic styles, according to the NKBA study.

Courtesy: Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR® Magazine

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