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. (Stay tuned for next week where we’ll highlight the top bathroom trends identified from the survey.)
Below are some of the kitchen trends designers identified.
Trend #1: Contemporary Styles
Contemporary Kitchen by Portland Design-Build Firms Janel Campbell, CKD,CBD,CAPS/Neil Kelly Company
“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. Sixty-two of the design professionals surveyed said they expect contemporary styles to be on the upswing this year and possibly even inch closer to overtaking the popularity of transitional styles.
Trend #2: A place for Electronics
Traditional Kitchen by Muncie Kitchen & Bath Designers Great Kitchens & Baths
The kitchen is increasingly becoming a hub for home owners’ electronics. Two-thirds of NKBA kitchen designers said they incorporated docking and charging stations in kitchen remodels. They also included a desk or home office area. Fifty-six percent said they included a flat-screen TV.
Trend #3: Energy Savers
Traditional Kitchen by Montclair Kitchen & Bath Designers Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc
Home owners continue to look for the energy savings. Sixty percent of designers expect energy-saving appliances to be in higher demand this year. Also, 47 percent of designers said water-saving kitchen faucets likely will be another energy-saver that home owners look to incorporate more this year.
Trend #4: Quartz Countertops
Contemporary Kitchen by New Orleans Tile, Stone & Countertops LaBruyere Stone
Quartz countertops are expected to gain popularity this year. About 70 percent of designers said they expect to see the countertops to increase in popularity. Also, about 40 percent of designers said they expect more kitchens to incorporate countertops made of recycled materials this year.
Trend #5: Satin Finishes
Contemporary Kitchen by Pensacola Interior Designers & Decorators In Detail Interiors
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
Kitchen Sinks by Houston Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Westheimer Plumbing & Hardware
Sink materials may be starting to change. 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
Mediterranean Kitchen by Solana Beach Interior Designers & Decorators Intimate Living Interiors
The pets want a place in the kitchen too. More designer report that home owners are asking for them to carve out a special space for their cats or dogs in the kitchen. These special kitchen spaces are 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.
