The most recent research report from the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) revealed that the contemporary style for kitchens is on the rise going into 2014. Transitional design is still the most popular choice, but the NKBA says that it has only “a very small lead” over the clean and simple contemporary style.
The report, which was released during the 2014 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) this past week, identified several other interesting trends in kitchen design that you will want to consider if you have been thinking of refreshing or remodeling your home this year. We’ve summarized the most important trends for you here.
Contemporary Style Trending, Transitional Still #1
In 2012, the NKBA’s annual report identified transitional design as the top style for kitchens for the first time. Before that, traditional design had been the long-running top pick for kitchen design.
This year, transitional held only a slight lead over contemporary style, and Shaker style came in third.
What does this mean for kitchen design? Contemporary design focuses on having little ornamentation, and straight, simple lines. Traditional tends to have more flair, and Shaker style is a particular variation inspired by early 19th century American furniture.
Ken Laundroche described transitional style during his interview with us late last year:
“Simply stated, ‘transitional design’ is the blending of design motifs from traditional and contemporary,” said Laundroche. “It softens the hard edges of contemporary and cleans up all the excesses of traditional design characteristics.”
Technology Gets Integrated In the Kitchen
There were several responses that showed tech’s growing presence in the kitchen. More than half of respondents included flat screen TVs in their kitchen projects, and two-thirds of the designers surveyed had incorporated a home office area or charging and docking stations in the kitchen.
The growing presence of computers, tablets, and other technology is hardly surprising, but it is interesting to see it already having an impact on the design in the kitchen. It is, after all, a great deal easier to look up a recipe on a website or Pinterest than a cookbook.
Energy Saving, Innovative Appliances Growing More Popular
Energy-saving appliances, including those that bear the Energy Star certification, are growing in popularity. That should not come as too much of a surprise, considering such appliances help noticeably cut costs. Forty percent of the designers surveyed also mentioned that water saving faucets were being requested more often last year.
While electric cooktops were considered to be “fading” in design terms, induction cooktops have seen increased demand. So too were bottom freezer refrigerators, in particular french door refrigerators. Steam ovens were also mentioned as being an oft-requested feature in new kitchens.
Porcelain is Out; Steel, Wood, and Stone Trending
There was an overwhelmingly positive response to quartz countertops becoming an even more popular choice in 2014, with 70 percent of designers expecting a rise in the use of the material.
Stainless steel is the most popular material for sinks, while porcelain enamel is becoming less popular. Granite sinks, while less common than porcelain, are expected to become more popular this year.
Wood is the most popular choice for kitchen floors, and glass is expected to rise in popularity as a backsplash material, although it is not currently the most popular material.
Other notable fixture trends included increasing interest in LED lighting as well as electronic touch and no-touch faucets.
Pet-Friendly Kitchens
A particularly interesting trend in kitchen design is dedicated spaces for pets. This includes beds, feeding stations, litter box cabinets, and doggy faucets.
The NKBA compiles their research from the results of a survey of 420 designers in the U.S. and Canada.
Are any of these trends likely to influence your redecorating plans for 2014? Tell us in the comments!
