Top Kitchen Design Trends for 2012

Want the inside scoop on what’s hot in kitchen design this year? The 2012 NKBA Design Trends Survey revealed recent kitchen design trends across the U.S. Members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association took part in the survey by citing the materials, styles, and product types that they’ve incorporated into their kitchen designs over the final three months of 2011. The survey discovered the following overall trends for kitchen design: Glass Backsplashes Making a Splash According to the survey, glass is now the fastest growing material for backsplashes. Glass is reported to have been used by more than half of all kitchen designers, rising from 41% in 2010 to now 52%. This still follows behind natural stone at 60% and ceramic tile at 74% (which has declined 14% from two years ago). Granite (30%) and quartz (20%) are also gaining popularity as more homeowners are using these materials for their countertops and continuing the material into the

backsplash. Getting Eco-Friendly with LED Lighting Going green is not just a catchphrase these days, but a clear trend that is taking root in homes across the U.S. Using energy efficient, LED lighting has jumped to 70% (up from 54% two years ago). Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) aren’t experiencing the same growth in kitchen remodeling, because of the poor color of the light they produce and the presence of mercury in the bulbs. Shades of Gray Making Their Way In the 2010 survey, gray colors schemes were used by only 9% of kitchen designers; however, that number has dramatically increased to 33% this year. Bronzes & terracottas have also increased from 20% to 31% over the past two years; and greens from 18% to 32%.

Whites, off-whites, & beiges still continue to be the most popular color schemes for kitchens. Darker Finishes Gaining Popularity With natural finished cabinetry, trends have moved towards dark finishes. 58% of designers are now using darker finishes, a figure that has increased 15% in the last two years. With regard to painted cabinetry, white continues to be the leading option. Distressed finishes are also making a comeback, with currently 22% use, compared to just 5% last year. Pull-Out Faucets are Favored The ease and functionality of pull-out faucets have made them the dominant choice in kitchen faucet selection. This trend was obvious at the NKBA’s Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, where a vast number of pull-out faucets were on display, exemplifying that they could be tied into almost any kitchen design style. Designers are now using pull-out faucets in 93% of the kitchens they design. Transitional Style Takes the Lead For the first year, traditional is no longer the most popular design style for kitchens, taking a back seat to transitional style. Transitional is considered the “modern classic” style, a blending of traditional and contemporary, with lines that are more simple than traditional but more elaborate than contemporary. Traditional now falls second behind transitional, with contemporary coming in third. Among the other frequently used styles were cottage, shaker, and arts & crafts. Implement some of these trends, and you’re stove won’t be the only thing hot in your kitchen. Whether you’re into the latest, trendy style or a timeless, classic look, Pizazz can help you create a kitchen you’ll love spending time in.