The traditional kitchen has lost some of its metaphorical luster in recent years as, according to the 2017 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends Report, contemporary-styled kitchens have overtaken traditional to become the second-most popular North American kitchen design.
According to respondents, in addition to contemporary kitchens surpassing traditional kitchens, two-toned colored kitchens and kitchens equipped with more technology are also two trends currently on the rise.
Based on the survey, the NKBA created a list of the top 10 overall kitchen trends it expects to see for 2017.
- Clean lines, built-ins and simple door styles dominate kitchen designs. Contemporary- styled kitchens overtake Traditional to be the second most popular design after Transitional. Emerging: Industrial and Mid Century Modern. Mountain Modern and Coastal are variations on Contemporary.
- White and gray painted cabinets dominate kitchen color schemes and show no signs of slowing down, especially gray. Blue painted and high gloss cabinets are emerging. For overall color schemes, blue as well as black are emerging.
- Two-toned kitchens are gaining in popularity. Also mixing it up: materials and metals, across surfaces and as accents.
- While wood cabinets dominate kitchen designs, metal --currently a small segment of the cabinet market -- appears to be emerging. Metal cabinets are most frequently specified by younger and male designers.
- Furniture-look pieces, rollouts and pullouts and under cabinet lighting (LED) are among the most popular kitchen cabinet features. Use of crown molding is declining. Rustic and reclaimed woods were frequently mentioned.
- Quartz is the most popular kitchen countertop material, and trending up. Granite, the second most popular countertop material, is trending down.
- Induction cooktops and convection ovens are trending higher, and microwave drawers are outpacing freestanding or built-in microwaves. Steam ovens still represent a small segment of the market, but are also trending higher.
- Use of technology in the kitchen is increasing. About one third of NKBA professionals included wiring and pathways for future tech integration. Also trending upwards: more Internet connected appliances and docking stations.
- Interior barn and pocket doors in kitchens are trending up.
- Accessible and/or universal design features continue to trend up for kitchens.
The report and subsequent trends were generated with information from 562 responses to the 2017 Kitchen & Bath Design Trends survey that was sent out to National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) members in August 2016.
Designer: Dedra Hinano Nahinu, CKD, Inspiration Interiors. Photo: Augie Salbosa.
Designer: Robin R. Fisher, CMKBD, CAPS, Robin Rigby Fisher Design. Photo: Dale Lang.
Designer: Cassandra Nordell-MacLean, William Standen Co. Photo: Gerald Mabee.
Designer: Leslie Lamarre, CKD, CID, TRG Architecture + Interior Design. Photo: Bernard Andre.
Related Stories
| Oct 16, 2013
5 secrets of successful entrepreneurs
If you’re on the outside looking in, successful entrepreneurship may seem mysterious. But it isn’t. Here are five patterns of behavior that are common to successful entrepreneurs.
| Oct 15, 2013
Sustainable design trends in windows, doors and door hardware [AIA course]
Architects and fenestration experts are looking for windows and doors for their projects that emphasize speed to the project site, a fair price, resilient and sustainable performance, and no callbacks.
| Oct 15, 2013
Statue of Liberty update brings patrons closer to the action
While past renovation and restoration work on Liberty Island received more fanfare, the latest update arguably has had a greater impact on the three million people that visit the monument each year.
| Oct 15, 2013
Cass Gilbert's landmark St. Louis Central Library gets a reboot
A $70 million project returns large sections of the building to their original Beaux Arts beauty, while modernizing the spaces to make them more inviting and useful for today’s patrons.
| Oct 15, 2013
High-rise Art Deco courthouse gets a makeover in Amarillo, Texas
Recognized as one of the most significant Art Deco courthouses in Texas, the Potter County Courthouse is modernized and restored to its 1930s aesthetic.
| Oct 15, 2013
Historic LA YMCA-turned apartment building wins World Architecture Festival award
A major renovation of an historic YMCA in Los Angeles to an apartment facility was named the 2013 World Architecture Festival Housing Award recipient.
| Oct 15, 2013
15 great ideas from the Under 40 Leadership Summit – Vote for your favorite!
Sixty-five up-and-coming AEC stars presented their big ideas for solving pressing social, economic, technical, and cultural problems related to the built environment. Which one is your favorite?
| Oct 14, 2013
How to leverage workplaces to attract and retain top talent
Just about every conversation I have related to employee attraction and retention tends to turn into an HR sounding discussion about office protocols, incentives, and perks. But as a workplace strategist, I need to help my clients make more tangible links between their physical workplace and how it can be leveraged to attract and retain top talent. Here are some ideas.
| Oct 14, 2013
The next level of Lean process for healthcare
Most hospitals have begun the Lean process improvement stage to eliminate waste, reduce travel distances, and minimize inventory, with varying levels of success. Here are three keys to creating a prosperous Lean program.
| Oct 10, 2013
Behind the scenes at the U40 Summit: See the $5,000 U40 Vision competition in progress [slideshow]
Sixty-five up-and-coming AEC leaders are battling for $5,000 in prizes today at BD+C's Under 40 Leadership Summit in San Francisco.
