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
Mixed-Use | Oct 18, 2022
Mixed-use San Diego tower inspired by coastal experience and luxury travel
The new 525 Olive mixed use San Diego tower was inspired by the coastal experience and luxury travel.
University Buildings | Oct 18, 2022
A carbon-neutral-ready university campus opens in Hong Kong
In early September, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) officially opened its new, KPF-designed campus in Nansha, Guangzhou (GZ).
Market Data | Oct 17, 2022
Calling all AEC professionals! BD+C editors need your expertise for our 2023 market forecast survey
The BD+C editorial team needs your help with an important research project. We are conducting research to understand the current state of the U.S. design and construction industry.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2022
Ambitious state EV adoption goals put pressure on multifamily owners to provide chargers
California’s recently announced ban on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles starting in 2035—and New York’s recent decision to follow suit—are putting pressure on multifamily property owners to install charging stations for tenants.
Justice Facilities | Oct 17, 2022
San Antonio’s new courthouse aims to provide safety and security while also welcoming the public
The San Antonio Federal Courthouse, which opened earlier this year, replaces a courthouse that had been constructed as a pavilion for the 1968 World’s Fair.
Market Data | Oct 14, 2022
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Jumps in September; Contractor Confidence Remains Steady
Associated Builders and Contractors reports today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to 9.0 months in September, according to an ABC member survey conducted Sept. 20 to Oct. 5.
| Oct 13, 2022
Boston’s proposed net-zero emissions code has developers concerned
Developers have raised serious concerns over a proposed new energy code by the City of Boston that would require newly constructed buildings over 20,000 sf to immediately hit net-zero emissions goals.
Education Facilities | Oct 13, 2022
A 44-acre campus serves as a professional retreat for public-school educators in Texas
A first-of-its-kind facility for public schools in Texas, the Holdsworth Center serves as a retreat for public educators, supporting reflection and dialogue.
Building Team | Oct 12, 2022
Real estate development practices worsened impact of Hurricane Ian
A century ago, the southwest Florida coast was mostly swamps and shoals, prone to frequent flooding and almost impossible to navigate by boat.
Market Data | Oct 12, 2022
ABC: Construction Input Prices Inched Down in September; Up 41% Since February 2020
Construction input prices dipped 0.1% in September compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today.
