Vern Yip / Washington Post
Transitional black-and-white kitchens are on trend and rising in popularity.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association released their 2017 trends survey recently and I thought I’d share their insights. The following has been taken from the most recent issue of Home Builder magazine.
Kitchens
Transitional kitchens still are the most popular with contemporary styles overtaking traditional. Look for industrial and mid-century modern as emerging designs.
White and grey painted cabinets are still the most popular, but look for blue and black to gain ground.
Two-tone coloured kitchens are on the rise with high-gloss finishes gaining ground.
Young, male designers are reintroducing metal cabinets while reclaimed woods and the use of combinations of materials and metals across surfaces and as accents are on the rise.
Furniture look pieces, rollouts, pullouts and under-cabinet lighting are popular features.
Quartz and granite continue to lead in kitchen countertops.
Induction cooktops and convection ovens are trending upwards and the introduction of microwave drawers is outpacing free-standing microwaves.
There is increased use of technology in the kitchen. This includes wiring and pathways for anticipated technical integration. There will be more internet connected appliances and docking stations as well as power strips under cabinets to eliminate outlets in the backsplash.
Bathrooms
In a bit of an unusual move, half of those surveyed indicated that they have eliminated a tub or a whirlpool in the bathroom remodel over the past year while more than 60 per cent of respondents anticipate adding a free-standing tub this coming year.
Contemporary and transitional styled bathrooms have surpassed traditional styled bathrooms. Shaker style is gaining and mid-century modern is also growing. Asian fusion is also on the rise.
Whites, off-whites and greys dominate colour schemes. Blue, violets and purples are on the rise.
Linen storage cabinets and wood vanities are the most popular bathroom storage amenities. Floating vanities and open shelving continue to be popular.
Ceramic tile flooring dominates, but high-quality vinyl is emerging as an option. In an interesting twist, undermount bathroom sinks seem to be the most popular with vessel sinks and pedestal sinks declining.
White fixtures are trending upward while bone and bisque are waning. Look for brushed brass and gold faucet finishes to increase in popularity along with designer faucet colours.
Emerging amenities include smart toilets, smart toilet seats, music in the shower and radiant floor heating.
Distributed video and audio and wiring pathways for future integration are being planned while power outlets in drawers are growing in popularity.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.
