Hot in kitchens: Darker cabinets, pullout faucets

More Americans are renovating their kitchens, the American Institute of Architects reports.

According to a survey of AIA members, the trend in kitchen design that has grown most in popularity is opening the kitchen to the living area. The only other kitchen project that grew significantly in popularity was universal design, perhaps a nod to aging baby boomers who need more accommodation.

The project showing the greatest decline in popularity was the creation of a larger pantry space.

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"During the lowest points of the housing downturn, kitchen design fell as a priority. However, this space is once again the real heartbeat of a home, with open design and integration with other living space," AIA chief economist Kermit Baker said in a news release. "The last few years have seen kitchens take on new functions with dedicated computer areas and recharging stations.”

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The National Kitchen and Bath Association also surveys its members about trends in kitchen design. These are five major trends identified in the latest annual survey:

• Less cherry wood. The percentage of designers specifying cherry in one of their projects has dropped from 80% two years ago to 69%. No single wood has emerged as the new look, though we were surprised to see that oak had grown in popularity, from 11% to 22%.
• Darker finishes. Customers who choose a wood look are continuing to move toward darker hues. For customers who want painted cabinets, white remains the most popular color. Distressed finishes are also making a comeback -- though I hope they look better than the antiquing job I did on my parents' cabinets around 1970.
• Glass backsplashes. Natural stone and ceramic tile remain more popular, but not as popular as they were.
• LED lighting. Customers are interested in energy efficiency. But while they are embracing LEDs, they are not calling for compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Pullout faucets. "Designers are increasingly eschewing the standard faucet with a detached side spray in favor of pull-out models that integrate the two functions into a single unit," the NKBA wrote in a news release. Separate pot-filling faucets are losing popularity.

Home trends that were seen in both kitchens and baths were more transitional styles, more solid-surface countertops and the return of polished chrome.

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What's in your dream kitchen? Do these trends reflect what you'd choose?

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