What happens in the remodeling world is usually a precursor to trends that appear in new construction. Every year the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) releases the results of its annual 60,000 member survey that tracks design trends in kitchen and bathroom remodeling.

As an overview kitchen and bath design have definitely trended towards the contemporary. Clean simple lines and glossier and sleek finishes are in. Out of favor in kitchens are rustic, country and Tuscan cabinetry styles with heavy glazing and distressing.

In bathrooms, people are demanding a spa-like atmosphere with cool white and gray color pallets. Multiple storage opportunities are also tending in the cabinetry plus people are looking towards universal design so that they can age in place without more renovation needed later.

Kitchen trends

In: European inspired clean and simple recto-linear designs, high gloss finishes, Painted cabinetry
Out: Highly ornamented rustic, Tuscan, and Provincial cabinetry with distressed and/or glazed finishes

In: Duplicate appliances (more than one dishwasher, refrigerator etc.)
Out: Single appliances

In: Counters and tall gathering tables
Out: Standard Kitchen Tables

In: Quartz countertops
Out: Laminate countertops

In: Wood flooring
Out: Vinyl or linoleum flooring

In: Microwave drawers
Out: Freestanding microwaves

In: French door refrigerators
Out: Freezer-top refrigerators and side-by-side refrigerators/freezers

In: Polished chrome faucets
Out: Bronze/oil-rubbed bronze and polished brass faucets