Kitchen & Bath Magazine

Each year the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) receives hundreds of entries into its annual design competition. Based on the review of the 678 entries they received this go around, the NKBA has released their top 10 list of kitchen and bath trends for 2009:

Steel counters
Out of the restaurant into the home: its sleek, modern look and ability to complement stainless steel appliances, has helped stainless steel emerge as a favourite countertop choice in kitchen design.

Black and white kitchens
Already an established hit in Europe, the drama of black and white colour schemes is making headways in North America.

Off-the-wall mirrors
According to the NKBA, flush-mounted bathroom wall mirrors are giving way to more creative placements. For example, freestanding furniture pieces and back-to-back mirrors, sinks and faucets that create defined “his and hers” spaces.

New backsplash materials
Though tile and stone backsplashes remain popular, resin panels made with interesting items such as fabric, mesh and bamboo, are also surfacing.

Tin ceilings
The addition of tin ceilings is increasingly being used to add more visual interest to the kitchen’s “fifth” wall.

Floating cabinets
More and more bathroom designs are incorporating floating wall-mounted units. The open area beneath the cabinet helps create a sense of spaciousness. (For more on floating cabinets, check out the Summer 2009 issue of Canadian Kitchen & Bath.)

Stone hearths
Large hearths in natural stone are increasingly adding drama to the kitchen.

Shoji screens
Separating spaces while still allowing light to pass through, the ancient shoji screen is making a modern-day comeback.

Chrome
Move over brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome is making a splash, particularly in bathrooms.

Glass effects
More and more designers are incorporating glass in less traditional places in kitchen designs. According to the NKBA, countertops and backsplashes were especially hot among entries.

< Prev		Next >