2012 National Kitchen and Bath Association Trend Spotter

More and more opinions constantly roll through for trending and spotting interior design materials and colors. I, of course, keep my ear on all streams of information. The National Kitchen and Bath Association, NKBA, has become a valuable resource for both professionals and consumers and is one of the more reliable sources I look to for what’s new and hot.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association, (NKBA), is a non-profit trade association that promotes the professionalism of the kitchen and bath industry. Established in 1963 as a network of kitchen dealers, it has grown into the premier association of distributors, retailers, remodelers, manufacturers, fabricators, installers, designers, and other professionals. The NKBA’s certification program emphasizes continuing education and career development and includes designers and professionals in all segments of the kitchen and bath industry. 

These trends are specified by reports and studies identified by NKBA member designers as we continue to roll ahead into 2012. Listed here are the first 5 out of NKBA’s top 10 trends for 2012.

CHERRY WOOD IN DECLINE.  

·        Cherry wood has consistently been the first or second most popular type of wood for cabinetry, vying for the top spot with maple each year. However, we are now slowly shifting away from Cherry.

So what are we moving toward? More Walnut, still Maple and surprisingly Oak has had a strong resurgence.

Plain and Fancy Cabinetry - All Walnut in Cocoa

DARKER FINISHES.

The species of wood  has to lead us into colors and finishes. Natural or neutral kitchen cabinetry continues a steady move toward darker finishes. However, you will see the darker finish usually combined with aluminum and multi -faceted glass door fronts. 

White finishes yes, are still being shown. these are frequently combined with a splash of color on drawer or door fronts and even colored glass fronts. Dark stains like cocoa or wenge and high gloss enamel paints are the choice of finish used today in renovations and new construction moving forward through 2012.

Modern Kitchen from Caesarstone Galleries

GLASS BACKSPLASHES.
Glass in so many ways continues to come on strong in 2012. Although it is a niche material for kitchen countertops, it has recently been used by more than half of kitchen designers as a backsplash material either in tiles or full sheets. Glass as a backsplash has risen from 41% to 52% just in this past year according to NKBA. 
It only trails natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tile by 8%. Ceramic tile for backsplashes however, are now on the decline. 

An ultra modern kitchen by Caesarston Galleries. Glass backsplash in a full sheet behind range.

POLISHED CHROME.

Supplemented by brushed metal finishes like satin nickel and stainless steel, polished chrome is staging a comeback; yes, really. In kitchens, polished chrome is up from 34% to 52%specified by NKBA designers and in bathrooms, up from 46% to 65%.

SHADES OF GRAY.

I continue to agree, notice and quote the ever popular use of gray in 2012 and beyond. NKBA study concluded that gray used as the overall color scheme in kitchens doubled last year and doubled again this year. Same holds true for bathrooms; dramatically jumping from 12% (2010) to 21% to 40% in bathroom remodels in 2012. 

Gray creates a beautiful backdrop for artwork and any color combination of your choice. 

Photo from the Classic Gallery by Caesarstone.

Coming in next week's blog are the remaining 5 trend spotters of NKBA's 10 picks for 2012. Can you guess what they are? Stay tuned.