My answer is based upon what I see on my jobs, which often involves a collaboration of ideas based upon client needs and desires. I don't always see the practicality in what people are asking for, but we try to give people what they want. I will usually speak up if I see a train wreck coming, but for the most part kitchens are based upon individual client feedback. Here is a top 5 list of what clients have been asking for:

I have seen a lot of kitchens drawn with two islands. Not sure where this trend started, but of course this only works in very large kitchens. I personally would rather see an island and an eating area. The two island concept is for familes that do a lot of large scale entertaining. It works well for catered parties when a kitchen staff is present.

A lot of clients are asking for wine refrigerators, in addition to regular refrigeration. Sometimes these units are in the regular kitchen triangle, sometimes in side rooms or butler's pantries.

Glass tile is very popular right now. There are great looking, newly introduced options at the tile stores. Also, clients are seeing these options and bringing pictures of various glass designs and asking, " where can we put this". I do like the glass trend, it's a very practical choice for backsplashes and creates a nice transitional look.

Kitchen faucets are being introduced with great new features. The pull out faucet is very popular and always on client's wish lists. There is also the newer "touch technology" which I think was made popular by the various cooking networks. Moen has what they call MotionSense, which basically is a sensor that is activated by a touch or a wave of the hand for " hands- free" convenience.

Finally, I get many clients asking for a blend of styles. Right now we are just finishing up a kitchen where the homeowner wanted a vintage/modern feel. She had a beautiful, restored vintage stove that she felt strongly about re-using. I was actually surprised at how well this turned out. It's really my favorite thing in the kitchen. There are many modern elements like cork flooring, two dish washers, huge fridge and freezer all combined with this shiny, white vintage stove. It worked, I was surprised.

That's my top 5 list. I look forward to seeing other ideas. Thanks for the question.
Charmean Neithart

I would have to agree with both comments above. The trend is definetly much more specific, but the finishes are more simplified. Heavy corbels and multi-step paint finishes are becoming few and far between. Most of my clients are requesting mutliple locations for refrigeration, prep areas and sink areas. Hi-contrasting colors, for example a light paint color for the main cabinetry and a dark stain color for the island. As far as flooring, I have several requests, sleek large sized tile with a modern feel, polished porcelian and marble finishes, and slate or porcelian looking slates. The most popular size requested by my clients is 12"x24". We are also seeing and increased number of clients requesting dark stained hardwoods.The most requested backsplashes are slick glass, honed stone finishes, and polished marble and quartz. The patterns we have had the most requests for has been linear and modular.Finally when it comes to lighting, I find that simplicity really is the top choice here. Smooth and sleek fixtures, polished chrome and nickel finishes are more popular than ever.

In a nutshell, our clients are more savy than ever, do your research throughly.
Sites like Houzz are a great resource, create as many ideabooks as you can and your choices will become much clearer to you as yourideabook fill up.

Hope this helps.


Torry Manzo
Renaissance Kitchen and Home

I just want to comment on Charmean's 2 kitchen island idea, as much as people see something desirable, I personally would not want it even if I have the space for it.

Maybe it's not 'new' trend, but I am seeing more commercial sized fridge in kitchens.

Today the client is well informed , they have already done their Research,
1.A Client wants practicality in the kitchen more than anything.
2.Neat designing ;3. Extra storage for a Clutter free look ;
4.The High end refrigerators are a must as Dytecture mentioned
5.A Lovely Eye catching Rangehood is a Must .

@Vikrant Sharma Homez I couldn't agree with you more! As the owner of a kitchen & bathroom showroom and website I am amazed at how much the selections have grown, and the value continues to grow over my past 13 years in the business...

http://www.poshhaus.com/

well, 7 years down the line and there are definitely kitchen trends that do not go out of fashion.

First off there's the kitchen flooring. Wood flooring makes your kitchen stand out while being versatile and bringing a sense of cosiness. Yes wood is a little bit more high maintenance, but let's not forget that there's wood lookalike floorboards which are easier to maintain than actual wood, so that's an option.

Keeping the kitchen looking simple with clear shapes is also a timeless trend! with everything hidden in storage drawers.

You can never go wrong with neutral colours, in my opinion that's something that's always going to be there, especially white. it never goes out of fashion and is one of the most commonly used colours.

Having the living room and kitchen in one big open space is also a very good option to opt for as it just makes you step back and gives you a sense of relaxation when you look at the overall looks as well as the sense of spaciness.

With these colours and floor, you can never go wrong with a marble benchtop. Marble is on the expensive side but I haven't heard of anyone complaining about the looks or maintenance.

Imagine this whole look so far, marble benchtop, clean looking kitchen with a vast space and joined with your living room, what's missing ? fancy little touches, also known as high quality fixtures, appliances, lighting. Obviously not going overboard with it so you don't end up having a cluttered kitchen.

If you're after a retro-styled kitchen why not opt for retro-looking appliances or actual vintage ones, giving it a classic old school look!

There are a few companies out there that are able to help if you're unsure on what to go for and in need of help. I would say Advanced Cabinetry has one of the best articles out there in regards to this matter. Check it out if you'd like to get a better idea.