Traditional will continue as the most popular kitchen design style in 2010, with contemporary following closely behind, while the Shaker style is seeing a surprisingly strong resurgence, according to a recent National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) survey of kitchen and bath designers that showed some established trends persisting while others developed.
Among other findings of the poll, cherry will remain the most popular wood for kitchen cabinetry, followed closely by maple, while alder increases in use.
Ceramic and porcelain tile, as well as natural stone tile, remain popular kitchen flooring options, but hardwood will dominate the kitchen landscape more than ever in 2010.
Standard kitchen faucets will become less standard in 2010 in favor of more convenient models. Pullout faucets continue to increase their market dominance, while pot filler faucets will also become more prevalent.
A surprising trend is the extent to which undercounter refrigerator drawers are being used in the latest kitchen designs. Perhaps even more surprising is that undercounter wine refrigerators have been recently specified by half of kitchen designers.
The tried-and-true range continues to serve as the workhorse for cooking, although the combination of a cooktop and wall oven is beginning to overtake it.
An increasing number of dishwasher drawers will be installed in kitchens this year for their convenience and their ability to wash small loads, thereby saving water and electricity.
As with kitchens, traditional will be the most popular design style in bathrooms in 2010, as contemporary designs will be a distant second, followed by the Shaker style as an even more distant third.
Similarly, ceramic and porcelain tile will be the dominant flooring materials in bathrooms this year, while natural stone will continue to prove popular as well. Though increasingly popular in kitchens, hardwood flooring won’t become common in bathrooms in 2010.
Perhaps more than ever, the most common color for fixtures will be white. Bisque and off-white will be the only other fixture colors at all common in new or remodeled bathroom.
Faucet finishes in the bathroom are similar to those used in current kitchen designs, with brushed nickel continuing to lead the way in 2010. Polished chrome and satin nickel will also be incorporated into many bathrooms, just as they had been throughout 2009.
Education
Pella Expo Slated for 30 Cities
Pella Corp. announced a schedule of industry events in U.S. and Canadian sports venues February 2 through May 13 as The Pro Expo™ presented by Pella takes place in 30 cities. During the free events, attendees can obtain continuing education credits, learn about the latest products, services and tips to help build their business and support local food banks in partnership with The Salvation Army.
Events will be held every Tuesday and Thursday, February 2 through May 13, from 3 to 8 p.m. Brands like Kohler, James Hardie, Schluter Systems, AZEK, DuPont and Contractors.com will join Pella in showcasing products, services and the latest building practices.
Training and educational credits will be offered in partnership with the National Association of The Remodeling Industry (NARI), National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and American Institute of Architects (AIA). Sessions presented by Pella and industry partners will cover proper window installation, marketing ideas, construction tips, trends and “green” building.
A Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. representative will present the keynote address at each event on “The Future of Remodeling.”
Sessions will be held in notable stadiums like Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Soldier Field in Chicago, Gillette Stadium in Boston, Chase Field in Phoenix and more.
Attendees may preregister online at TheProExpo.com or by calling (888) 644-EXPO.
Energy
Homeowners Still Want Efficiency
In light of the downturn in the housing market and overall economy, homeowners are still adding energy-efficient options and low-maintenance products, while showing a lessened interest in special features such as home theaters and guest wings.
That’s one of several findings of a recent survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
“There has been a decrease in popularity for certain energy-efficient products or systems, but overall they continue to be in demand from homeowners,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker.
The Washington, D.C.-based AIA cited a rise in popularity for such products as tankless water heaters, water-saving plumbing products and “green” flooring, as well as systems and technologies aimed at energy management, water reclamation and air purification.
On the flip side, according to Baker, current economic conditions have also resulted in a significant drop in the investment by consumers in home offices and home theaters, guest or children’s wings, au pair/in-law suites, mudrooms and other specialty features.
AIA’s Home Design Trends Surveys are conducted quarterly among a panel of more than 500 architecture firms that concentrate their practice in the residential sector, according to the trade association.