Top Design Trends for 2013

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recently released their annual Kitchen & Bath Style Report, which identifies emerging, existing, and ebbing trends for the new year. Based on our own observations over the past six months and what our clients have been displaying interest in, three trends in particular resonate with us here at V6B Headquarters: the surge of grey colour schemes, the preferment of transitional over traditional, and the dominance of white-painted cabinetry.

To illustrate these trends, we’re going to walk you through a recently completed V6B kitchen project. It not only demonstrates these trends, but more importantly how these elements, when brought together, are a truly winning combination.

 

Trend #1 Grey Colour Schemes

According to NKBA’s style report, grey colour schemes in kitchens and baths have been steadily rising since 2010.  As a neutral colour, grey is quite versatile and is an excellent choice for “…creating chic, sophisticated spaces.” In this kitchen, shades of grey are applied with expert precision and to great effect.

• The slab rift-cut white oak cabinetry is finished with Richmond grey stain and black highlights, which helps to anchor the colour palette
• The natural white and dark grey-flecked granite countertops complement the contrasting cabinetry and add texture
• The grey/taupe wall paint presents a unique earthy undertone that adds warmth and brings the kitchen and dining spaces together

Trend #2 Transitional Styles

Once the leading style in kitchen and bath design, traditional has recently declined in popularity in favour of more clean-lined transitional. Transitional style strikes a fine balance between traditional and contemporary characteristics to create spaces that are minimalist and chic, but also warm and inviting. This kitchen has clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and an open floor plan, but is softened with granite countertops, elegant ceiling crown detail, and recessed panel cabinet doors. Some other details worth noting are:

• The use of colour blocking and mixed cabinetry finishes, which adds a contemporary edge (note the dark colours on the tall wall, bar, and back of peninsula contrasted with the white-painted cabinetry work areas)
• The concealed, highly functional cooking, preparation, and entertaining areas, where clean lines and a minimalist look are maintained without compromising utility. In particular, the discreetly hidden bar service area (located just off the kitchen and dining spaces) boasts a wine fridge, pullout storage for liquor, glasses, and utensils, and a bar service counter complete with recessed lighting to accommodate a low-light, after-dinner ambiance.

Trend #3 White-painted Cabinetry

The NKBA style report also states that white-painted cabinetry has enjoyed a “…remarkable, upward climb over the past three years” and as a result, is “…clearly no fad.” We definitely agree with this finding because about 50% of our client projects in recent years have incorporated white-painted cabinetry. In this kitchen, white-painted recessed panel cabinetry with pewter highlights adds an elegant flair and pairs seamlessly with the grey-stained slab cabinetry.

After a tour of this kitchen, we think it’s quite clear why these trends have pushed their way to the top for 2013. This space makes everyday food preparation and cleanup effortless; it accommodates social gatherings with ease; it feels airy and modern without being stripped of warmth. In short, it’s a space that places equal important on style and function…and the result is pure, soft transitional elegance.

To see the complete project portfolio of this kitchen, please visit the V6B Masterpiece Gallery.