Kitchen design trends change over time, but fixtures and hardware remain important elements of any kitchen renovation. From faucets and cabinet pulls to lighting and appliance accents, decorative finishes help bring a room’s overall design together.
Each year, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) provides manufacturers and designers with insight into emerging styles, materials, and finishes. While individual trends come and go, several design approaches have demonstrated lasting appeal.
Kitchen Design Trends and Fixture Finishes
Kitchen fixtures are often part of a remodeled space for many years, so choosing finishes that complement the surrounding materials and colors is important. White and gray have long been popular choices for kitchen cabinetry and countertops, but homeowners also choose deeper colors such as forest green, navy blue, and muted blue-green tones. Warm metallic finishes, including brass and gold, can provide an attractive contrast against these darker colors.
Matte black is another versatile option for kitchen fixtures and hardware. Black faucets, cabinet pulls, and other accents can create contrast in lighter kitchens while complementing darker cabinetry and contemporary designs. Other decorative finishes, such as brushed nickel, pewter, and gunmetal, provide additional options for manufacturers looking to accommodate different design preferences.
Mixing Metals and Materials
Natural materials, including wood cabinetry and stone countertops, continue to influence kitchen design. Reclaimed wood, in particular, can introduce a rustic or traditional element that pairs well with a variety of decorative metal finishes.
Rather than using one finish throughout an entire kitchen, designers may combine brass fixtures with stainless steel or nickel cabinet hardware. Lighting fixtures can feature another complementary metal finish, allowing the different elements to work together without matching exactly.
This approach gives homeowners greater flexibility when selecting kitchen fixtures and hardware. It also creates opportunities for manufacturers to offer products in multiple decorative finishes to accommodate different styles.
Decorative Finishing Options for Kitchen Fixtures
There is no single finish that works for every kitchen. The right choice depends on the overall design, surrounding materials, and desired appearance of the finished product. For manufacturers, decorative surface finishing provides an opportunity to offer a wider range of colors, textures, and appearances across kitchen fixtures and hardware.
ECF offers a variety of decorative finishing capabilities, including electroplating and trivalent chrome. If your company is looking for decorative surface finishing solutions for kitchen or bath components, contact ECF to discuss your project requirements.