Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017. While design trends continue to evolve, many of the finishes highlighted below remain popular choices in today’s kitchens and bathrooms.
The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s (NKBA) Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) has long been a leading source for identifying emerging kitchen and bath design trends. Many of the finishes that gained popularity earlier—including matte black, brushed brass, and mixed-metal designs—continue to influence fixture and hardware selections today.
Let’s look at some of the kitchen and bath finishes that have demonstrated lasting appeal.
Kitchen Finish Trends
Contemporary and transitional kitchen styles continue to dominate residential design. Built-in cabinetry, furniture-inspired details, and mixed materials remain popular choices for homeowners seeking a balance between modern and traditional aesthetics.
Neutral color palettes, particularly white and gray, continue to provide the backdrop for bold fixture finishes. Matte black remains one of the most popular options for faucets and hardware, while warmer metallic finishes such as brushed brass, copper, bronze, and gold add visual interest and contrast.
Kitchen islands also continue to serve as focal points, often featuring decorative fixtures and hardware that complement the overall design scheme.
Click here to read the NKBA press release on kitchen trends for 2026.
Popular Bath Finishes
Today’s bathrooms continue to embrace contemporary and transitional styling. Neutral palettes featuring white, gray, and blue remain common. These create an ideal setting for decorative bath finishes that add warmth and character.
While chrome, stainless steel, and brass remain popular choices, homeowners increasingly seek finishes that make a statement. Matte black bath fixtures continue to be one of the most requested finishes thanks to their modern appearance and ability to complement a wide variety of design styles.
Warm metallic finishes such as brushed brass, gold, and copper also remain popular for faucets, shower hardware, cabinet pulls, and accessories. These finishes help create a more inviting and luxurious bathroom environment.
As homeowners look for ways to personalize their spaces, decorative bath finishes continue to play an important role in bathroom design.
Click here to read the NKBA press release on bath trends for 2026.
Conclusion
The finishes that emerged as design trends earlier helped shape many of the kitchen and bath styles that remain popular today. Matte black, brushed brass, copper, gold, and other decorative finishes continue to influence fixture and hardware selections across residential markets.
Electro Chemical Finishing offers a wide variety of decorative finish options for kitchen and bath components. Contact us today to learn more about our finishing capabilities.