Editor’s Note:
This article was originally published in 2016. While kitchen and bath trends continue to evolve, many of the finishes and design styles discussed below remain popular in modern kitchens today.
Every year at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) releases a Design Trends Survey highlighting developments in kitchen and bath design. Many of the styles identified in recent years, including transitional kitchens, neutral color palettes, and streamlined storage solutions, continue to influence fixture and hardware selections today.
But what do these trends mean for fixtures like faucets, cabinet hardware, and showerheads? Let’s take a closer look.
Transitional Style Kitchens
A transitional-style kitchen blends traditional and modern elements. These kitchens typically feature clean lines, balanced textures, and a more understated appearance than purely contemporary designs.
Finishes such as:
- burnished brass
- matte brass
- brushed nickel
- stainless steel
continue to pair well with transitional kitchen designs because they provide warmth while maintaining a clean, modern feel.
Moen, a major manufacturer of kitchen and bath fixtures, allows you to search for fixtures based on your desired kitchen style, like transitional, which could be useful if you’re updating to a transitional style kitchen.
White and Gray Color Schemes
Neutral kitchens remain popular due to their versatility and timeless appeal. White and gray cabinetry, backsplashes, and countertops create a clean foundation that allows fixture finishes to stand out. In these spaces:
- matte black fixtures create contrast
- stainless finishes complement industrial-inspired kitchens
- warmer metallic tones add depth and visual interest
The right finish can help define the overall style of the kitchen while maintaining a cohesive appearance.
Simplified Storage and Coordinated Hardware
Features such as pull-out storage, roll-out shelving, and hidden organization systems continue to influence kitchen hardware choices. Drawer pulls, handles, and faucets often feature coordinated finishes to create a consistent look throughout the space. Chrome, stainless steel, brass, and matte finishes remain common choices because they balance durability with aesthetic appeal.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Fixture Finish
Kitchen fixtures are long-term design elements, which makes finish selection especially important. Many homeowners look for finishes that not only reflect current design preferences but also maintain a timeless appearance over time.
Decorative finishes can help create a kitchen space that feels modern, functional, and visually cohesive. If you’re exploring decorative finishing options for kitchen fixtures or hardware, contact Electro Chemical Finishing to learn more about available finishes and capabilities.