KITCHEN STYLE – WHAT’S ‘IN’ TODAY

White still reigns. As it has for decades, white remains the top cabinetry color (43 percent), followed by wood (25 percent). Yet, today 10 percent of all new cabinets are painted gray. Chances are white will continue as the preferred color and gray (like pickled wood) may see its day in a few years. . .

Keep it simple. Transitional (a blend of traditional and contemporary) is the top cabinet style, while 15 percent of new kitchens feature contemporary cabinets, followed closely by farmhouse style at 14 percent.

Shaker ain’t shaky. Shaker style cabinet doors are preferred by 57 percent of the survey takers, with flat-panel a distant second at 19 percent.

Mix up metals. More than half of homeowners are mixing metal finishes in cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures. Satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze and matte black (the newest hot color) are preferred.

Engineered is tops. For the first time engineered quartz (brands like Silestone, Caesarstone and Cambria) has surpassed natural stone in popularity, with 48 percent choosing these pricy but oh-so-durable products; just 43 percent chose natural stone countertops. Engineered flooring, such as wood, vinyl and laminate, has become nearly twice as popular (40 percent) as natural hardwood (24 percent).

Check the tech. The survey found that more than half of upgraded faucets are high-tech (57 percent), boasting water efficiency, no-fingerprint coating or touch-free activation. Other high-tech features such as wireless controls in upgraded appliances (16 percent) and home assistants in upgraded electronics (31 percent) are growing in popularity.

Paint the walls. Gray is the most popular color for kitchen walls, chosen by 31 percent of the homeowners. White was second (24 percent), followed by beige (19 percent).

Design for aging. When creating a new kitchen, 37 percent of baby boomers focused on future needs: open traffic patterns, brighter lighting, touch-free faucets and “smart” appliances.

Open it up. The kitchen is increasingly the center of home activities, with work areas, office nooks, bars and cooking stations. Well over half of all homeowners want their kitchens to be integrated with adjoining rooms and spaces.