The latest trends in baths and kitchens

All of the latest kitchen and bathroom trends have been released in a report by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). More than 300 members from across the US and Canada responded to a survey about designs, product types and materials that they are using most right now. Take a look at their list and see what’s hot this year.

White Cabinetry

The top item on this survey was painted white cabinets. In 2012 this feature was favored by 59 percent of members, and now it’s risen to 67 percent. Take a look at the Rose Hall Square cabinets by Wellborn, made of solid wood and finished in your choice of stain, paint or glaze.

Touch-Sensitive Faucets

These are the high-tech faucets that you can touch on any part of the spout or handle to turn the water on or off. See here the Addison One-Handle Pull-Down kitchen faucet by Delta, finished with stainless steel and priced at $390.20. At Home Depot’s online store it’s currently out of stock, so you know it must be popular!

Glass Backsplashes

Ever since 2010, backsplashes made of glass have been growing in popularity. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are still better sellers, but their popularity is waning as glass is gaining. The glass tiles are often mixed-media and contemporary in style, striking a balance between function, form and aesthetics.

Check out the Brushstrokes Chiarro-1502-S Strips Mosaic Glass Mesh Mounted from EPOCH, available in 4-by-4 inch size. You can also get glass and marble, or glass and stone.

Quartz Countertops

Although granite is still the popular choice, quartz is steadily gaining ground. In 2012, quartz was used in kitchens by 69 percent of respondents, and now it’s up to 80 percent. In bathrooms, usage has gone from 53 to 65 percent in the same time period. Quartz has naturally-occurring antimicrobial properties, and its non-porous surface resists stains, scorches and scratches. It requires little or no maintenance, unlike granite, and you won’t have to seal it or use special cleaners.

See here the Silestone Quartz countertop, shown in Quasar color. This countertop comes in three different textures and more than 70 colors.

Grey Paint

Although this color is traditionally popular with Europeans, it has been gaining ground in the US since 2010, and particularly in 2013. Over 5o percent of the clients of respondents use tones of grey in their kitchens and bathrooms, putting it in third place after white and then beige.

Take a look at this grey Colorhouse One-Galon Stone .07 Flat Interior Paint from YOLO’s “stone” collection. This acrylic latex paint is low-odor, zero VOC, and EcoOptions certified.

Porcelain Tiles

These tiles are made to look like natural stone. They are low-maintenance, durable, and use microban antimicrobial technology, keeping them sanitary between cleanings.

Here is the 12 by 12-inch Folkstone Sandy Beach porcelain tile by Daltile, costing $28.38 per case.

LED Lighting

This energy-efficient lighting continues to be popular. It is particularly suited to track lighting, allowing you to put the lighting exactly where you need it, such as above islands and counters.

Take a look at the 12 foot Brushed Steel Flex Track Starter Kit by Hampton Bay, retailing at $79. One reviewer combined it using a coupler, extending the 12 foot system to cover 18 feet. Using GU10 LED lights, the kitchen was covered using a total of just 27 watts.