Each year, hundreds of professional designers put their best foot forward and compete in the National Kitchen & Bath Association Design Competition. Their entries arrive from across the United States and they also flow in from over the Canadian borders. With such a wide array of styles and tastes on display, it’s an incredible opportunity to spot some of the hot design trends that pop up around North America. The following are some of the trends that seemed to appear again and again.

Glass is one of the most versatile elements when it comes to combining with colors and surfaces. It spices up even the most ordinary designs by giving it an added edge. Glass is a great option because it easily combines with so many other materials. Combine it with stone and you can have a warm, traditional feel.

Combine it with sleek lines and bright colors and you can create a contemporary design. Its use in back splashes allows light to reflect and create the illusion of an open space. Carol Mulholland of Paradigm Kitchen Design LTD in Vancouver, BC, Canada, believes that glass is a unique element to work as it becomes a growing demand. She has found that it is easy to meet a client’s request to bring the outside in when using glass elements. Whether addressing form or function, the dynamic versatility of glass as a decorative element is a strength that cannot be denied. So next time you need to add something vibrant to your space, consider glass - then consider it done.

Shameless in stainless - the trend that shows no fear. It isn’t for the faint of heart but it can bring a design to life and add the heart to the home. In the past, stainless steel was mainly used in commercial settings for practical purposes of providing sterile and squeaky clean surfaces. Now it is an artsy addition to many spaces in the home. Emily Little of Valcucine in Mineapolis, MN, has found clients want more stainless in kitchens and baths. With the varying accents that stainless offers, it is becoming more attractive and appealing to consumers. Stainless steel has an array of finish options so if you aren’t one for the shiny, reflective metal; try the brushed or buffed approach. Whatever style you choose, it’s safe to say that stainless steel will add extra pizzazz and liven up any space. Not characteristic of being a wallflower, stainless accents are sure to make your design stand out from the crowd.

Bring back the beauty of those old pots and pans. It is now more stylish than ever to show off what your momma gave you. Pot racks have made their comeback as a classic and clean kitchen display that draws attention. Worthy of all the praise, the beauty of pots and pans, new or old, creates a dramatic appeal. Jean Buchen, CKD, of K T Highland Company in Lancaster, PA, stated that in this particular kitchen they were tight on space. A pot rack was a perfect solution. His contractor had an old ladder that was the perfect size and worked well for this space. Jean has found that with small areas and newer appliances taking up more space, pot racks are a viable solution for storage needs. Free up some cabinet space in a small kitchen and save on the decorations by adding a pot rack over an island or over a stove and see the instant results. The beauty is in the pots and pans – it’s all in the eyes of the beholder.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for…wood? Just like sprinkles on ice cream, wood toppings make every countertop seem a little more tasteful. Built-in butcher blocks, butcher-block islands, and solid wood counter tops are becoming more apparent in kitchen designs of today. Over time, the wood surface ages with pure grace. The little bumps and bruises that have accumulated along the way only add character and beauty to this durable surface. Offering a vast assortment of species and colors, wood also has great form and function that is a sure win in today’s top kitchen designs. According to Tim Scott, XTC Designs, Inc., Toronto, ON, Canada, he feels adding butcher blocks to the island or counter top is as vital as the stove when it comes to food preparation and he can’t imagine a kitchen without one. So, don’t leave off the good stuff, add the wood toppings to your next design.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones.” Meet the new trend that is kid friendly and fashionably appealing. Yes, you’ve seen it before, stone accents in kitchens. Designers are using stone everywhere you look. Whether it be represented in decorative pillars, a cozy fireplace, or even under your feet, stone is prevalent. As one of the most durable materials of its kind, it comes in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures so you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

Connie Gustafson, CKD, Sawhill Custom Kitchens & Design Inc. in Minneapolis, MN, wanted to create an evolved space. On the other end of the kitchen is a stone fireplace and she wanted to reflect in the kitchen. She used the pillars to separate the different finishes used in the kitchen and to emphasize the cook top area. Stone may be the quickest way to create a warm and homey feel in g while serving as a unique way of bringing the outside in. Slip-resistant and fancy-free, stone is a surface that is a perfect and practical design solution for all.

Out with the old and in with the new. Free-standing bathtubs are topping the charts and making their comeback in modern-day designs. The simplicity of these tubs makes them inviting while never losing sight of function. The free-standing bathtub can easily become the focal point of a fabulous bathroom design. Whether you prefer claw-and-ball feet or the sleek and modern approach, the perfect tub is out there for you. This featured piece will refresh any design while creating classic appeal.

Soak up the suds and maintain the top notch style that you deserve in your free-standing bathtub. Beverly Staal, CKD, CBD, of Showplace Design & Remodeling in Redmond, WA, has found many clients are requesting free-standing tubs especially for master suites. The clients wanted a Victorian themed bath. Through the use of the tub, Beverly clearly granted their wish. Make your next design come to life and let your bathtu e the center of attention.

They may be square but when it is time to perform, they are never the last ones to be picked. Mosaic tiles come in many shapes and sizes and are well-received by all. Whether your design calls for crystal clear or simply ceramic, mosaic tiles will answer. These dynamic tiles can be used anywhere that your imagination may take you in a bathroom design. Tim Benkowski, CKD, CBD, of Timothy J Kitchen & Bath in Dalafield, WI, says his suppliers are still adding mosaic tiles to their product lines. He says that they can easily be used with curves to break up the monotony of hard surfaces and can give a sense of uniformity to offer a better blend of color.

Mosaics help simplify the clutter in a bathroom by becoming the focal point. When used in specific patterns, murals can be created that will steal the limelight as a beautiful piece of art. Incorporate mosaic tiles into your future plans. They are a sure-fire way to hit a home run in your household.

Feel like the ruler of your own kingdom as you pamper yourself in your spa-like bathroom. Even the smallest spaces can be transformed to the most comforting and elegant bathrooms. Free your imagination to create the bathroom of your dreams. It is becoming more and more common to treat yourself to this clean getaway while soaking your cares away from the stresses of your day.

So go ahead and splurge - add the bigger bathtub, choose the high-end tile, and indulge. Therese Kenney of Insignia Kitchen & Bath Design Group in Barrington, IL, realizes the desire for beautiful bathroom spaces to serve as a tranquil paradise. At the end of the day, bathrooms like this allow you to treat yourself like royalty and love every minute of it. Here’s to you as you discover that the greatest way to refresh, revive, and relax is in your new spa-like bath.

This article was provided by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Did you notice some major trends not covered here? Feel free to drop us a line by e-mail at feedback@nkba.org, or visit us at www.nkba.org to let us know!