Your client is buying a house.  The client likes the neighborhood, schools, amenities in the subdivision and, of course, you.  You have built a bond and the client looks to you for advice.  Although almost everything is positive about this property the kitchen is dated and the client plans to remodel it.  You are asked, "What are the most current trends in kitchens?"  I wouldn't have a precise answer either but here is some information which could help both of us.

Recently the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) surveyed more than 100 designers who are members of NKBA and who designed kitchens or bathrooms during the last three months of 2010.  These are the overall trends expected in the United States and Canada in 2011. 

1) Cabinet style: Traditional, Shaker, Contemporary, Cottage in order of popularity

2) Cabinetry finishes:  Dark natural finishes rose from 42% to 51%.

3) Cabinetry features: Unchilled wine storage rose from 39% to 51%.

4) Refrigerators:  French door refrigerators jumped from 67% to 78%.

5)  Cooktops:  Gas cooktops 70% and double wall ovens rose from 68% to 74%.

6)  LED lighting:  Halogen lighting is down and LED lighting rose from 47% to 54%.

7) Trash compartments:  Trash or recycling pull-outs were used in 89% of designs.

According to the survey, here is: The Most Popular Kitchen Design for 2011

Traditional cabinetry with dark natural finish

Unchilled wine storage

French door refrigerator

Granite countertops

Gas or induction cooktop

Double wall oven

LED under cabinet lighting

Trash pull-out drawer

Satin nickel faucet

So now we know.  That's one more question we can answer with confidence and back-up with data.  The trendsetters have spoken.