The Internet provides people with virtually unlimited access to design ideas via websites such as Houzz, Pinterest and even Zillow. Accompanied by an abundance of design blogs, it becomes relatively easy to see what’s trending in design, materials and products, blurring the lines between regional and global differences.
However, with the ability to see what’s happening across the street, across the country and even across the oceans, some regional trends remain evident. This month we asked several designers across the country to identify trends for their area, including both those that may be more universally popular and those that are more regionally defining.
JOSEPH GIORGI, JR., CKD, PRESIDENT
GIORGI KITCHENS & DESIGNS • WILMINGTON, DE
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Removing walls — “I hear on a regular basis people wanting to take down walls for open kitchen plans. It’s been going on for a while, but it’s still very important. Our homes here tend to be built in the 1950s and 1960s, and rooms are very segmented. Open plans are also more adaptable to today’s lifestyle and allow natural light to come into the space.”
Emphasizing islands — “Our clients want an emphasis on the island, with larger and/or multilevel designs. Raising the height can accommodate appliances like steam ovens or allow for seating. We also get a lot of requests for dish storage in drawers, often at the island, as well as for charging stations. The island has really become the hub of the kitchen.”
Transitional design — “Overall I see a movement toward transitional design styles. We’re about 30 minutes south of Philadelphia where it’s more contemporary, but this suburban area is more transitional. White and variations of white are still popular, as is a combination of white perimeters and dark islands.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
Anticipated downsizing — “What I hear a lot, especially from baby boomers, is a desire for updates for resale. People are looking to downsize in the next five to seven years. Their kitchens may be 20 to 25 years old and they realize the importance of updated kitchens and baths.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Appliances — “There is a big emphasis on appliances, and they often drive our designs. People are very interested in professional-style appliances, so we often start by asking about cooking equipment. If someone is looking for a single oven with four burners, the dynamics of the kitchen will be different than if they are looking for six or eight burners, two wall ovens and a steam oven.”
LESLIE COHEN, CKD, CID, ASID, AID
LESLIE COHEN DESIGN • RALEIGH, NC
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Open floor plans — “People are trying to open up their kitchens and baths. Rooms here are very individual and people don’t want to be isolated anymore. Homes also tend to be large but, relative to their size, kitchens and baths are small. We are trying to open them up, but it can be difficult – and expensive – given some of the architecture of the homes with multiple levels and complex roof lines.”
Transitional design — “My clients are still very traditional, but they are starting to move into transitional design, which really is a big deal here. Some areas of the Southeast are contemporary, and while my clients are moving toward a ‘cleaner’ look, transitional is about as far as they will go.”
Porcelain tile and quartz — “I moved here from San Diego in 2013. Design is about 10 years behind what I saw in places like Los Angeles because people just don’t have the suppliers available to them. But companies are beginning to move here and this area is growing like crazy, so we are now starting to see materials other markets have had for a while, such as porcelain and quartz.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
Gray — “Gray represents the conservatism in this area and my clients want it on their cabinets – with Shaker-style doors – as well as their walls. While I’m concerned a bit about its longevity – it is a recession color that has come and gone before – gray is a common color here historically, so it may be a bit more timeless because of the more traditional architecture.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Changing demographics/influx of suppliers — “This area is a huge technology/biotechnology area and has become a melting pot of people moving in from other metropolitan cities, especially young people. They are adept at using Pinterest and the Internet, and they are watching the home shows. While we have been behind, design-wise, it is exploding now. Combined with suppliers moving into the area, that lag in design style is definitely shortening.”
MISSI DAVIS, CKD, PRESIDENT
BAILIWICK, INC. • NAPLES, FL
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
High-gloss, exotic veneers — “We’ve been seeing more high-gloss finishes…not necessarily solids, but exotic veneers. My clients are looking for a cleaner, pared down, minimalistic look that can be accomplished with a really pretty veneer, whether it’s eucalyptus, larch or even rift-cut oak with a charcoal stain. Paldao is beautiful, too, with soft gray tones. People have seemed to pick up on gray…it’s the new neutral. We’re also seeing dark veneers with light floors and light countertops.”
Freestanding tubs — “We’re seeing freestanding tubs with really cool textured surfaces behind them, such as textured tile or stone, or a partition with frosted glass between the tub and shower that serves as a focal point. There’s a certain luxury that is associated with having a beautiful sculptural tub in the middle of a room that is highlighted with a really interesting backdrop.”
Champagne finishes — “We’re going into soft champagne colors that aren’t brass per se, but rather a pale gold hue. They look pretty with grays and creams and give a real elegant look.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
High sophistication — “We have a very high level of sophistication here. These homes are typically vacation homes, or second, third or even fourth homes. People are willing to spend more money in what isn’t their primary residence.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Houzz — “People look to Houzz to get ideas…to see what real people, as well as professionals, are doing. Then they come to us with photos they love.”
JIM DASE, CMKBD; INNOVATIVE LIVING
ENVIRONMENTS • SHEBOYGAN, WI
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Transitioning away from oak — “Historically, oak has been a huge driving force here. The woodwork, floor and furniture are all oak, but people now don’t want an oak kitchen. We’re beginning to see them transition to white, which works great with oak. It’s classic, but updates the space and gives interest by bringing in a different character.
“We’re also movement into gray…what I call the 50 shades of gray. I’m seeing it become the main color. It creates more drama and, with better lighting these days, people aren’t afraid of the deeper tones.”
Deep wood tones — “In addition to the gray tones, I’m seeing deep tone woods like walnut. It used to be an accessory color, like an island or hood. Now it’s becoming the reverse, where it’s used as the perimeter cabinetry with a lighter island, floors, walls and ceiling. If everything is light around the dark cabinetry, the cabinetry is more dramatic.”
LED lighting — “People can now light cabinets in so many different ways that used to be difficult. LED is in its infancy and we’re going to see more interesting concepts for how to design with it.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
Traditional design — “I moved here recently from the Chicago area and we are about 10 years behind as far as design. This Midwest market has always been very conservative, but even traditional here is more tailored, without all the frou-frou.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
The economy — “The economy has been the biggest driver of trends – or evolutions, as I prefer to call them – and how it has shaped design. Almost immediately after the crash, people realized they didn’t need everything on the cabinets. Now there is a wonderful tailorization of a space where the clients and their lifestyle are more apparent.
“People are also thinking about turnover differently. Now they think about how long they will be in a home and how much enjoyment they will get from it versus making a design ‘vanilla’ enough to flip the house. Now clients care more about what they want, and that is affecting design.”
JACLYN WIKE, AKBD, PRINCIPAL
STUDIO SWANN CUSTOM KITCHENS & BATHS • CHICAGO, IL
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Veneers — “I’ve been doing quite a bit of walnut veneer – especially natural finishes and flat-cut walnut – and a bit of wenge. Without even pushing it, I’ve done about four kitchens in the last six months. All of a sudden, everyone wants walnut. It’s a bit unexpected, but I love it!”
Bold tile and wallpaper — “My clients have been taking more risks with kitchen backsplash and bathroom tile, whether it’s bold colors or large geometric patterns. I’m also seeing an increase in the use of wallpaper, either as an accent wall in a kitchen or in the bathroom as well.
Blue-green colors — “Black, white and gray are still really strong, but I’ve been seeing more blue-green, anything from a soft seafoam to a bold turquoise.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
Lack of glazes and granite — “I would say it’s more what we don’t do anymore…such as glazes and granite. I just took on a new cabinet line and instead of ordering all of the samples, I selected the ones I thought I would use…and none of them were glazes.
“Granite is also gone. I’ve been using much more quartz for countertops in kitchens and baths. It has come a long way and it is much more accepted, especially in contemporary spaces. Quartz is ‘it!’ It’s what we’re doing in every project.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Downtown vibe — “For us, influences come from our environment. People are constantly walking downtown. There is so much around us for inspiration, including so many beautiful showrooms that have the ‘latest and greatest’ in their windows.
“Travel also plays a part, especially in some of the patterns I’m seeing in tile. There is definitely a Moroccan thing going on. I’m also seeing a bit of Mid-Century modern with geometric prints.”
ALAN HILSABECK, CMKBD, RID, NCIDQ, PRESIDENT/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
HILSABECK DESIGN ASSOCIATES • FLOWER MOUNT, TX
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Transitional design style — “We’re semi-traditional here…not quite contemporary, but we’re moving more toward it with painted cabinetry, simple door styles and porcelain, which can be used on countertops as well as shower walls because of its thin profile. We’re also taking traditional materials such as Negro Marquina and Carrara and using them in contemporary patterns.
“I consider Dallas to be the third coast, and about five years behind the design curves. But East and West Coast companies are starting to move in and they’re bringing their architectural design influences with them, so we’re seeing more of a swing toward contemporary.”
Greige — “The blending of gray and beige tends to be popular…in a variety of shades from light to dark.”
LED lighting — “LED lighting is catching on like wildfire for multiple things, not just undercabinet lighting. Now we’re seeing its extensive use in cabinets and crown moulding. I’m designing a home now that is ‘Mediterranean meets Versace’ where we’re doing a traditional crown moulding detail around the room with a light cove in the moulding. The ceilings are still flat, but with LEDs being so small and in long strips and sections, we can tuck them into a small light rail moulding and provide lighting at the ceiling to showcase the crown while providing a contemporary glow.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
Rustic contemporary — “We are taking rustic materials, such as barn siding, and using them in a more contemporary fashion, such as a wall treatment.
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Travel — “My clients are especially influenced by the hospitality industry. They want the same type of experience in their home as they have had at a nice spa.”
CHRISTOPHER ARDREY, OWNER/DESIGNER
CHRISTOPHER’S BATHS & KITCHENS • ENGLEWOOD, CO
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Freestanding tubs — “While freestanding tubs are probably popular everywhere, they are here to stay for a while. Almost every day I meet with clients who talk about taking out their tub decks to gain back some space.”
Contemporary design — “This market has been traditional for quite a while, but now we’re seeing the swing toward contemporary. With the downtown revitalization and a younger crowd moving in, we’re seeing more European influences with slab doors and a more modern design feel. We’ve actually taken on a new line of German cabinets as a result.”
Outdoor kitchens — “We’re seeing more interest in outdoor kitchens, even for this market, because of our good weather and temperate springs and falls. We are actually showing a line of outdoor cabinets, and we’re working on creating an outdoor setting for our people to enjoy as well as for presentation.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
Steam saunas/showers — “Heated floors are definitely popular here with our climate, and since it is dry as well, it’s a great environment for steam saunas/showers.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Young demographics — “This is a ‘younger’ city that is growing so fast. People are moving in from everywhere. The Front Range, especially, has a lot of tech industry as well as young people moving in. As a result, we’re seeing a lot of lofts and a downtown, urban feel.”
GARY WHITE, CMKBD, CID
KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN • NEWPORT BEACH, CA
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Dark cabinetry — “We have had an overnight switch to dark cabinets…very dark. It doesn’t seem to matter about type of wood; they can be painted or glazed as long as they are dark.”
Male influence — “We’re seeing a male influence in the kitchen, where men are making more purchase decisions, especially for appliances such as ranges, which are also now being designed with men in mind.”
Greater focus on lighting — “I have noticed more attention being paid to lighting, and since I like lighting to look natural, most of my designs feature at least a half a dozen different light sources. LED isn’t the answer to everything, so I like to include halogen and fluorescent lights as well, which can be bright and dimmable.
“I’m also seeing more decorative fixtures over islands. I also like to ‘hide’ lights, so I build them into soffits, cabinets, skylights and coffers. My dimmable fluorescent systems sit on top of open cabinets and they give enough light to illuminate an entire room.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
More modern design styles — “My clients are switching to more modern styles, which is very regional. Orange County is an island between Los Angeles and San Diego, which both have very strong contemporary bases, as does San Francisco. But we have been very, very traditional until recently.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Resale values — “Ever since the recession, which was actually a depression here, people haven’t been spending money like they did before, even though Orange County is a very wealthy county.”
LORI CARROLL, NCIDQ, ASID, IIDA
LORI CARROLL & ASSOCIATES • TUCSON, AZ
TOP DESIGN TRENDS
Textural elements — “Because of the environment around us, my clients like textural elements, especially in backsplashes and cabinetry. I do a lot of custom cabinetry and sometimes I’ll incorporate sandblasted or textured cabinetry. People here love it! It’s very tactile and really makes a statement.”
Glass — “Another element I use a lot is glass. It adds such a fresh style. My clients will ask to include it in upper cabinet doors, as countertops, etc. I also sometimes use textures and patterns to give it interest.”
Copper — “We’ve seen brushed nickel, chrome and stainless for a while, but now copper is making a comeback. It creates a vivid touch of sophistication in plumbing and lighting fixtures as well as hardware.”
REGIONALLY DEFINING TREND
Outdoor entertaining — “We have such beautiful weather in Arizona most of the time. Even if it’s cool, having the ability to barbecue in the winter is a special element you find here.”
DESIGN INFLUENCES
Environment — “The grandeur of the high Sonoran Desert drives much of our design…the giant saguaro cactus, lush vegetation and massive granite outcroppings all create such a mystique in the desert with natural tones and textures. Designs here incorporate native materials and rustic nuances…shapes, colors and textures…they all create a fluidity and visual uniformity with indoor/outdoor elements. Simple, natural forms with sharp, clean lines and a sleek sophisticated style are perfect for the desert lifestyle.”