Finishes
Darker finishes in maple and cherry remain strong, with no consistent upward trend in any of the less popular wood species for semi-custom or custom cabinetry.
Accents
Glazes and the “full overlay” look continue to dominate as decorative trim details, moldings and appliqués complete the upscale look in the upper-end cabinetry market.
Accessories
Built-ins in every niche throughout the house are gaining in popularity. These can include bookcases, desk/work areas and wet bars.
In The Kitchen
Accent pieces of a soft color palette are used to soften the kitchen space as well as the bath and other cabinetry areas. Use of granite countertops is still popular, but the trend toward healthy living has brought the healthy kitchen in focus. Silestone® countertops with Microban®, the antimicrobial product, are therefore gaining consumer attention.
Emerging interest in Universal (accessible) Design encourages more drawer boxes in cabinetry layouts to enhance access to storage items. More drawers necessitate improved drawer accessories including full-extension soft close features, peg systems for dish storage, cutlery storage and larger, statelier hardware styles.
The kitchen island continues to increase in demand as a space where cooks and guests interact. As a result, kitchen islands are becoming bigger and more convenient as a location for food preparation and storage.
Food preparation and storage options continue to evolve to accommodate family and social activities in the kitchen.
In The Master Bath
Master Baths are becoming true retreat areas, no longer an afterthought in the design process. This translates into upgraded cabinetry with decorative trim details including bathtub fronts that match the cabinetry, taller vanities, decorative mirror framing above the vanity, and decorative vessel bowls (above-counter sinks) fabricated in glass or metal and offered in a variety of designs and textures.
Upgraded storage is in high demand in the master bath and as a result, storage cabinetry is becoming more decorative, yet remains practical.