If  you are thinking of remodeling or updating  your kitchen, remember  that  color  and material trends typically follow 5 year cycles; therefore, it  pays to be “fashion forward”  with your up-dates  if  you plan to stay in your home for over 5 years. What is trending? Overall, think clean, simple, and contemporary. (Say good-bye “Old World” and hello Scandinavia).

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, the following items are trending for 2013:

• White painted cabinets. Resurfacing your current cabinets would be a great way to save money.  If you purchase new cabinets, select non-fussy lines. I am also seeing two-toned cabinetry (white above and a color below the counter).
• Quartz countertops. Quartz is starting to trend over Granite. Some of the reasoning is the uniform color and pattern, it is more stain and scratch resistant, and does not have to be resealed every year.   If you live in the Raleigh and Cary NC area, granite is still more popular according to the sales associates at Cary’s Absolute Stone .  (I advise clients who are thinking of selling their home soon and want to update their kitchen to install Granite because the price point is a little lower than quartz and my current buyers still want granite.)
• Glass back splash. Subway tile is still popular.
• A white and gray color scheme. This is a nice neutral palate that lets the homeowner easily update their décor by simply changing their towels and accessories.  I am also seeing designers add elements of wood to the kitchen to create visual texture and interest – for example, a wood elevated section on the island to act as a bar, wood ceilings etc. Make sure it is cool!
• Satin and nickel finishes for faucets and lighting trim.  Stainless steel under mount sinks still can’t be beat.
• LED lighting. 

Photo by ReVision Design/Remodeling. See more transitional kitchen designs