Spring has sprung! You know what that means. Not only is your lawn now filled with dandelions and your mower back in business, but it’s once again time for an update from NKBA on kitchen and bath trends! There’s a lot to report on the topic of colors and finishes this year. The types of wood cabinetmakers are using are shifting and tastes are evolving, resulting in new colors used in décor, even for kitchen and bath cabinetry.

Spring has sprung! You know what that means. Not only is your lawn now filled with dandelions and your mower back in business, but it’s once again time for an update from NKBA on kitchen and bath trends! There’s a lot to report on the topic of colors and finishes this year. The types of wood cabinetmakers are using are shifting and tastes are evolving, resulting in new colors used in décor, even for kitchen and bath cabinetry.

When it comes to the wood species being used, cherry wood has consistently been the first or second most popular type for cabinetry (usually jockeying with maple for the top spot.) But stats this year indicate a decline. The NKBA reports that 69 percent of kitchen designers specified cherry cabinetry heading into 2012, down from 72 percent last year and 80 percent as 2010 approached. Even maple dropped in popularity this year, falling from 77 percent last year to 70 percent now. Findings indicate that many lesser-used woods are being specified more often, including oak, which the NKBA says is specified by twice as many designers now (22 percent) vs. two years ago (11 percent); walnut, which has increased from 3 percent in 2010 to 9 percent in 2011 to 13 percent today; birch, which is now specified by three times as many kitchen designers as it was a year ago, and bamboo, which has doubled from 5 percent last year to 10 percent now. Alder is currently specified by 27 percent of kitchen designers, down from 30 percent last year and from 40 percent two years ago.

As for natural finishes, there’s a steady move to the dark side. While light natural finishes have been recently specified by 30 percent of kitchen designers, medium natural finishes stand at 55 percent, with dark natural finishes at 58 percent. According to NKBA, this is up from 43 percent specifying dark finishes two years ago.

White remains the most popular option for painted cabinetry. But a noteworthy color that’s being used more often is gray.  From ethereal and breezy to dark and shadowy, the temperature range is broad making gray an edgy neutral that can yield breathtaking results. And whether it’s used as an overall color scheme or merely an accent, gray can allow for a very attractive look without overpowering a design.

The NKBA (who now uses gray as the backdrop for their logo) reports that gray was used as the overall color scheme by only 9 percent of designers headed into 2010, but that figure nearly doubled to 17 percent last year and then nearly doubled again to 33 percent  this year. In bathroom remodels, the use of gray has risen just as dramatically from 12 percent to 21 percent to 40 percent.

Why gray? Essentially, it’s a timeless color. Similar to black and white, gray is thought of as a classic. Like a reliable gray suit, it’s never outdated. Sleek and refined, nothing spells “dignified” like the color gray. It brings to mind attributes like wisdom, knowledge and intellect. When used for cabinetry, gray offers a more “transitional” feel. It’s a great color for everyday use. In decorating circles, gray is thought to be a more elegant neutral than white. It gives depth to subtle colors and makes bold tones pop. Since it is subtler than black or white, it’s perfect for pairing with other colors. Teamed up with Robbins egg blue, citron, hot pink or brilliant orange, gray offers a statement-making background. Gray is at its best when paired with colorful accessories and accents. Match up gray kitchen cabinetry with a display of bright red bowls and vases or hang a collection of canary yellow Le Creueset Dutch ovens overhead.

Here's a gallery of inspiring kitchens using gray cabinetry: 

Blogger Maria Killam points out that grays being used now are more complex, yielding an overall warm and luminous look (as opposed to the somewhat popular cold gray of the 1990’s.) Thinking about going gray with cabinetry? Killam offers four things to consider before you decide to jump on the gray bandwagon. 

1.  Plan on selling your home within 10 years? Many prospective homeowners will love gray cabinets because they will still be hot.

2. If you loved gray before it became trendy, you’ll still love it in 20 years so do it.

3. Do you have white appliances? A soft shade of gray will contrast nicely instead of looking like you tried to match the appliances — and failed.

4. If everything else in your kitchen tells a story of another era, don’t just slap on a coat of gray. Be careful not to mix something too new and trendy with dated elements.

Maria's Blog: 

http://www.mariakillam.com/2011/02/gray-kitchen-cabinets-4-ways-to-know-if-you-should-follow-the-trend.html

A neutral that’s neither boring nor drab, gray is fantastically versatile. Cool grays feel Zen and peaceful. They’re perfect for a crisp, clean feeling in a bathroom. Warm grays convey a sense of earthiness, comfort and coziness. Choosing grays with a slight golden hue can make a dark space feel less dreary. And paired with high-voltage accents, gray offers a sense of grounding while providing a background that lets the “wow” shine through. Any way they’re used, shades of gray can offer a chic new look in any kitchen or bath.

How do you use gray? We want to know holly.berecz@me.com