12 Award-Winning Kitchen Designs

Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance manufacturers sponsor a yearly kitchen design contest that generates fresh ideas and trends for the rest of us. The latest contest results reveal modern minimalist looks are replacing ornamentation in the kitchen and eco-friendly materials and energy-saving appliances are also popular. Find out how you can incorporate these designer trends in your kitchen by viewing a slideshow of the award-winning designs on the Elle Decor blog.

Kitchen Trend: Contrasting Countertops and Islands

All around town we’re seeing lots of homeowners update kitchen islands and countertops in contrasting colors and textures. This is a look that will last if done right. Check out this photo slideshow of contrasting countertops and islands from Better Homes & Gardens for some inspiration, and call Sophisticated Stone when you’re ready to take the plunge!

Kitchen Contrasts That Work:

• wood island, white countertops, and painted cabinetry

• matching island color with cabinet trim

• same color surfaces and contrasting cabinetry

K/BIS Trend Watch

Marketing Home Products wrote a great blog post last month about the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) Trend Watch, and we’ll be bringing you a full report on trends coming out of K/BIS in the upcoming weeks. But in the mean time, check out a few of the emerging trends in the kitchen and bath in 2010 that Marketing Home Products blog is predicting:

* “The push to turn convenience into a luxury is very exciting. This can be seen with the under-counter refrigerated drawers and the dishwasher drawers for small loads. According to the NKBA, nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens.”

* “The pull-down/pull-out faucet, which is utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers. This fixture has a retractable spray hose hidden inside the traditional fixed spigot. Sleek arms contain a hose, faucet, spray, and hot and cold controls all in one place. It’s convenient, compact and functional.”

* Consider installing a dishwasher drawer. “Because it’s independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens as well.”

* “Granite and chrome will be stealing the show in 2010. According to the NKBA, granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels – used by seven of every eight designers. However, granite will have some stiff competition as alternative natural materials, like marble, continue to gain momentum.”

Want to know more? Check out K/BIS Trend Watch: Kitchen & Bath’s Top 10.