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"I AM SEEING a trend toward the modern farmhouse style – simple moldings, neutral colors, using texture such as shiplap walls to create interest, mixing industrial materials with traditional elements and mixing metal finishes to get an authentic non-contrived feel in the home. I believe these are popular design choices because they feel comfortable and easily lived in while still appearing put-together and well planned. Being located in New England, we still see inset painted cabinets as our market leader for kitchens, but I am seeing the white kitchen movement fading to make way for other painted finishes, such as shades of gray, beige and blue. It's a wel- come change to the classic white kitchen as it is nice to do something a bit more unique and personal for our clients. And – can you believe it? – every once in a while we still do a wood finish kitchen! Red birch, walnut and quartersawn white oak have made their way into a few of our recent projects." Tavia Douglass, designer M.R. Brewer Portland, ME "IN THE INDIANAPOLIS market cli- ents are starting to entertain more gold tone hardware, lighting and plumbing finishes. Pale grays seem to be of interest for cabinet painted finishes. Black stains with no sheen are hot! The use of metal accents is big as well as drywall and planked hoods. Simple doors are still strong and yes, classic white is still strong. Wood is a nice accent for counters, and the marble look is still the leader overall in counter selections." Jeremiah Dick, designer Cabinetry Ideas Indianapolis, IN "WALK-IN TUBS, SOLID slabs for showers, exercise rooms combined in the master baths, oversized showers and second master baths on the first floor of a multi-story house [are all trends we are seeing.] This is all due to aging in place, as well as parents moving in with their children." Louis Krokover, president & CEO NewDay Development, Inc. Sherman Oaks, CA "I DON'T KNOW whether these trends are specific to the Pacific Northwest or not, but these are three things we've seen over the past year: 1. More navy blue cabinetry. Gray cabinetry is still trending in this part of the country, but navy blue is increasingly popular. 2. More offerings from quartz man- ufacturers of marble look-alike colors. In the past, clients who wanted the marble look had to settle for natural stone, with the inherent drawbacks to marble: a tendency to stain easily and the possibility of scratching or chipping. In the past year, all of the leading quartz manufacturers have increased their offerings that mimic the look of marble: Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario, etc. 3. The re- cent resurgence of brass finishes in plumb- ing fixtures and cabinet hardware – with a twist. This isn't the polished brass from the '60s and '70s, but a softer brushed brass with a more elegant look. It also pairs well with navy blue cabinetry and marble-look quartz." Tom Owen, owner Creative Kitchen & Bath Lynnwood, WA "WE ARE SEEING the industrial/farm- house style kitchens growing in our area; we assume it is a direct result of the HGTV show 'Fixer Upper,' filmed about 30 miles from our town. [There are] lots of white cabinets, wood accents, industrial lighting and fixtures. In bathrooms, we see more interest in shower and tub surrounds – sleeker tile, different uses of decorative accents, etc. Wood-look tile is very popular in bathrooms, as well." Kelly Brooks, president Surface Source Design Center Belton, TX "WE ARE MOSTLY doing whites with gray accents, simple door styles and simpli- fied designs. Dark woods are making a slight comeback. Light wood is gone completely but I feel like we will see some as whitewashed and aged looks come back. Flat doors are in- creasing as well. Tampa designs are trending towards a beach cottage feel – light and open." Thomas Knotts, owner Adalay Cabinets and Interiors Tampa, FL "WE ARE CONSTANTLY remov- ing walls to open up kitchens to the main house. Other trends we are seeing: Large islands without sink cutouts are popular, quartz over granite most often; handles (no knobs) on all cabinetry; softer white is still a strong cabinet color; a Shaker clean door style; undercounter microwaves in the island, and backsplash tiles are getting larger and less busy. Our region has many vacation homes and lake cottag- es. We see clean lines and easy-to-clean, uncluttered designs. In the moderate market we are not seeing requests for outdoor kitchens, but definitely an up- ward trend…to replace weary old treated decks. Our summers are relatively short and our winters are tough on the outdoor finishes." Nancy Lisabeth, owner/partner Grand Bay Building and Remodel Traverse City, MI "IT'S KIND OF funny. As soon as the cabinet companies stopped offering hickory, several people a month come in looking for hickory. Maybe it's only our territory – it's kind of an outdoor, recreational, hiking and kayaking area; I'm wondering if the rest of the country still has an interest in hickory wood. Of course, white kitchens are still the num- ber one request." Deborah Mooney Davis, designer Robertson Kitchens Erie, PA "WE SEE CLEAN lines that are less fussy, cabinets to the ceiling that are light and airy, and quartz countertops that are low-maintenance. Being on the coast is the main factor – second home owners are tired of the dark and dreary. [We're also seeing] flush doors in a new textured laminate for the younger generation or the adventurous homeowner. I would have to say the raised-panel door is wan- ing – they want the reverse, simpler and easier." Jody Marie Scott, CKD, CAPS Ellsworth Builders Supply Camden, ME Design Trends From Coast to Coast WHAT DO YOU THINK? Email your feedback, contact information and the subject, 'Market Pulse' with your message to Janice@SOLAbrands.com What design trends do you see that are specific to your region of the country? Why do you feel these are popular? Are there any regional trends that you see particularly growing or waning and, if so, why? 10 Kitchen & Bath Design News • January 2018 MARKET PULSE READERS' OPINIONS ON INDUSTRY-RELATED ISSUES