Kitchen trends

"We're seeing a lot of blue right now, maybe because it's clean and pure, like the ocean. KitchenAid offers cobalt blue appliances, and with something like that, the appliances become the focal point." Jennifer Lambiris, Susan Troup Design, Halifax

"Right now, people are going back to simple elegance. They've done the [ornate] wood, the sleek look, and now they want simple Shaker-style cabinets, and a fresh, crisp look. That's very important." Dee Dee Taylor Hannah, Taylor Hannah Architect, Toronto

"Countertops have changed a lot: Granite and solid-surfacing are still tops, but now there's a new product that's ground quartz. It won't stain or scratch and because it can be ground very fine, it has a very sleek look compared to the more rustic look of granite." Tia Moras, CKD, CBD, Lonetree Kitchens, Vancouver

"Tumbled marble is popular for backsplashes; we might do a diamond pattern, which is a little more interesting than just squares. In more contemporary kitchens, we've started doing tempered-glass backsplashes and even counters – it's a unique, very beautiful look." David Courtney, CKD, Kitchen Court, Pickering, Ont.

"High-contrast two-tone kitchens – such as ivory or vanilla cabinets with the island done in cherry – are in fashion now, as well as painted woods, especially in historic, muted tones." Jacqueline Glass, Jacqueline Glass & Associates, Mississauga, Ont.

"A lot of people want to include a cosy place to sit in the kitchen – not just a counter with stools, but an actual sofa and armchairs – where they can relax and just read cookbooks or have a glass of wine while they're cooking." Scott Yetman, Scott Yetman Designer, Montreal

Read more in Kitchen & Bath and Trends