According to Forbes...Top Kitchen Design Trends of 2016

1. Soft, muted color palettes. White motifs still dominate, but various shades of gray are the new neutral. “Charcoal, grays and even neutral pastels like pale blue, pale green gray and tinted whites are the new alternative to the standard white. ” Also lighter wood tones, including walnuts, whitewashed woods and white oak in rift grain. Use of bold primary colors as accents.

2. Smart spaces. Key words, hi-tech, hidden, accessibility, state-of-the-art, convenience.

3. An ’80s reboot. Key words: Mirrored, brass, high-gloss surfaces with a touch of understated elegance, think satin finish vs. shiny.

4. Metal range hoods. Metallic finishes, copper, brass or bronze. Used in primary spaces like the range hood, in addition to back splashes, sinks, faucets and other kitchen accessories.

5. Integrated kitchen-living spaces. Streamlined kitchen designs in which the kitchen converges with the home’s primary living space. Designers will merge kitchens and living rooms by including hidden and integrated appliances.

6. A new kind of tradition.Simpler designs, even traditional kitchens may experience a slightly cleaner feel with bold lines and less fussy details. Fewer frills and more calculated, strategically placed details for hoods, islands and cabinet crowns.

7. Texture-on-texture contrast. Variations in texture. Not mix and match, but repositioning the same texture in different patterns or colors throughout the kitchen.

8. A nod to midcentury mod. Walnut in islands and cabinet doors, 60s modern style, also called Nordic style, simple and functional and clutter free (predominantly white color palettes, designing with light wood textures.

9. Well-lit cabinetry. Extensive cabinet lighting is a trend to watch. Low-voltage light tape stripsbelow cabinets, above cabinets, inside cabinets and below countertop overhangs. LED lights with a mix of recessed can lights to offer better mood-setting capabilities.