The Top 10 Kitchen Design Trends of 2011

1. Integrated family spaces: Kitchens are the hub of the home, and are becoming larger due to the desire to integratehousehold activities. The breakfast nook has become larger, more comfortable and versatile for entertaining or every day.  Desk spaces for homework and bill paying also growing in popularity.
2. Larger pantries: Pantries and Butler Pantries are becoming an extension of the Kitchen, and not just used to store bulk foods. They are more decorative, double as additional food and drink prep areas, and sometimes have open wine racks or glass cabinets to display heirlooms.    
3. Integration of Electronics: Because families are spending more time in the kitchen cooking, gathering and eating, appliance companies are responding by integrating TV’s and stereos into their products; designers are mounting TV’s flush with cabinets, and Ipod charging stations are becoming standard. Wireless connectivity of home automation is also more in demand, so that homeowners can remotely log in to turn up the heat or turn off the lights.
4. Sustainable Materials: Green continues to be a dominant theme. Renewable woods like bamboo and cork are being used more, and recycled-content concrete from sustainable manufacturers is a popular material for countertops. Low-VOC finishes, formaldehyde-free cabinets, and locally sourced materials also are in more demand.
5. Healthy Home: Health-conscious homeowners are continuing to care for their homes with wellness in mind. The farm-to-table movement has also affected they way systems are incorporated into the home: HVAC systems to improve indoor air quality; water filtration systems; and larger refrigerators for fresh food storage.
6. Mixed-not-matched: This is a theme seen more and more. Mixing styles and/or colors defines islands or base cabinets from upper cabinets. The most common combination when using two different cabinet colors is to use a painted white or other neutral color, and contrasting it with a darker stained wood cabinet. 
7. Waste Disposal: Larger built-in pullout recycling bins and trash compactors are very popular. More cooks are also choosing worm bins for food scrap recycling.
8. Induction Cooktops: Using magnetic friction as a heating element, this appliance is energy-efficient, and safer than electric or gas cooking. With a fast response time, quick cool down, and ease of cleaning, it is easy to see why more cooks are choosing these high-tech appliances.
9. Cabinetry Style: While traditional-styling is still very popular, the clean lines of Shaker-style cabinets are becoming more in demand than contemporary styles. Also, finish preferences have shifted toward darker hues.
10. LED Lighting: Incandescent light bulbs still may be the preferred method for lighting any room, but soon will become unavailable.  The top choice for replacing incandescents has shifted to LED lighting, because of their energy-efficiency, long-life, and the savings on electricity will pay for these expensive bulbs