Last Updated on Sunday, 6 May 2012 02:30 Written by bkshowplace Saturday, 5 May 2012 02:22

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For the first time since the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) began tracking annual design trends, traditional is no longer the most popular type of design.

In both the kitchen and the bathroom, transitional is now the most common style.

What is “transitional“? It is a blend of traditional and contemporary, typified by lines that are simpler than traditional, but a bit more elaborate than contemporary in order to create a modern classic look.

Another definition of transitional, according to Kitchens.com:

Transitional kitchens include elements of both traditional and contemporary design. Eclectic in nature, they mix natural and man-made materials as well as finishes and textures.

For example, an Arts & Crafts or Shaker kitchen can be made transitional rather than traditional by lightening the color palette, adding bamboo flooring, and showcasing appliances rather than hiding them behind wooden panels.

Molding and fixtures aren’t elaborate but do have some ornamentation.

Next to transitional and traditional, contemporary is the most common style, up 5% to 52% in kitchens and up 10% to 53% in bathrooms from a year ago.

Shaker, arts & crafts, and cottage remain the next most frequently used styles in kitchen and bathroom design.

Learn more about kitchen and bath trends for 2012.

Photo courtesy of KraftMaid