5 Top Kitchen Design Trends

As featured in Coastal Living.

The design expert dishes on what’s hot, from color to hardware finish.

Though Cuban-American TV star Sabrina Soto is best known for doling out affordable design advice on HGTV’s The High Low Project and TLC’s Trading Spaces, she’ll tell you her second passion is cooking. And as any dedicated home chef knows, the kitchen is perhaps the most important room in the house.

Naturally, Soto keeps a firm pulse on what’s hot and what’s not in the kitchen décor-wise. And as an expert within the newly formed Delta Design Trust—a collaborative partnership between Delta Faucet and a panel of designers offering industry insight and decorating advice—we asked her to weigh in on the top trends she’s seeing right now. Here are her top five:

A Hit of Color
“Although white kitchens will never go out of style, you’ll begin to see more color – such as deep navy, olive and grey – used in cabinetry,” says Soto. “By painting the kitchen island a different color than the rest of the cabinets, you can create a statement that looks like a piece of furniture and gives the kitchen a bit of contrast.”

PHOTO: AMY NEUNSINGER

Touch-Activated Faucets
“Tech in the kitchen is both functional and stylish,” says Soto. Touch-Activated Faucets help keep your faucet clean, even when your hands aren’t. A simple touch anywhere on the spout or kitchen faucet handle with your wrist or forearm activates the flow of water, making it easier to entertain for friends and loved ones.”

Deep Single-Basin Sinks
“Deeper, one basin sinks make soaking and washing dishes – especially larger pots and roasting pans – much easier,” says Soto. “Also, if you are lacking counter space, these are a space saver! Larger double bowl sinks usually take up more room.”