[Dueller]

Trendy? Who knows? I think stainless will be around for a while. Think there may be a trend to "hide" fridges with fascias matching cabinets since a huge stainless fridge sometimes sticks out especially in smaller kitchens. For serious cooks a pot filler faucet over the stove seems to be in a lot of upscale kitchens. And an extra prep sink with a disposal seems to be popping up a lot.

I think a fad that will eventually wain are the small 1" tiles being used for backsplashes. Highly varigated (correct term?) marble/granite may be tiresom after a while...I would lean toward a more muted countertop pattern as being more timeless. Funny thing about cabinets is its almost regional with desires for painted cabinets in some areas whereas others are opting for almost furniture quality wood stained cabinets. I think kitchen design needs to reflect the style of the house and other decor...A classic country french kitchen looks out of place in a contemporary/modern style home...likewise a sleek modern stainless/laminate cabinets/monochromatic kitchen looks disconsonant in an antebellum home. Both can look good and be functional but in the period correct vein of the rest of the house. All kitchens regardless of style seem to be going for uncluttered counters.

We haven't begun our remodel yet, but I thought the first thing I would do is yank a trash compacter in the kitchen and replace with a frestanding ice maker. Seller told me try it as it was his favorite appliance. We did and though it is somewhat of an anachronism we've thoroughly enjoyed having it. We only put paper, etc in it...no waste that will rot or spoil.

Design for how you are going to use it. My only peeve is not using "honest" materials; i.e., no formica that looks like granite or "fake" stainless. They make some great looking laminates but trying to make it look like something it isn't really bothers me for some reason. WTF do I know?