Demand for Cabinets Increasing. Are you ready? 8/30/2010 1:02:00 PM 
A recent study conducted by Freedonia says that U.S. demand for cabinets will expand by 7.4 percent per year, over the next four years, reaching $15.2 billion in 2014. The factors driving this demand include a rebound in housing completions, design trends that call for more and larger-sized kitchens and bathrooms with increased accessories for added convenience and a rise in the use of cabinets rather than shelving in home offices, entertainment centers, laundry rooms, mud rooms and garages.
Is your business poised to take advantage of this tremendous opportunity? Here’s a quick “cheat sheet” to help you brush up on the top styles and finishes that U.S. consumers are requesting. (According to the NKBA’s 2010 Kitchen & Bath Style Report.)
Style: Traditional
Three-quarters of NKBA kitchen designers report requests for traditionally styled kitchen cabinets, with the easy-to-care-for Shaker style (perhaps surprisingly) being one of the most common requests.
Color Scheme: Light and neutral
White and off-white remain the top color choice for cabinets, while all top color choices trend toward neutral. Browns and tones of beige and bone follow.
Wood Species: Cherry
More than three-quarters of NKBA kitchen designers say cherry wood is the top choice of homeowners for kitchen cabinetry. However, they note a significant number of requests for maple as well.
Finish: Natural
While there’s no clear finish trend, designers report that medium natural, dark natural, glazed and white painted are the most common finish requests. They also note a decline in distressed finishes.
Of course, the most “popular” design trends won’t please all palettes. So keep an open mind to a variety of styles, finishes, wood species and custom options. As you know, variety is the spice of life!
