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These K&B trends are back in a big way.

By Nicholas Tamarin

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Kitchen and bath design trends are no different, often going through cycles when older styles boomerang to make a comeback in contemporary K&B spaces. When this happens, these trends are often reinterpreted, combined with updated elements to create a fresh yet timeless look. Here are some of our tried-and-true favorite kitchen and bath trends and products that are now popular again. 

1. Retro Appliances

Kitchen appliances with mid-century modern touches, such as the colorful Unique Classic Retro refrigerators and stoves you can find at Home Depot, are once again in demand. First popularized by brands like SMEG, which got its start as an Italian enameling company before applying its expertise to kitchenware, vintage-like products add a touch of nostalgia and charm to contemporary kitchens without the maintenance issues that come with older models.

2. Subway Tiles

Subway tiles, which have been around for over a century, have made a resurgence in recent years as a timeless choice for kitchen backsplashes and bath walls, and are available from retailers like Floor and Decor. Offering a clean look, the classic tile layout that first emerged in Heins & Lafarge’s ceramic work for New York’s underground mass transportation in 1904 is still popular, but there’s also been a resurgence in creative and unique patterns such as herringbone, basketweave and vertical stacking.

3. Farmhouse Sinks

Originating in the Middle Ages, durable farmhouse or apron-front sinks have regained their status as a household staple — and this time around, they’re stylish, too. Updated offerings such as the enameled cast-iron dual basin Whitehaven from Kohler bring a rustic and traditional feel to modern kitchens while blending in with their streamlined look.

4. Brass, Bronze and Copper Fixtures

The brass, bronze and copper fixtures and hardware that were common in older homes have come back into fashion as a simple way to add warmth and character to any kitchen or bath. Case in point, Delta’s contemporary floor-mount tub filler, which offers high-tech spray settings while being both easy to maintain and long-lasting thanks to its inherent corrosion resistance.

5. Freestanding Tubs

Freestanding tubs, including the glamorous clawfoot versions popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are making a comeback thanks to their vintage elegance. Models such as Philippe Starck’s satin-finished Cape Cod tub for Duravit create a focal point and evoke a sense of lived-in luxury but with state-of-the-art touches including an integrated headrest.