After reviewing 678 entries, the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) has reported 10 latest kitchen and bath trends for 2009. The finalists’ designs will be presented in a photo gallery display at the NKBA’s Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference from April 30 to May 3rd at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga.

"The trends spotted in this year’s competition are a great example of what’s to come in kitchen and bath design," said President of the NKBA Suzie Williford. "Each new trend will help turn a room into a well-designed, classic space."

The top 10 design elements for 2009 are as follows:

Steel counters: Stainless steel is emerging as a new countertop favorite in kitchen design by creating a sleek, modern look that ties in perfectly with stainless-steel appliances. It’s part of a styling trend, which combines the ingredients of a commercial-style kitchen with the warmth of cherry cabinets and natural stone floor, creating a room that is efficient, yet comfortable.

Black and white kitchens: Eschewing color, dramatic black and white color schemes are becoming the norm with its contrast in both value and sheen. The versatility and functionality create visual interest while blending together for a simple feeling.

Mirror, mirror off the wall: We’re seeing mirrors creatively popping up as freestanding furniture pieces, including back-to-back mirrors, sinks and faucets to provide a clear his-and-hers space. 

Resin panels: This year we’re seeing a number of designs with backsplashes made of interesting items such as fabric, mesh and bamboo, encased in plastic panel.

Tin ceilings: Tin ceilings are being increasingly used to make kitchens more visual and provide symmetrical focal points.

Floating cabinets: To create a cleaner, more open feel, many of the latest bathroom designs are eliminating cabinet legs and toe kicks in favor of floating, wall-mounted units. This leaves a large open area beneath the cabinet, which makes the room feel more spacious. 

Stone hearths: Huge, dramatic hearths made of natural stone are becoming more common in kitchens.

Shoji screens: The Asian-influenced shoji screen is now gaining popularity in a number of kitchen designs as they provide separation between kitchens and other living spaces when needed, while still allowing light to pass through.

Chrome is back: After years of yielding to finishes like brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome is making a comeback, particularly in bathrooms.

Glass elements: Glass is turning up in countertops and backsplashes.

CHARLOTTE, NC—RealEstate.com recently launched a real estate channel on YouTube for its RealEstate.com, REALTORS® company-owned brokerage, which can be found here: www.youtube.com/realestate. RealEstate.com, REALTORS® will display real estate listings from 20 national markets on YouTube in a video format by collaborating with CirclePix, a national provider of virtual tour services, offering an additional level of exposure for sellers and their listings.

Visitors to the new RealEstate.com, REALTORS® YouTube Web site can search for videos of thousands of homes for sale by entering in criteria such as MLS number, address, city or zip code. After browsing listings details and a virtual tour of the inside and outside of the property, a visitor can call 1.866.285.3226 to be directly connected with a local real estate agent. An agent will help guide the potential homebuyer through the MLS listings and set up appointments to view houses for sale.

"Launching RealEstate.com, REALTORS® on YouTube creates a new, fantastic vehicle for us to reach consumers in way that makes real estate shopping fun and easy," says Greg Hanson, Senior Vice President and General Manager of RealEstate.com. "With the help of CirclePix, we can now provide a way for potential customers to see a virtual tour of available properties while providing our more than 1,100 real estate agents with greater exposure for their real estate listings. It’s certainly a win-win for our customers and our agents."

According to a January 2009 comScore survey, nearly 77 percent of total U.S. Internet users viewed online videos, and YouTube attracted more than 100 million viewers to its millions of online videos. Mr. Hanson adds, "We know most homebuyers start their search online. We also know that Internet users are diverse and that videos of homes for sale provide a new outlet for home shopping versus seeking a local real estate brokerage Web site in each market they are searching. Showcasing our listings to this highly engaged, Internet-savvy audience creates a huge opportunity of greater exposure for our sellers’ listings."