There is ample evidence that the market for professionally remodeled kitchens and baths is the strongest sector in the broader remodeling industry. Our March survey of remodelers found that 47 percent report their current level of kitchen and bath remodeling is higher than in previous years — a surprising figure given the slower market for remodeling activity generally.

What is also clear is that remodelers overwhelmingly view kitchen and bath remodeling as a key area for the growth of their businesses in the coming years — 92 percent agreed with this statement in our survey. They know that in good times and bad, homeowners hire remodelers to improve the two rooms they use most often.

Jerome Levine, owner of The Levine Group Architects & Builders Inc., Silver Spring, Md., explained the continued activity and vibrancy in kitchen and bath remodeling this way. “The good news is that people still want kitchen and baths. They still want to cook food and entertain, and they still want a nice environment to shower and use the bathroom.”

So what is it that drives kitchen and bath business in 2008? We drew upon a number of resources to provide as complete a picture as possible. First, we conducted a survey of remodelers which gave us a sense of the level of activity and some of the finishes and features they are seeing in their respective markets. Second, we pulled in photos and trends from recent winners of Qualified Remodeler’s Master Design Awards. Third, we conducted interviews with remodelers. Lastly, we worked with the National Kitchen & Bath Association to offer their input as to some of the macro-level trends that now drive kitchen and bath designs.

Trend No. 1: Color is king

Last year, on the cover of our Kitchen & Bath Industry Show issue, we presented a super sleek, gleaming white kitchen by Arclinea of Boston. This year we chose a luxe bath remodel by Classic Remodeling & Construction Inc. of Johns The rich colors and tones — from the deep mahogany vanities to the warm-colored walls — are emblematic of a common thread seen among many award-winning remodeling projects in 2008. But the trend toward the use of new colors and new mixes of colors goes way beyond an added richness says Victoria Strother of PS Construction Inc., Sacramento, Calif.

“We have some really dark kitchens, some really light kitchens and, in part, this is established by the color of granite that they choose. But by-and-large, people are experimenting more with paint color, going a little wilder, mixing lights and darks.