olldbobbi Love the tin ceiling! And the copper lanterns, and all the white, and all the storage.......

richardparker I think it says something about your judges that, but for one small drawer organizer, all of the kitchens are white. I don't remember being asked or seeing any type of a survey.

A K Richardparker, i think these Most-Popular lists, of which there are quite a few on Houzz, are derived from member activity. That is, how many times a photo is saved in an ideabook, and commented upon. In other words, not a contest, but simply a ranking of 'hits'.

mrsben Beautiful kitchens, but I must be 'out of the loop' as didn't have one added to my idea book. (Do now though.) Ü

@John: Ditto!

drj1097 Can't help but notice that 8 of 10 are white or off white cabinets. Seems to be a preference here......

pjb32 Yes, I love kitchen #5 and I know this was designed by Katja van der Loo. All of her work is great. See her web site for additional pics of this kitchen and all of her work @ papyrushomedesign.com. Plus, she is the easiest person to work with and I highly recommend her for your project...

digsblues These kitchens are all lovely to look at and very specious. But I wonder how they are for people who love to cook? One of the most efficient kitchens for cooking that I ever had was in our starter home, a U shaped, 9' x 9' tiny kitchen. The refrigerator was on the left, range on the right, and sink and counter on the end. Everything was within reach, although storage was limited.

peterjh1964 It's all the same kitchen. I feel like when a European is looking at Japanese people, they all look the same yet different.

dpetrillo I agree with digsblues. I love the finishes in these, but wonder about the functionality of the layouts. The refrigerator, sink, and stove are often separated by an island or spaced too far apart. There is wisdom in the kitchen triangle layout. I'd gladly sacrifice acreage for efficiency.

frenchdecor @disgblues, who likes cook need efficient kitchen, and who doesn't cook don't need big one ether, I suppose. Majority of us, down to Earth, need efficient kitchen, not big. I actually enjoy less cooking than before just because my current kitchen is not as good for my needs as previous one. Still browsing websites to get some ideas to improve it, but find very little use from posted monstrous kitchens with unlimited budget poured in. Hope someone will turn eye to average income designs, if someone actually knows that $75 per hour charge is few times higher than most people's hourly earnings and we are humans who deserve no less. Don't want to be negative, but I did research about recessed lighting, and they have all poor insulation, cooling and heating roof is far from efficient energy use. Skylight according Realtor's drop down factor, as it's a dirty glass over head. Updated white kitchen in average houses usually is a low end cabinetry, or painted wood but not very durable surface. Agree, it looks pretty on pictures. Why oak kitchens became outdated beyond me! Why floors are not outdated from the same wood? Can wood be outdated at all? I see "polite" pursed lips, but non of them could actually explain why?

philandstacey I would love to see some photos of dark kitchen cabinets and dark floors. I was hoping to go this route but am getting nervous that it might be too dark. Any pictures out there of successful "dark" kitchens?

cender As a residential designer and builder, my take on the kitchens of today, is, yes, they are getting larger. BUT, homes and their spaces are getting more efficient. We are no longer building 2 dining rooms. The idea of a formal and an informal (breakfast room) dining room is gone. The idea of a formal living room and a family room is gone. One Great Room is all you need. Put a small sofa and a small TV in the corner of a master for a cozy, den-like TV room, that can be a little hideaway for relaxing. The high cost/sq. ft. to build, makes these excess rooms cost prohibitive. And the cost to buy furniture for rooms you use twice a year, is ridiculous. So, the larger kitchen has become the hub of the home, with places to have a snack, do homework, pay bills, and cook, all in one. Families are cooking together. Why should Mom do all the work? If one person is cooking at the stove, someone else is making a salad, and someone else is cleaning up the mess (so it's not a big mess after dinner), and the youngest child is setting the table (which is close by so mom can teach them how to set a table - what a novel idea that is), the large kitchen functions quite well. My husband and I cook all of our meals together, and we entertain at home a lot. All of the guests want to participate or at least, have a front row seat. The dining room is adjacent to the kitchen, and we never seem to want to leave the kitchen or dining room. So, if you are thinking about new construction or remodeling, think about how you will really use (or not use) those rooms. Put your money where you spend the most time. And enjoy the process. It is suppose to be fun. Cheers!

judygilpin Where's the diversity here. All kitchens a very nice, but like another reader said, they are all white and look the same. Need a little more creativity. After all, we are all veiwing this website for ideas to inspire us, not to copy the norm that seems to be the popular color (or non-color) in this instance.

digsblues Cender makes a good point.. My family, kids, dogs and guests always do seem to like to gather in the kitchen. I often find myself jokingly commenting that we need one more person in the kitchen. My eating area is off the kitchen, on the same wall. Maybe I'll get a designer to look at how to combine the two areas. Right now there is a lot of wasted space, because the 20' x 20' area only has a diningroom table and chairs.

lisathescot I agree with A K. I think the results are based on the number of times each was added to idea books, which to me indicates more people are leaning toward light, painted kitchens as opposed to dark, natural wood. Imho, I find the white, or off-white, kitchens add so much light to the room, especially if any windows you may have in your kitchen are north or east facing, like mine.

1annabelle Is anyone else sick of white shaker cabinets yet??

lbricco Totally agree with the comments about white kitchens. I am just so tired of them. I am planning a total kitchen remodel and would love to see more dark or medium wood color pictures.

Jerri Holan & Associates, AIA Great kitchens, lovely spaces, hopefully white stays popular in 2013, it's a very practical choice for such a functional room.

olldbobbi I don't know what I'm going to do if white kitchens go out of style because I am just finishing up the painting in mine, and I'm not doing it again.

bellefonte I do like the look of white but it all starts looking the same. It's like we are sheep following the herd:( It's so much more interesting to look at the houzzers that step out of the line. Can we see the best NOT WHITE ones?

Sheila Schmitz A K is right: These are simply the 10 kitchen photos that got the most attention from Houzzers this year. But with 180K+ kitchen photos on Houzz there's something for everyone. For inspiring kitchens featuring darker cabinets, try a search for "dark kitchen cabinets," "cherry kitchen cabinets," or even just "wood cabinets": http://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen/%22wood-cabinets%22-

You can also get more details about specific kitchen projects from the topics listed on the left of this page: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/Kitchens#Latest-From-Houzz (Don't miss the "Colorful Kitchens" link.)

Here's to more great kitchen ideas in 2013!

Paul D'Amico - Period Design What this selection tells me is that people or designers don't think ceramic walls belong in a kitchen. All those beautiful glazes are not wanted. As a tile/glaze enthusiast I find that sad. Is it white because that's a non-commital choice? Or is it financial so that all the money gets spent on storage? or both?

gtgunkel White is timeless. But so are many other colors. Don't be afraid to go with what you love in fear it will be outdated. White is making a come back and it's just a refreshing change from the darker, heavy ornate kitchens that were very popular for so long. Those are still pretty too. I don't like worrying if something will be out in a year. Once you re-do your kitchen enjoy it and stay off of houzz...lol

kiwibrdi A white kitchen is timelss and classic. I can't think of any period of modern history when a white kitchen wasn't at least acceptible, if not the number one preference. I am just renovating my kitchen, using both white and very dark wood cabinets (one whole wall of floor to ceiling storage in the dark wood, all the rest white), and what is great about this combo is that so many different wall colors go with it. If I get tired of one look, I can just repaint the walls (and there isn't very much wall surface exposed, so it is just an accent). Right now I am using lavender blue, and it's gorgeous! (if I do say so myself, lol !)

Rio Brewster Gosh I'm so tired of "paint it white" advice on houzz.

Maybe the fact that so many saved these to their idea books is that people are trying to figure out how to make a white kitchen look unique. Or maybe that's just the direction of the herd.

I thought the bathrooms were pretty boring too.

1annabelle I should clarify my comment. Don't mind white kitchens, but everything I see is white, shaker. I love the look, but hate that everyone's kitchen now looks the same. White shaker cabinets and black granite. Always great photos on Houzz, though.

puppyfur Really, these kitchens are all the same! Where's the funky, not-afraid-to-let-the-dogs-and-kids-in kitchen of my dreams? I have looked through kitchen pics on Houzz for a while now and there is little for the budget-conscious regular person. I guess most of us are aspirational, but it would be nice to have more realistic ideas, at least for me.

5blues Phil and stacy go to hgtv rate my space ttp://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-space/Kitchens/Update-kitchen-after-flood-/detail.esi?oid=14867852 dark kitchen dark floor light counters.

Rio Brewster All the photos were obviously taken by professional photographers.

Maybe houzz needs an area of "ROOMS" where average folks who didn't hire a designer and and a professional photographer can have their photos seen.

It's very intimidating looking at thousands of pictures of bathrooms where the tub cost more than my whole budget.

John Landau Can you imagine really living/cooking in all this white? I know when I get down to cooking, there is usually a lot of mess. I can't imagine how filthy everything would look unless one had a full-time maid trailing behind with a rag and cleaner. Imagine kids touching all the white surfaces...ugh! I'm exhausted just thinking about this white "disaster". Moreover, no variation in style or design here. These kitchens evoke feelings of "cold-ness", not warmth where a family comes together to celebrate life and good food. Think again, houzz!

5blues I had a white kitchen with five kids. I cook ever night home cooked meals for me with my dark cherry cabinets now its no different. I need to wipe them every day. when the dog comes in the back door shakes splatters water. you still can see kids finger prints on the dark wood. Its a matter of I think the white is easier to see if you missed a spot. For me personally. I shouldn't of gave into my husband wanting a cherry kitchen. white is more me.

Sierra Jones I also have five kids, and a beautiful off white kitchen. I agree with 5blues....as far as the cleaning.....dark and light...no different. Kids fingerprints show up better on white to see, but look horrible and stand out on my espresso island. I love my kitchen! For us, everything you see now is espresso/chocolate...I wanted a bright and cheerful kitchen to stand out against all the dark wood. (I did my island in espresso though...and love it!)

sheilabou Well, I have a new house and I tried to pick a colour for my kitchen cabinets - something other than white because our other house that we built 25 years ago had white cupboards that I selected. I tried and tried to like the dark ones, the oak ones, the glossy ones. I just really really liked the white ones. The last time I looked in the mirror, I was still a human and not a sheep! I don't critize people who have dark or oak kitchens cause it usually suits them, just as the white kitchen probably suits me. I have chocolate brown tiled floor and stainless steel appliances. I like it and I am happy. So who should really care?

Paul D'Amico - Period Design based on reading all these comments the choice is between white or dark but no! there is colour at the end of the tunnel...

midmodfan I also think all these kitchens look pretty much the same. They are not only white, but the same style, too.

Mostly, when you look at ideabooks and the little comments added to the photos, you'll see that one single item was highlighted. Like a sink, or pendants, or a fridge, a window, or even a wall color. So, measuring the popularity of a whole room by the number of times the photo has been added to an ideabook is questionable per se. But hey, this is about design and fun - not science!

drj1097 Probably they are much the same style because they are basic concepts which work....

cender This has been a great response by Houzz members. Very fun to read and follow. Since I have been following this article, I am now curious. These 10 kitchens were loaded the most times into members Ideabooks. I must admit, I loaded several of these also. But the comments are objecting to the excessive use of white. Where is everyone from? What part of the U.S.. etc. I really think that the use of a particular color or stained wood my even be geographical. What do you all think? If you live near the beach...well, white may be more popular. If you live in the mountains, it gets more woody and rustic with accent colors like red, blue, green and cream. The northeast is more traditional. Are we onto something here?

Sierra Jones I think it is very simple. People like what they like. Only a small number of people would choose a colour based on what is popular and or trendy. People have their own personal preferences and usually design based on their own tastes. Definetely agree, Sheilabou....once you like and it and you are happy...what else matters?

Rio Brewster No offense to those who have and/or love white kitchens.

I guess my issue is that I look to houzz (and other magazines etc) for unique ideas that I haven't seen before or materials used in innovative ways. To see a bunch of white shaker kitchens (with black or white counters) is just kind of disappointing.

And I am tired of seeing "Paint it white!" or even worse "Paint it gray!" offered as a solution for every design dilemma. Where's the creativity in that?

cyberval For all those questioning the choice of all white kitchens, I have the following comment. I have seen light wood maple cabinets be the rage, I have also seen cherry and dark wood cabinets be the rage and both choices ended up becoming dated. White cabinets are pretty timeless. You can choose traditional or modern styling and both will age well. Mick De Giulio, who makes and installs very high end kitchens, was talking about his own kitchen which was already ten years old. He intended to install upgraded flooring. He then went on to say he had white cabinets and they looked as good as new. I think people see the fads cycle by and then decide they only want to do their kitchen cabinets once.

I actually agree with people who are fed up with the all white Scandi look, white walls, upholstery etc. etc. I personally think this is just a fashion moment because originally scandinavian decor had a lot of color in rugs and upholstery. For kitchens, however, white cabinets make sense. You can always paint the walls or replace a backsplash when you want a change but ripping out cabinets is a big undertaking.

digsblues Good point, cyberval. Being timeless is a big draw for white cabinets, and they are a very "safe" choice, depending on the material.

I helped my sister get a house she had rented out for 10 years ready to sell. The renters didn't take care of it, and it cost her about $25,000. to redo floors and make repairs. However, the kitchen cabinets cleaned up and looked like new. They had no chips, dents, or wear, except where the renter's parrot ate part of one cabinet door. We ordered another one to replace it. The doors were not wood, and held up perfectly otherwise.

Meanwhile, my realtor advised me that my 5 year old custom wood kitchen cabinets look "dated."

the_misfit I think this raging debate is fascinating. First of all, I have no doubt that the post creator simply found the ten most-saved images for this post. That's not the world's most sophisticated analysis of what people like, but it's unassailably straightforward. Second, I have never saved any of these photos to an ideabook (I may never have seen some of them, and I would guess I've seen well over 100,000 houzz photos by now. Or maybe I saw them and they made no impression on me?), and I'm not saving them now, because they don't appeal to me. Much too modern, generally. Third, I find the method of culling the ten "favorite" interesting in light of how I manage my own ideabooks (and I'd be interested to know how others feel, in this vein). My method: if I think a whole image is really beautiful or inspiring, I save it with no comments. If I think parts of it are objectionable or uninteresting but one or two elements are beautiful, I make myself specific notes (so I don't see it later and think, "What was I smoking?"). But I always mark them "private" - I don't know how helpful they'd be, especially for the homeowner and designer ("everything in this kitchen is ugly except for the hutch" "the rug ONLY" "JUST the pendant lights"). So I'm guessing my comments (if any of my pictures had made it to this collection) would not have been visible to the post creator, either. The level of analysis can't be better than the quality of data available.

Fourth and finally, I know the kitchen images I have saved in my own ideabook are the most beautiful ones on houzz. That's why I saved them. If other people have uninteresting taste, that will just make my own (almost-finished!) kitchen, inspired by my magnificent inspiration photos, that much more special. (And earn me aggravation from realtors some day when they want to sell my house to a public with no taste, but I will stalwartly ignore them.)

Happy New Year!

bellefonte I think it's having the courage to be the you that is really you. I admire people who don't care what anyone else thinks of their style/house and I would like to think I am that way but in reality there is always that little voice lurking that says "does this look dumb?" or how will someone else judge what I have done here? I tried to go in a completely different direction with the house I bought 2 years ago but I just didn't feel it was me. I ended up going back to what makes me happy though maybe doesn't fit the trends etc. And sometimes I fall in love with the trends. What I love about design today is the more relaxed anything goes approach. My house is a mix of originality and blatant stealing of others ideas :-)

jkristamagee I really like them. They look clean and home like. Classy and elegant. Some of the modern looks look like they came out of a spaceship.

katdavidw Other than the white cabinets (which I love and have) I also noticed that all the kitchens ( I think) have the single layer counter...not the bi-level that was so popular. I have been on the fence about this for so many years, but when I remodeled my kitchen, I decided to do it despite what some thought would be a mistake. I absolutely love it, and it opens up the entire room. I also find it friendly for entertaining. Add a couple counter stools, and AWESOME!

sjmom So clean and fresh and I love the arched kitchen entryway.

5blues I went through the pictures today of cherry kitchens on houzz. There are not as many cherry kitchens as white kitchens. I wish I had went with white again. My husband talked me into dark. White is classic and timeless. If you go neutral it is easy to update the kitchen. keep a classic backsplash and counter and give it your personalization with accents. unless you want to spend alot more later to update to sell it. So much more light bounces in a white kitchen. Making it seem like more space. Yes, I love the classic white shaker cabinet. timeless, elegant, classic. It has been three years since I installed a new kitchen and I love my cambria. I am trying to update it to a classic look. Nothing trendy. Not an easy with a dark kitchen as with white.

sunnycb02 Cender, I agree and was just going to ask about geography, because I am so surprised by all the "so sick of white" kitchen comments! We are having the cabinets in our new kitchen painted white before moving in next week- we chose it excitedly as a very refreshing change from all the (what I consider dated) wood in EVERYONE else's kitchens we know.

christmas12 Were I come from, if you want to "humiliate" wood paint it white! talk about cultural differences! :)

Mackenzie Austin Design Okay, as @bellefonte suggested...how about a top 10 kitchens of 2012, and we skip over the ones that are white?
Yes, white is timeless, bright, etc., it's what most of my clients choose, but it's also what they see too, and if they're seeing mostly white they're afraid of going against the current.

Sierra Jones The "white haters" in here are very interesting. Why are you so offended to see so many BEAUTIFUL white kitchens in this article ? If you want to see a variety...just type that in the tiny little Search tab at the top of the screen....I'm sure it will show you tons of other kitchens.
@Mackenzie: Apparently the people you work with are not able to make informed design decisions based on their personal tastes...but they rely on design articles like this one to conform them into a design based on what is "IN" right now. Job Well Done.

Mackenzie Austin Design @sierra jones, I find your comment offensive and snarky. I was merely suggesting a top 10 of non-white kitchens, so that your so-called "white haters" could have the enjoyment of seeing something a little different featured in a top 10 article. It is also reassuring for homeowners to see a variety of finishes as "popular", and not just white. People take comfort in doing "what's in" for the purpose of resale value and timelessness, let's show them all what else is "in". I'm quite sure if we are all computer-literate enough to comment on this thread, then we are all also capable of typing a search into the "tiny little Search tab". But just as you read this article, others find pleasure in reading an article that is already nicely organized with the author's additional comments. It's one of the many features on Houzz that keeps us all coming back for more.

As for my own clients, it is my job, as a designer to take the vision my clients have, well-inform them of all the possibilities, provide them with my own ideas, and make their dream into a reality. If their dream is a beautiful bright white kitchen, then it's my job to transform it into just that. Job Well Done.

Rio Brewster @Sierra Jones - That was rude and uncalled for.

Those us expressing disappointment with seeing 8 versions of the same kitchen don't necessarily hate white. It's a safe choice. It's disappointing that the "Most Popular" kitchens show such little diversity and creativity.

Why is it whenever someone expresses the opinion that painting everything white may not be the best choice, they are labelled a hater? Why are people who like white kitchens so offended that not everyone shares that opinion?

The only thing I really hate is being labelled a hater for having an opinion.

sjmom I came back because I noticed the comments were getting pretty feisty. I personally like a white kitchen with pine accents but know everyone has different tastes, like my husband for example. However, from perusing the internet there are as many choices as there are opinions so for those who are tired of or who don't like white you have many other options.

Sierra Jones The average person, unless living under a rock, is aware of every type of kitchen colour and stain available. If you are speaking for resale value...9 times out of 10 ...the buyer will never like the colour for the kitchen because again.. they have THEIR own tastes, and won't just buy a house because the kicthen is in a 'trendy' colour. When I first read the article I didn't even realize all the kitchens were white until I read all the comments. The people obviously seeking out darker kitchens or a variety will find that when they search different idea books...was just a suggestion....for your CLIENTS

Sierra Jones And @ Rio: Really....? Why does it bother you if someone wants to 'paint it white'? If someone is doing something that they like or think looks good...who are you to say it is not creative? Why would you judge based on the fact that YOU don't think it is a good idea?

Rio Brewster It doesn't bother me for others to paint everything white, as long as they have considered all the options first. I do think it's a shame for someone to paint over maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany or teak woodwork. (Or brick for that matter.)

However, I was once talked into painting an oak mantel on my fireplace white. I was reluctant, but in the end it was the right choice.

And I didn't say that wasn't creative. I said it was safe. I was referring to the fact that most of the kitchens above look pretty much the same - lacking texture and warmth and yes creativity.

I personally don't like "safe". That's my opinion for my house. That doesn't make me a "white-hater". It just makes me disappointed that the "most popular kitchens of 2012" all look the same.

Sierra Jones Again...why does one have to consider other options first, if white is their choice, style and preference? Also in your own words...you asked 'where is the creativity in painting something white'?...In other words...that is saying that painting something white is not creative. Oh but it is very creative to conform to someone else's design because you saw it in a magazine or on a website, and or because it is a trendy idea in kitchen design 'right now'. My point- one should not judge another based on their opinions or make someone feel their design is 'safe' just because it is what THEY LIKE. The fact that you don't like white for your house is wonderful...seeing as it's YOUR house. That's where you should express yourself. What you should not do is make others on this site feel bad because they don't share your feelings....after all.....it is THEIR house.

Elaine Kimery While everyone ELSE seems to like an all white kitchen, I cannot stand them..I mean what is wrong with some color...even if it's only a back splash and some chairs...I have never liked an all white kitchen and never will...there was only 1 kitchen out of these I liked..but, like others i wasnt asked...BUT, I can tell ya I have pinned many from Houzz on Pinterest, and white was not among them.! And, I get that for resale white may be the color of choice...but, I would think all white would turn people away quicker, the good news is, if it's all white you can add color easily, for those that love an all white kitchen, that is certainly your choice and I am not bashing it, I just would never care for one personally..but, if I did love a place so much and the kitchen was all white, oh you can bet, I'd be adding some color to it..!!

sjmom Elaine, I do like white kitchen cabinets but I'm with you on some added color which is why I like a light pine island and something different for counters and walls I love a soft yellow for kitchen walls.

The problem I have with wood stains is they go in and out of popularity and become dated. White is timeless, especially if it is not the "bright" white.

Mackin Drafting & Design While I enjoyed the article, I always keep in mind that the kitchen is probably the most personal space in the house. It's style defines us. It's like buying a new pair of shoes, one size and style is not going to fit everyone. I thought some of the ideas in the list are great ideas, no matter what the style of the kitchen.

sunnycb02 That's what I was finding most interesting... It's not so much that I love the white kitchen, but that so many are saying they are sick of it and its overdone? Literally, where I live, I have never seen a kitchen with white cabinets in anyone's house. I got the idea here on houzz because to me, it was beautiful, refreshing and unique! Cherry and other dark cabinets paired with granite are by far the most popular choice here, talk about a look I am sick of.