Strong kitchen design trends are popping up in popular designer showcases, competitions and new home builder models.

For starters, kitchens are commanding greater square footage as the central hub and multi-functional space in the home. As a result, it makes sense that connecting spaces are open to the kitchen for ease of traffic flow.

Exceptional kitchen design was exhibited recently at the second annual Kitchen and Bath Design Awards competition. What excited the judges most was “design innovation and the application of aesthetic appeal, functionality of the space, attention to detail, originality, selection of colors and finishes” to name a few, according to Janice Anne Costa of Kitchen & Bath Design News.

As a result, cleaner lines, bold and fresh color in material execution and appliances with one winner featuring an orange LaCornue range. Another judge loved the mixed use of metals, bold use of color and wallpaper, attention to ceilings and unique storage applications.

“Black and white are the trendiest colors now for kitchen design, they are timeless,” according to Brian Patrick Flynn, interior designer for HGTV’s Urban Oasis home giveaway. KBDA judge Diane Foreman also was “particularly taken by…the glamour and sophistication of black in the winning kitchen designs.”

Check out the full gallery of winners at Spectacular Spaces: 2nd Annual KBDA!