2016 KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN

This Sun West Custom Homes master bath won best in the over $500,000 division. COURTESY OF SUN WEST CUSTOM HOMES

This model home kitchen by DR Horton's luxury division, Emerald Homes, won first place in the over $500,000 category. COURTESY OF DR HORTON

American West won several awards for best model home master baths at the 2016 Silver Nugget award event March 19 at the Red Rock Resort. COURTESY OF AMERICAN WEST

This American West model home's master bath won first place in the under $300,000 category. COURTESY OF AMERICAN WEST

American West won several awards for best model home kitchen at the 2016 Silver Nugget award event March 19 at the Red Rock Resort. COURTESY OF AMERICAN WEST

This American West model home has the tub incorporated into the shower. It's a trend homebuilders say is taking off in Las Vegas. COURTESY OF AMERICAN WEST

The National Kitchen &Bath Association, in conjunction with the International Builders’ Show, released its much anticipated 2016 Design Trends Survey in Las Vegas in January, highlighting the latest design trends for American kitchens and master baths.

Transitional styling, a blend of traditional and contemporary, remains the most prominent trend for kitchens and baths in the U.S. Background color palettes are neutral with white, black and gray being predominate.

Family life revolves around food and social connections; it is no surprise that the kitchen is still considered the most important room in the home. No longer hidden away from everyone but the cook, open kitchens now merge with living and work spaces. Kitchen islands with seating have taken the place of the kitchen table, allowing family and friends to engage with the cook or host. Today’s kitchen islands are larger than ever and perform double duty as second food prep areas with sinks, stove tops, storage and plenty of seating.

Island and workspace countertops in varying colors and material create contrast and texture to heighten visual appeal. Quartz countertops, available in a variety of colors, are the new bling and are taking off in higher-end or custom homes. Light and dark combination cabinet colors and finishes, or rich wood cabinetry mixed with metal detailing, provide added drama and a luxurious look.

Whereas kitchens epitomize the heart of the home; master baths are all about creating a private spa. Spacious stone or tile-walled showers with no threshold have replaced the glass-door shower. If there is a bathtub, it is a large soaking tub.

Grab bars, built-in shower seats or benches and accessible vanities are becoming expected amenities. Easy maneuverability is essential. Electric-heated floors, one-piece toilets, towel warmers, humidity-sensing fans, steam showers, smart toilets/bidets and faucets are also popular features.

Smart home technology continues its steady ascent in the home and this year’s kitchens and baths incorporate all the latest tech-friendly must-haves. Kitchens include workstation areas with docking stations and flat-screen TVs. Appliances are energy-efficient and can even be operated remotely: Think ice at the touch of a phone app when pulling into the garage or preheating the oven when out running errands. Motion-activated lighting and faucets are big hits. Built-in coffee stations, wet bars and wine refrigerators are becoming the norm. Master baths include built-in flat screen TVs and top-of-the-line sound systems.

In Las Vegas, the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association and the Las Vegas Review-Journal presented homebuilders with its annual Silver Nugget awards March 19 at the Red Rock Resort. American West Homes won the best model kitchen home in the $300,000 to $500,000 price range. It also took first place for master baths in homes priced under $300,000 and for master baths in homes $300,000 to $500,000.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized as an industry leader for our baths and kitchens,” said Bonnie Hernandez, executive director of marketing for the company.

“We were the first to get away from the dated, traditional bathtubs and offer extra, large walk-in spa showers as well as wet rooms where the tub is enclosed with the shower. You will see this trend throughout new homes scattered about Las Vegas now.”

Hernandez said the company’s research of more than 17,000 homeowners shows that Las Vegas homebuyers want large, oversized dining islands in their kitchens, as well as gourmet cooking centers. The cooking center should be the focal point of the kitchen with a bay window over the stove allowing for natural light. Also, the company offers built-in double refrigerators that can measure from 66 to 72 inches.

She said Larry Canarelli, president of Las Vegas-based American West Homes, “has great insight into what homebuyers are wanting in their homes in Las Vegas.”