Will maple take oak's top spot?

hardware, knobs and pulls are just like a piece of jewelry that compliments a dress or coat."

Popular hardware options include brass, pewter, iron, brass antiqued with color and even rusted hardware. "The trend is away from a slick, hygienic, sterile look to a more detailed environment. "

Consumers are interested in personalizing their kitchens with hardware suited to their individual tastes. Details such as moulding and curved end panels on counters also allow such customizing. Customer taste usually dictates door styles. "The availability of hidden hinges and a full overlay which allows a much smoother sophisticated look is influencing choices," Edwards noted.

Cabinet accessories are another way a customer can personalize his choices for a kitchen. Edwards advised, "Showrooms must have accessories on display in order to sell them. People don't miss what they can't s@."

Popular accessories include cutlery dividers, Lazy Susans, roll-out trays and sink tiltout trays. The variety of accessories offered has increased dramatically compared to what was offered

20 years ago, Edwards said. They are slowly being added to manufacturers' lines in response to an increase in consumer demand. Retailers should be aware of what is new and include them in their cabinet displays.

When something new is introduced, whether it be a teal-colored cabinet" cathedral door styles, a sink tilt-out tray or pewter hardware, it takes a while to become a trend, Edwards explained. "Trends have a slow start, a broad peak and a slow decline."

What about cabinet hardware trends? "They are all over the boar(" according o Edwards. "Decorative