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I am getting ready to start a mild remodel of my kitchen (painting cabinets, new counters and appliances). I have ALWAYS loved the looks of oil rubbed bronze knobs, fixtures, etc. BUT, I'm wondering if they are just a trend or will they still have a classic look in another 20 years??????

Also, what about white cabinets? It seems like everyone I know has white cabinets now. It's easier for us to paint our current cabinets instead of staining them, so we're going with white. I'm hoping they never go out of style.

Designers for both individuals and for large manufacturing companies are always on the move, looking for new ideas and inspirations. It is only recently that interior design has been thought of in the same terms as fashion, as a commodity that needs to be updated constantly. Just because what you are doing or what you like is not being shown in magazines or in showrooms does not mean you need to redecorate. It simply means that the market is offering a new solution to old problems for those that need or want a fresh perspective.

Just like short skirts always preceed long skirts, and chunky shoes give way to stilettos, designers will alway look for and promote the opposing look to what prevailed before it. White cabinets, and painted cabinets of any color have gone in and out of fashion at least six times since the 1920's. I wouldn't worry about it.

What people should be concerned with is starting a project they can not afford to finish, since the materials you use may be discontinued and replaced with the "next big thing" before you are finished.

As a designer who has been working in the field for almost 30 years I do not believe white cabinets or any painted cabinet are ever "wrong" in a kitchen. Paint has always been durable, cleanable surface, which preserves the integrity of the wood beneath. What's not to love?

Oil Rubbed Bronze however makes me think of 1950's fake Colonial hammered iron latch style hardware (or worse the iron hardware with the Alpine hearts at the end!)and even though I have it in my own home, I think it is a trend that will date itself like "pickled" wood or cerused finishes.

Chrome or nickel are without a doubt the most practical metal finishes in an area that gets heavy use and lots of water. Not everyone likes a shiny metal, but it is hard to scratch, easy to clean, and resistant to decay.That's why they have been used in kitchens and bathrooms for years.Brass is great if you are going for a more authentic Victorian look, but brass is a pain to maintain. Other finishes like satin nickel or ORB are really more trends, just so the market has something new to sell, neither one is particularly more durable, or even cheaper, just different.

It is my experience that unless you spend a ton of money on designer hardware it is best to pick a combo that isn't so drastic as dark metal on white. Hope this helps!