DESIGNERS REVEAL THE LATEST KITCHEN TRENDS.

Here are designers' thoughts on what's trendy for kitchens:

Appliances and equipment: Appliance options based on commercial equipment, with a large variety of manufacturers competing for the consumer's dollar.

Stainless steel is currently in vogue - in sinks, cooktops, ranges, oven fronts and other appliances. It goes with everything - all types of kitchens and finishes.

Microwave ovens are still a must. Designer Maxine White said some clients continue to request a Thermatronic oven, which is a conventional oven with a microwave oven in it.

People are getting away from having double ovens and a cooktop. More full ranges are being used. People are into commercial-looking ranges and cooktops, and many manufacturers are offering numerous options.

``They like the look and are willing to pay for it,'' said designer Cynthia Bennett. Viking is the commercial range requested by most.

Quiet dishwashers are desirable - and many American brands are now available. An instant hot water source at the sink is still a must-have item for many owners. White noted that she is removing trash compactors and replacing them with trash cans due to recycling demands.

Downdrafts that open or glide up to vent island cooking surfaces continue to be popular, as they allow more leeway for creativity, said White, adding that a cabinet housing a hood is not required.

The hottest news from Sub Zero - the refrigerator-freezer manufacturer - is separate Sub Zero freezer drawers, which come in individual pairs and can be placed wherever desired.

Wine coolers are also of interest to people now, Bennett noted.

Countertops: Granite countertops are still hot, as they have been for the last decade. They are stong, serviceable and offer a wide array of color options, including today's popular natural tones, White said. Also, some different stone finishes, such as limestone and blue stone, are being used for countertops.

But stone surfaces require sealing. And limestone is not for everyone because acids from such foods as lemons will stain it.

Corian is another possibility, added White, but it has faults as well - you can't set hot items on it. Also some Corian with a stonelike look is as pricey as granite, she said.

Tile is still used for a unique or rustic look - and sometimes is less expensive than other choices. With tile, discolored grout can be a problem, designer Ann Fletcher said.

Cabinets: More wood cabinets with cleaner lines and light and medium finishes are being used today than in the recent past. Cherry, mahogany and maple are popular wood choices in addition to other exotic woods.

``We're more into the wood look again as opposed to painted cabinets,'' said White. Whitewashed cabinets are still popular with some clients, but they are not seen as often as in the past.

Prefab cabinets are also an option to consider, as they offer hardwood finishes that come from a factory, said White. Some clients opt for laminated cabinets to decrease the cost. And laminates (not wood) are a popular choice for cabinet and drawer linings because they are easy to keep clean.

People are mixing cabinet types - using open display shelves with glass or wood-and-glass doors. If you have fun, colored dishes to display, it's a great way to add color to a room, noted White.

Storage: Many possible storage arrangements inside drawers and cabinets are available, including knife racks, spice racks, interesting corner units, bread drawers, vegetable crispers, towel racks, etc. Today, such hardware is readily available for custom cabinet makers to include in designs. Appliance garages continue to be requested to hide appliances from view. Large pull-out drawers for large pots and pans and casseroles continue to be all the rage.

One designer incorporated a narrow security drawer (for storing silver and jewelry) out of sight at the floor base next to the range - a nifty idea.

Eating areas: Eating areas in kitchens are still favored, even if they're small, said Bennett.

Lighting: It is tough for designers to keep up with the constantly changing trends in lighting today, said Bennett. Halogen, fluorescent, incandescent and energy-saving lighting are among the available options. Recessed can lights are most often used, noted White, adding that fluorescent lights are popular under cabinets and above countertops.

Wall treatments: Paint and faux painting (ragging and sponging) are really in. But the faux painting is not as splotchy and is more subtle than it used to be, noted White. Besides white walls, designers are using more taupes, celadons, yellows and golds - and more soft colors.

Flooring: There are lots of wonderful new laminate-type flooring choices - wood and stone looks and combinations of both. The advantage, said White, is they are prefinished and easier to care for than woods. Tiles and stone floors are also popular. Light-colored and neutral floors are most requested.

Wood floors will always be in style in kitchens, noted Fletcher because they don't show dirt and are easy on the feet. But don't forget the downside: If the dishwasher overflows, the wood floor will buckle. People are also asking for different surfaces in tile and stone flooring.