Standard kitchen tap designs will be replaced by more flexible, convenient alternatives this year, a new report has found.The survey of designers by the National Kitchen Bath Association (NKBA) in the US revealed both the continuation of a number of existing trends in the marketplace as well as various new design options.In discussing kitchen tap trends, the NKBA found that demand for greater convenience will mean that pull-out taps and cooker-based, pot-filler taps will become increasingly prevalent.The most popular tap finish in 2010 is expected to be brushed nickel, followed by stainless steel, satin nickel and polished chrome, the NKBA said.For kitchen sink areas, the survey found that granite will continue to be the most popular countertop, while ceramic or porcelain tiles and glass are expected to be the primary materials for backsplashes in the coming year.Kitchen designer Pat Ryan recently told the Riverhead News that he expected simple, retro styles to return to kitchen design over the coming decade.