Photos would help. Trends are dependent on the area you live in. Material choices are often chosen by area as well. A cold climate often works with slightly warmer materials (such as wood, vinyl or cork). Hot climates often work with cold materials (porcelain, ceramic, stone and concrete). The areas connected to the kitchen also help dictate colour of material. Flooring is also influence by counter tops and backsplash choices.

You'll need to give us a few more hints as to what you have (that you like and will keep) and what "look" you are going for. How many people in the home? How much wood in the home? How much stone? Do you like what you have? Are you a traditionalist, a transitionalist, a contemporary or a modernist? Does the home's style fit your personal style?

We need more information. As for Europe, gray and "dark" are out and "white" is in. In conservative USA "dark" is still "in" and very popular. In more design-forward areas gray is still strong but getting "lighter" in colour (dark gray was in...now it is starting to lighten up). Beach look flooring is hot in certain areas (white planked flooring or white washed flooring). Cool colours still dominate...but not everywhere.

You get the picture. We need a bit more before we can comment on "popular".

Trends come and go. They change all the time. Otherwise everyone's homes would look a like. Some people go with the fad of the moment. Some like to stay more traditional. Remember when every body had the Tuscany look. It was very dark and heavy looking. Now it's lighter woods, the reclaimed woods are big in California, but may not work for Kansas. Rustic industrial, looks great in lofts. With exposed brick. So when working with clients, it's what they feel comfortable with. Family size, are their kids, dogs. Etc. a lot goes into the design plan. So yes like Cork said above. Gray is big, but starting to lighten up. Are you a person that changes furniture every 2 years, or do keep things for 15? These are questions that all designer should be asking.

Don't try and paint cabinets to match flooring. Right now the IKEA cabinets in colors are very big. Gray is still king. Going gray cabs, coordinating counters, (granite still rules) with darker gray slate floors are huge. Do a random pattern. Dark grout. Use pop of color with counter accessories.

I love porcelain tile. Very dog friendly! I would say that the cement look and large tiles especially long liner ones are hot here in the pacific northwest if you like a modern look. I would get some flooring samples and see what fits best with your typical stains, spills and dirt. I have 4 giant dogs and went out looking for tiles that are "dirt "colored. LOL!