When undertaking a kitchen remodel, most people are looking for something timeless, as once you have lived through and paid for a remodel, you want it to look good for a long time. It is still important to be aware of the current trends in kitchen design often what starts as a trend becomes a feature that people expect to have in a well designed kitchen.
Transitional style is the current trend. Not as ornate as traditional, but warmer and softer than pure contemporary. Clean lines and simple details make it important to use the right materials, as they contribute to the character of the space.
Cherry has always been a popular wood for kitchen cabinets, but it is making room for more oak, walnut and birch cabinetry. The big open grain of oak is intriguing when given a dark or colorful stain. Bamboo is also gaining in popularity, its' linear nature fitting in well with contemporary designs.
Dark wood stains are becoming more common as part of the rise of contemporary designs. Think of it as the "Pottery Barn" effect. White is still the most popular painted finish, with islands or hutches being featured in an accent color. Distressing is back, but in a more subtle fashion. Gray is a popular neutral, a little more sophisticated than builder beige, but still somewhat neutral.
Solid surface countertops like granite, marble and engineered stone (quartz) are popular. Not everyone likes the shine of polished granite, so honed or antiqued finishes are becoming more widely available. Marble is being more widely used, even though many people think it is not suitable as a kitchen countertop. With proper sealing and a bit of care it works very well. Glass tile is the most popular backsplash material, and glass is being used as countertops as well, often as focal point such as an eating bar. Large format ceramic and porcelain tiles make for fewer grout lines, which is what people usually don't like about tile countertops.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs are still working on acceptance, but energy efficient LED lights are becoming widely available and more cost effective. The color rendition has improved and the low heat and long life of the bulb are definite advantages. Under cabinet lighting is an important part of good kitchen lighting. It is inexpensive and very effective at improving the light at countertop level. Metal finishes such as polished chrome and polished nickel are becoming more popular. Crystal accents in hardware, faucets and lighting also add sparkle to a kitchen. New finishes are the brushed bronze and soft gold colors, but polished brass is still not back in strength.
Pull out faucets are practical and good-looking. Pot fillers are not as popular as they once were; especially now that pull out faucets can be located close enough to fill pots on the stove when needed. Large, deep single bowl sinks are very functional, with room for soaking that big roaster or frying pan. A second sink is a popular feature in kitchens, creating an additional work station for vegetable prep or drink mixing.
Staying up to date with the trends in materials and products is part of the role of a kitchen designer. They can help guide you through the decision making process so that you have a kitchen that works for you aesthetically, functionally and budget wise.
Transitional style is the current trend. Not as ornate as traditional, but warmer and softer than pure contemporary. Clean lines and simple details make it important to use the right materials, as they contribute to the character of the space.
Cherry has always been a popular wood for kitchen cabinets, but it is making room for more oak, walnut and birch cabinetry. The big open grain of oak is intriguing when given a dark or colorful stain. Bamboo is also gaining in popularity, its' linear nature fitting in well with contemporary designs.
Dark wood stains are becoming more common as part of the rise of contemporary designs. Think of it as the "Pottery Barn" effect. White is still the most popular painted finish, with islands or hutches being featured in an accent color. Distressing is back, but in a more subtle fashion. Gray is a popular neutral, a little more sophisticated than builder beige, but still somewhat neutral.
Solid surface countertops like granite, marble and engineered stone (quartz) are popular. Not everyone likes the shine of polished granite, so honed or antiqued finishes are becoming more widely available. Marble is being more widely used, even though many people think it is not suitable as a kitchen countertop. With proper sealing and a bit of care it works very well. Glass tile is the most popular backsplash material, and glass is being used as countertops as well, often as focal point such as an eating bar. Large format ceramic and porcelain tiles make for fewer grout lines, which is what people usually don't like about tile countertops.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs are still working on acceptance, but energy efficient LED lights are becoming widely available and more cost effective. The color rendition has improved and the low heat and long life of the bulb are definite advantages. Under cabinet lighting is an important part of good kitchen lighting. It is inexpensive and very effective at improving the light at countertop level. Metal finishes such as polished chrome and polished nickel are becoming more popular. Crystal accents in hardware, faucets and lighting also add sparkle to a kitchen. New finishes are the brushed bronze and soft gold colors, but polished brass is still not back in strength.
Pull out faucets are practical and good-looking. Pot fillers are not as popular as they once were; especially now that pull out faucets can be located close enough to fill pots on the stove when needed. Large, deep single bowl sinks are very functional, with room for soaking that big roaster or frying pan. A second sink is a popular feature in kitchens, creating an additional work station for vegetable prep or drink mixing.
Staying up to date with the trends in materials and products is part of the role of a kitchen designer. They can help guide you through the decision making process so that you have a kitchen that works for you aesthetically, functionally and budget wise.
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