How many times do we see a hot new trend and immediately want to jump on that band wagon? When it’s a new handbag or fabulous pair of pumps, that’s one thing; but when it involves your home renovation, consider the trend very carefully. After all, the decisions we make are ones we probably have to live with for 10+ years and let’s be honest, kitchens aren’t cheap. Here are some hot kitchen trends and some things to consider before you take the plunge.
Open shelving used to be reserved for homes that were rustic in style. These days you can find them in homes that are anywhere from rustic to ultra modern. Shelves can be a great place to display decorative objects, artwork, or sentimental items. Unless you’re one who spends lots of time cleaning or has a team of folks to do so, I would think twice before storing my tableware on them. The reality is, not only do the shelves get dusty, but the items on the shelves do as well. Nobody wants a dusty cup of coffee, no matter how cute the cup is. If you love the look of open shelving, install a couple of shelves that are relatively small. That way you get the look without all the maintenance.
Waterfall countertops are all the rage and with good reason…….they are a showstopper! These will instantly add a modern feel to any kitchen and do so with quite the dramatic flair. This look can be accomplished with most countertop materials, but is most often used with quartz and marble. Stone, either natural or manmade, is an investment so be certain you love that waterfall.
One trend I love is having the countertop continue up the backsplash. This, like the waterfall, is a high end look and will look at home in most kitchens no matter what the style. I’m often asked if this will do damage to the budget and the answer is, it depends. If you are planning on a pricey tile for your backsplash and your installer thinks that gorgeous tile is going to be more labor intensive to install, the cost may not be dramatically different. Speaking of backsplashes, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention what is admittedly my favorite trend. If you have a vent hood that has some separation from the upper cabinets, taking the backsplash to the ceiling not only adds drama (the good kind) to your space. If the ceilings are high, it draws the eye up and really emphasizes the height of the room.
Color is back, and I for one am very excited. I love a white kitchen and let’s face it, they are timeless; but……..greens, blues, grays, and shades of black are showing up in kitchens everywhere! If you love that BM Hale Navy, go for it! If in doubt, paint the island whatever color you’re in love with at the time and stick with a more neutral color on the perimeter cabinets. It’s easier and less expensive to re-paint the island in a few years. If you fancy having the upper and lower cabinets different colors, then remember to paint the upper cabinets the lighter color. The darker lowers will ground the space.
Stained cabinets are making a comeback, but with a more modern flair. Shades of light to medium brown or woods with a clear coat are everywhere. Modern, traditional, and rustic kitchens are enjoying this trend. The woods being used today have a fabulous grain due to the species or the way they have been cut. These can be installed with the grain either vertical or horizontal.
Taking the cabinets to the ceiling has been on trend for years and I hope that it NEVER goes away (Talk about a dust bunny festival)! Now we are putting single doors on the uppers going all the way to the ceiling and the look is spectacular. This really brings the eye up and makes the room appear even more spacious. It’s also a very clean look and somewhat on the modern side.
Last, but not least, the vent hood used to be a just another appliance, but now they are a statement piece. Made of wood, concrete, brass, stainless, stucco, quartz, or marble these hoods get attention. Added bonus, if you purchase that fabulous 48’-60” range and want to show it off, this is how you should do it.
These are just a few kitchen trends to think about when you’re building or remodeling your new kitchen. No matter what trend or trends you put in your home, make sure your kitchen is as functional as it is beautiful. Remember, your home should always “Welcome you home.”
