You can update the look of your kitchen without immediately
feeling out of style when you seek out timeless trends like these.
Quartz
countertops are easier and timeless.
Skip the sealing and scrubbing. Quartz-surfacing
countertops require less upkeep than their granite counterparts and offer
timeless appeal. Plus, the shimmering surface is less dominant than other
materials, so you’re unlikely to grow tired of it.
Open
layouts are here to stay.
Tear down those walls, and banish kitchen isolation: open
layouts are here to stay. A desire for informal dining and comfortable cooking
drives this design trend, supporting a casual yet connected lifestyle. Open
kitchens encourage interaction and entertainment with their breezy blend of
living spaces.
Induction
cooking is efficient and attractive.
Fast, safe and aesthetically pleasing—there are many reasons to love
induction cooking. Because induction burners utilize little heat, even cramped
kitchens stay cool while cooking, and surfaces remain safe to touch. Plus,
these cooktops eliminate the need for a large range hood, opening the door to
creative design possibilities.
Single-level
islands are in.
When keeping an open layout, single-level islands allow
light to seamlessly stream through a space. Not only do counter-height islands
increase the intimacy of a kitchen, they also expand valuable prep space.
Don’t
overlook the ceiling.
Realize the untapped potential of kitchen ceilings. For the
often-overlooked area overhead, shallow coffers shake up small spaces, while
moldings complementing the shape of an island or work space below can help
define larger kitchens.
LEDs
light the way.
The future is here, and it’s brighter than ever. Thanks to
ever-changing technology, LED lighting has lost its chilly, unfriendly look and
continues to be applied in innovative ways. Use LEDs to illuminate a toe-kick,
perk up an island or brighten the work space beneath cabinetry. The new-age
lights are more efficient and longer-lasting than halogen and fluorescent
bulbs.
Integrate
appliances.
Sick of appliances sticking out like a sore thumb? Try
integrating them into your kitchen with clever paneling and built-ins. This
trend opens new worlds for designs; appliances can now stand alone as a stylish
statement piece or quietly recede into surrounding cabinetry.
White
is always a good choice.
White kitchens will never go out of style. You’re more likely to grow tired of
bold hues on major surfaces, so stick with accessories you can swap out to get
that kiss of color. Consider your kitchen’s stone floor, backsplash and trim to find the
perfect shade of white for the space.
Go
deep for drawers.
Extra-deep drawers, especially by the range, make cooking
and storage effortless. They’re more accessible than typical base cabinetry and so
simple to integrate into a beautiful kitchen design. Add-ons, like pegboard and
drawer organizers, keep drawers tidy and prevent plasticware tumbles.
Use
fewer upper cabinets.
Less is more, as made apparent by this minimalist trend.
Upper cabinetry continues to come down as homeowners opt for the open, airy
look of additional windows or choose to display dishware and artwork on open
shelves.
Choose
clean lines.
Consider heavy moldings and froufrou finishes things of the
past. No-frills kitchen designs with strong horizontal lines are much more
enduring. One way to achieve this look: horizontal cabinet pulls.
Silver
finishes always look polished.
Kitchen finishes come and go, but polished silver is
forever. Incorporate polished chrome or nickel into hardware, faucets, shelf
brackets and more for an upscale accent that endures.
Consider
a hardwood look.
Hardwood floors have kept kitchens warm and cozy for years,
and that won’t
change anytime soon. The material adapts to any style and flawlessly unites
rooms in an open floor plan. Don’t count out other flooring materials just yet, though.
Porcelain planks that look like wood provide the same inviting style but are
easier to maintain.
Get
elbow-deep in a big, practical sink.
When it comes to sink trends, the emphasis is on function.
Generous, high-performance models with a single bowl contain splashes while
simultaneously accommodating large pots and pans or other items that require
handwashing.
Tuck
appliances under the counter.
As upper cabinets disappear and walls open up, appliances
and storage have shifted underneath counters. This trend favors universal
design principles and keeps small appliances accessible. New microwave models,
including microwave drawers, load from the top for added convenience.
Embrace
stainless steel.
Stainless steel continues to reign supreme in the world of
appliances. With its professional and commercial roots, the enduring neutral
color can easily be integrated into any kitchen style.