Want a new kitchen? 5 Trends in Kitchen Design

Spring seems to be the favored time for kitchen remodels around here.  

Designing kitchens is my favorite thing to do, and I get giddy when a new project rolls in.   One of the things that I have learned is that the enthusiasm with which we begin a project tends to wane as the realities of construction begin to set in.  So we spend a good amount of time with our clients in the beginning managing their expectations and helping them prepare for the craziness that is to come!

In our preconstruction meeting I give the homeowners a packet that I title "How to Survive a Remodel".... there's a link on my sidebar.  Feel free to grab a copy for yourself.

Trends in kitchen design are always evolving, but here are a few things I'm noticing in new kitchens today.  

White kitchens are still the preferred cabinet color, and it's no wonder because they create a clean and fresh look that feels so good!  But a trend that I'm liking a lot is two-toned cabinets.  Usually the darker color is on the base cabinets and a lighter color on the uppers.  The dark bases ground a space nicely and are easier to keep clean too.

Northeast Cabinets

BHG

Appliances are more seamlessly integrated into the overall kitchen design than ever before, and furniture design is being incorporated into the cabinet styling.  

Coffee bars are gaining popularity....and I know why!!

BHG

A bit more engineering is involved here, but how great would it be to be able to use that backsplash space?

DCD Cabinets

New armoire?  No, that's just the fridge....

Heather Moe, ID

Open sez me?

Tim Krieble,ID

U-Line

Eco-friendly is the buzz word these days, and countertops and backsplashes are favorite places to recycle. 


Recycled glass is durable and beautiful.

bioglass 

For the chef's kitchen, stainless steel is a great choice.

Studio William Hefner

Concrete can be shaped and colored to any taste.

Hugh Jefferson Randolph.ID

Remodels often allow for more windows, and homeowners are opting for including them in their kitchens.  You lose some upper cabinets, but the light and the open feel can often make up for the lost storage. 

Colleen Duffey, ID

Renea Abbot, ID

There has been an ongoing trend for a more "social" kitchen, and an open concept is almost a standard feature in new home construction.  

Deulonder Arquitectura Domestica

Western Interiors

Stats tell us that an average kitchen remodel will give homeowners a return on investment of 60-75%, so updating your kitchen is almost always a great idea.

A kitchen facelift can be a good DIY project, but if you're contemplating a more extensive remodel, having a professional help you with the design and layout can save time and money in the long run.  Never underestimate the value of experience !