The first issue with your kitchen currently may be storage. The word is vertical. Learn to build up. Get and secure taller cabinets or make use of corner space or pot racks. Think about adding a vaulted ceiling or windows—the extra light will help to expand your space.
For a gung-ho remodel, the biggest trend is clean and spare cabinetry. The fancy doo-dads, corbels, elaborate trim and ornate vent hoods are gone. Interior designer Dirks, and architect Tringali, gave presentations at the 2013 International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas and describe the new kitchen floor plan as the “prep-eat-play” triangle, with flexibility and casual living as key ingredients. The combination is one of blending and communal happiness. For example: They say, eat at a comfy banquette or in front of the TV, perch in the breakfast nook or stake out a seat at the island.
John Riha, editorial director of the Black and Decker Home Improvement Library and the executive editor of Better Homes and Gardens magazine suggests these changes to keep up with the latest trend spotting; here’s the low-down:
Modern contemporary kitchen design is the bomb. Simpler, sleek–and a more modern aesthetic has replace and surpassed “traditional” as the preferred kitchen as reported by the National Kitchen and Bath Association for the first time in the association’s history.
Dark or white are the predominate cabinetry colors. The oak, wood or natural finishes are going away. Riha says, “Dark finishes help the kitchen integrate into the overall scheme; pure white is the ultimate accent color that readily complements the rest of the living area…The middle ground—think natural oak—is going away.”
Islands are a kitchen must-have and becoming more multi-dimensional, meaning: they will serve as food-prep areas, act as snack stations, and have display cabinets for art or the latest acquisition—objets d’art, channeling guests to comfy seating areas by providing and directing traffic flow.
Porcelain and ceramic slabs that mimic stone, wood and fabric are hot. Jamie Gold, a California designer, claims that this product is engineered using clay, quartz and feldspar. The elements are subjected to high heat, making them the perfect all-round surface.
Appliances are playing hide and seek. Disappearing behind faux veneers, they integrate well with the sleeker look. When visible, new finishes such as GE’s slate and Whirlpool’s Ice White are taking front stage away from stainless steel.
Glass finishes are becoming de rigeur. In backsplashes, these clear glistening panels are easy to clean and pull in a fresh air feel. Often clear glass is installed over walls painted soft colors that fits in with contemporary good looks.
Hello, Accessory stations such as espresso bars, ventless fireplaces, stylish vent hoods and one-of-a-kind accent tile or design.
Think too, that after you have your kitchen to suit, mirror a prep area in your “outdoor” kitchen and entertainment area as evidenced in today’s higher-end homes. Wide glass doors lead to an outdoor twin kitchen close by—that’s the ticket.
