The kitchen is the one room in your home where you should be extra-careful with trending choices. Obviously, you wouldn’t want a space that’s completely out of sync in a few years of being designed or remodelled just because you wanted to follow a trend. As a homeowner, you’ll desire a stylish space featuring modern appliances and high-end quartz countertops that blend in well with your décor and the rest of your home. If you’re thinking of upgrading, here are some of the most popular design trends that have stood the test of time.
1. Quartz/Granite Countertops
Nothing says elegance and style like stone countertops. Both quartz and granite stand at the top of the list of materials when talking about kitchen countertops. Quartz is as stunning as it is durable and provides a classic look. Since quartz is an engineered stone, it’s easier to get a colour and pattern that matches the décor and granite being a natural rock is prized for its durability and the classic look it provides. When thinking of a trend that’s here to stay which can positively affect your home’s resale value, there’s no way you can go wrong with a quartz or granite countertop.
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2. Induction Cooking
Aesthetically pleasing, safe and fast – there are so many reasons why induction cooking is loved by most homeowners. Since their burners utilize very little heat, even the smallest kitchens stay relatively cool while cooking and the surface is always safe to touch. Additionally, an induction stove top eliminates the need to have a large cooking range which in turn, opens the door to various creative design possibilities.
3. Subway Tiles
Subway tiles were introduced decades ago when they were first installed along the subway systems. Over the years, traditional tiles have made their way into homes and have turned into a lasting trend for kitchens. They are available in a variety of colours and have managed to keep the integrity of their shape, enabling you to incorporate modern touches that are both inspiring and beautiful.
4. Smaller Appliances
Smaller kitchens are becoming big these days. Retirees and millennials prefer micro-living as it’s just easier. Along with this, owners of multi-generational homes are going for smaller secondary kitchens for elderly parents and grown-up children who may be returning home. These micro-kitchens typically feature a combination microwave/convection oven, two-burner cooktop, a 60-inch fridge, and an 18-inch dishwasher.
5. Wine Coolers
With the growing inclination towards healthy lifestyle culture, wine consumption has increased, thanks to its availability at affordable prices. This is one of the main reasons why a wine chiller that’s separate from the fridge, is high in demand on the kitchen appliance wish list. Although small in size, it can certainly be used to store other kinds of drinks, making it an easy and convenient appliance to have in your kitchen.
6. Patterned Flooring
Patterned flooring is great when you are looking to make a statement and has been around since the Victorian Era. They are popularly being incorporated into modern kitchens due to the unique aesthetic appeal they provide. It’s a beautiful yet subtle addition that can help set the tone of your entire house, especially if they are ones built in that era itself.
7. Open Shelving
Though not a new concept, they are being widely used in modern home designs. It provides an opportunity for homeowners, to again, make a bold statement by adding a personal touch with gourmet foods or even small accessories. It can be the perfect place in your kitchen to add a pop of freshness with colours.
8. Contrasting Colours
Colours such as black and white are a classic combination which will never go out of style. It doesn’t matter whether you want to mix things up with lower or upper cabinets or go for a bolder approach with a black and white mosaic backsplash, using contrasting colours can provide a fantastic character to the place, regardless of the combination you choose.
9. Single-Slab Splashbacks
Kitchen splashbacks are no longer limited to being practical design elements but being used as a focal point in the space. It’s very similar to how homeowners would use wallpaper or paint in a section to make a feature wall in your home. There has recently been an increased demand for single-slab splashbacks as they add a touch of elegance and simplicity to the room. They provide practical cleaning benefits as there’s no grouting between the tiles which can get dirty.
10. Concealed Technology
Homeowners are choosing to conceal key pieces of technology being used in their kitchens such as coffee machines, smart appliances, and induction hobs. Installing pull-down units for hard-to-reach spaces, and hidden wall panels can extend your work surface further. Consider hidden drawers and sliding doors as they’re versatile and allow you to discreetly hide away different appliances.
11. Practical Sinks
When thinking about sinks, consider functionality above everything else. Generally, high-performance ones have a single large bowl to prevent splashes. Large pots, pans and other items can be accommodated and hand washed rather easily. Think about farmhouse-style sinks as they have regained popularity over the past few years and are definitely going to stick around for a while.
12. Stainless Steel
This is still something that is continually reigning supreme in the world of kitchen appliances. Stainless steel has commercial and professional roots and can endure neutral colour schemes making it easy to integrate this design element into any décor style. A stainless-steel fridge can stand out boldly against matte black kitchen cabinets and can also blend in rather well with light coloured ones.
13. Clean-Lined Design
Frilly finishes and heavy mouldings are a thing of the past. A kitchen without frills with strong horizontally running lines is much more pleasing to the eyes. You can achieve this look with horizontal cabinet pulls. If you’re looking to create a modern and cohesive look, consider purchasing kitchen hardware that matches the finish of your appliances.
14. Deep Drawers
Adding deep drawers with convenient partitions and shelving is an amazing alternative to installing lower cabinets, especially next to the stove. These drawers are a functional trend that does not require you to strain your back. You can store things where you want them and only have what you need making them a practical element in your kitchen design.
15. LED Lights
Owing thanks to technology, LED lights are literally shedding their light in many homes as a trend which is bound to last a long time. They’re a cost-effective alternative to fluorescent and halogen lighting and provide a beautiful way for you to illuminate your cooking area. Along with looking futuristic and cool, they’ll likely be a mainstay of timeless trends for years to come.
Remember, as with any cycle, trends come and go, and kitchens are no exception to this rule. Understand not all trends stay, which is important when you’re investing your time, energy and money into something. After all, if you’re thinking of remodelling your kitchen, you’ll want to make sure it’s well balanced out.