Cooking up the Latest Kitchen Trends
Kitchens have always been the center of attention in a house. It's where everyone congregates at a party, where the mail and keys are dropped, and what often makes or breaks the purchase of a home.
As such, the kitchen is a lightning rod for design and lifestyle trends. In addition to products including cabinets, appliances, and plumbing fixtures (to name only a few), the layout, function, and look of today's kitchen is continually evolving to meet modern needs. Thinking of remodeling your kitchen? Here are a few current trends to consider:
Outdoor kitchens. Not all kitchen upgrades take place in the house. Summer is here and the family focus turns toward the great outdoors. Once you experience a true outdoor kitchen, with a full range of functions, we'd wager you'll never go back to a rollout charcoal grill again. Outdoor kitchens have become a focus for manufacturers. They offer products that better withstand the weather (such as polymer-based cabinet fronts) and refreshment centers that more aptly accommodate outdoor needs, such as snacks and beverages.
A kitchen's new look. Raised-panel cabinet fronts are a mainstay in kitchens, but the natural wood look is waning a bit in favor of paint finishes of deep reds and lighter greens. Designers have taken to mixing and matching painted and natural-wood finishes to not only add a bit of distinctive style, but also to identify subtle differences in function. For appliances, popular stainless steel finishes have evolved into brushed metallic and graphite-like looks to broaden the options and upgrade the style.
Secondary kitchens. Also called Butler's pantries or prep kitchens, these smaller spaces allow caterers and party-throwers to keep the mess out of the main kitchen (where, as we said, everyone gathers) while also creating a convenient access to food and refreshments from the dining room. Smaller-scale appliances, including warming drawers, built-in coffee makers, and wine chillers, not to mention specialty storage options, suit the function of these spaces. Morning kitchens, located in or adjacent to the master suite, are also gaining popularity.
Function and Fashion. Time was that there was only one sink in the kitchen; now, there can be up to a handful, serving specific functions and equipped with varying styles of faucets. Long trough sinks, those with built-in cooking elements, multi-basin designs with integral cutting boards, small bar basins, and deep, single-basin sinks for large pots and pans dot every corner of the kitchen.
Zoned approach. The advent of secondary spaces has also flowed in to the main kitchen, as smaller-capacity appliances and other products have fostered "snack zones" for busy families. These zones can be outfitted with a microwave oven, dedicated storage for non-perishables, and various undercounter drawers for refrigerated foods, dishwashing, and warming chores. These designated areas accommodate a wider (and hopefully healthier) mix of quick meals while keeping the work flow and any mess self contained.
Center of the universe. The lines between the now-established design trend of one, large open space combining the kitchen, casual eating area, and a family room are blurred even further with kitchen islands that extend farther into the living space. These islands support family gathering and interaction as legitimate homework and craft areas, dining and catering surfaces, and as inviting hang-outs. Equipped with flush-mounted or concealed, undercounter electrical outlets, overhead lighting, and ample storage, today's island is, indeed, the center of the home universe.
Warm regards,
