Typically the kitchen is the most-used room in the house and there is nothing better than updating your kitchen to make it feel like the heart of the home. Whether you want to stay on-trend, go completely eco-friendly, or you simply want a full renovation, we agree that there’s nothing wrong with updating your kitchen to fulfill your desires.
so let’s see what’s cooking:
The Island
It may come as a surprise, but the humble kitchen is currently in the spotlight. The reason behind this trend lies in the increasing popularity of kitchen islands, which have proven their versatility as the centerpiece of kitchens. They are gradually taking over the role of the traditional dining table.
While kitchen islands have traditionally been accompanied by a single row of bar stools on one side, the new trend embraces more extensive wraparound seating. This design not only promotes face-to-face conversations but also enables hosts to accommodate more guests for dinner. Therefore, homeowners are now doubling up on islands and bypassing the need for a separate dining room.
Colors and Styles
Similarly to bathroom trends, earthy and natural tones have emerged as the prevailing theme for kitchens. While blues continue to hold their popularity, greens and woody hues have become the top design choices, evoking the serene ambiance of the great outdoors.
Textured
Wood for cabinets is staging a remarkable comeback, aligning with this nature-inspired theme, in contrast to the traditional white cabinetry. Green stands out as the most favored color for contemporary homes, complementing various surfaces such as walls, cabinets, tiles, and more. This color facilitates a connection to the natural world, drawing from the rich hues of the rainforest and blending in subtle, ocean-inspired tones.
In the realm of plumbing and lighting fixture finishes, gold and copper have taken the lead. As mentioned earlier, akin to bathroom trends, kitchen designs are adopting biophilic blonde and brown tones. In contrast to the once-popular stainless steel and black finishes, gold kitchen faucets have gained substantial popularity, with cabinet hardware and lighting finishes following suit.
Going Even More Green
While adhering to the popular green design trend, many are also prioritizing sustainability in their kitchen choices. Modern kitchens feature built-in recycling stations, energy-efficient appliances, long-lasting lighting, and the eco-friendly practice of donating older appliances.
To make their kitchens as eco-friendly as possible and contribute to a healthier planet, a growing number of people are opting for non-toxic, all-electric kitchen setups. Even cabinets are going green, constructed from formaldehyde-free wood, solid wood, recycled wood, recycled concrete, reclaimed wood, or bamboo.
Another notable shift in the U.S. kitchen scene is the increasing adoption of gasless cooktops, following the well-established popularity of induction cooking in Europe. This shift is driven by growing safety concerns associated with gas stoves and the fact that induction cooking produces fewer fumes.
Increased Functionality for a Hotel Feel
Whether homeowners have children or not, many yearn for a hotel-like atmosphere at home, especially during stressful days when relaxation is needed without leaving the house. There is a growing desire for additional beverage areas and amenities to be integrated into the kitchen. Given the available space, homeowners are increasingly requesting dedicated stations for pouring wine, brewing coffee, crafting cocktails, or blending smoothies to be included in their wish lists. Similarly, walk-in pantries are gaining popularity due to the increased demand for storage and the desire to reduce visible kitchen clutter.
Lighting
Creating the right ambiance has become a central focus in kitchen design, as it plays a pivotal role in establishing a comforting aesthetic. Consequently, designers are incorporating multiple layers of lighting to accommodate different atmospheres, make artistic statements, and ensure nighttime safety. This may involve the use of under-cabinet lighting or sconces to provide a more subdued alternative when overhead lighting feels too intense. The choice of lighting layers can distinguish between a bustling kitchen in full use and a winding-down evening setting. After all, no one desires harsh, bright lighting when grabbing a late-night snack or preparing an end-of-the-night tea.
Furthermore, when you’ve invested a significant amount of time in creating the perfect kitchen, it’s essential that your efforts are not overshadowed by overwhelming light. Instead, the lighting should enhance the overall view of the kitchen, providing a warm and welcoming ambiance.
Added Design Elements
Kitchen design elements sparking conversations include herringbone patterns for backsplashes, the incorporation of fluted detailing, where cabinetry and islands feature this distinct texture, the practice of backsplash blending, which involves using the same material for both the countertops and a slab behind the cooktop range, and the addition of hidden storage elements.
In addition to these design elements, a growing number of people are carrying on a simplistic overall design while opting for a dramatic slab of marble or stone. This choice not only connects them with the natural world but also celebrates its inherent beauty. Lastly, trending kitchen elements also encompass the adoption of soft-open and close cabinetry, along with quieter appliances, reflecting the demand for a less noisy kitchen environment.
Minimalism
According to many designers, the current trends in kitchen design styles include Scandinavian, mid-century, and contemporary themes. Kitchens are progressing to become more functional while embracing simplicity. Achieving this balance could be done through the use of flat-panel designs, stain-resistant materials, and countertops that seamlessly blend into the backsplash. A prime example of this approach is the widespread popularity of quartz countertops due to their stain resistance, easy maintenance, exceptional durability, and effortless cleaning.
As homeowners and tenants seek additional storage solutions, larger pantries and built-in cabinetry are becoming highly sought-after, reflecting the growing demand for both space and functionality. This trend is amplified by the increasing focus on nutrition and healthier lifestyles, which necessitate more refrigerator storage. In line with the minimalist style, many kitchen designers are opting for minimal or no hardware wherever possible.