As the foodie revolution has expanded, the kitchen has become much more of a central focus in the household, as both a place to make good food and a place to gather and enjoy it. Whereas the kitchen was once placed in the back of the home, today, the rest of the home revolves around it. In modernizing your kitchen as a homeowner, you have an almost endless selection of materials, styles, sizes, and finishes to choose from, but we wanted to highlight a few of the more popular trends we’ve seen emerge this year.
Stone Countertops
Granite and quartz are currently the top choices for countertops, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Both materials offer the opportunity to create a unique space as no slab is the same, and they both offer stunning variations of colors and patterns. Because quartz is manmade, it is a bit more durable than granite and less likely to chip, however, it is usually not as easy to repair as natural stone products. And though granite does require a little more cleaning and maintenance, it’s a minimal amount of maintenance. As homeowners are upgrading their homes for a better resale value, stone countertops are one of the most often requested changes. Non-porous, incredibly strong, and resistant to heat, cold, and stains, stone countertops are becoming the new standard.
Integrated sinks
Integrated sinks, where the sink is made from the same material as the countertop, offer a more modern, seamless look in the kitchen. Integrated kitchen sinks fit in perfectly in a modern home and work for any kitchen style, adding a wonderful complement to more traditional elements. While they certainly provide visual appeal with their sleek continuous style, they are also extremely practical, making cleaning a much easier process without having to worry about the build-up of bacteria between the sink and the countertop. Yet while this clean, uniform look continues to grow in popularity, stainless steel and farmhouse sinks are also growing trends.
Multipurpose Kitchen Islands
In many kitchens, islands have become the focal points and the hub. As current trends in kitchen design are using less wall cabinet space, the kitchen island provides both storage solutions with cabinets under the counter while also providing a nice platform for food preparation, serving, or as a place for casual dining and drinking. Multi-functional kitchen islands sometimes feature an extra sink, and some homeowners use them as a new location for their stove to truly make it the center of the home. Especially for those with a number of appliances, kitchen islands allow for extra space without cluttering up the countertops.
Neutral Colors
A notable trend this year is toward softer and more neutral colors like grey, taupe, and white in countertop finishes. While veining and particulates in granite and quartz are still popular, neutral colors are being used more often than bright and bold colors, reserving bright displays of color for the backsplash, the cabinets, or other decor. Neutral tones in a countertop help to highlight the captivating individual components in the rest of the kitchen, so dull browns, light blues, off-whites, ash grays, and neutral beiges are being sought out for modern kitchens. They are also complemented by a shift to using more natural lighting through larger windows, skylights, and glass doors. The combined effect of natural light and neutral tones expands the perceived space, giving homeowners a more functional and friendly kitchen.
When you’re ready to bring new life to your kitchen, let us help you explore the possibilities.
