The kitchen is quickly becoming the focal point of many homes; more and more of our clients are opting for open floor plans that highlight the kitchen, family and dining rooms as one open space. We often work closely with Archway Cabinetry & Design to provide clients with their dream spaces. We’ve asked Kim Schilling of Archway to share the kitchen and cabinetry trends she’s seen recently as well as what she thinks will be big in 2012.
The kitchen is by far the hub of today’s home so it’s important that it be functional, comfortable and inviting. Whether you’re planning to remodel your existing kitchen, building a new home or just considering a few updates, here are a few trends.
Design Styles – A recent survey done by the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) has shown that homeowners are looking for designs that reflect their individual styles and deliver long-term value. One component of this trend is the integration and concealment of appliances, which opens the kitchen floor plan and embraces adjoining areas of the home rather than becoming an intrusion into them.
Door Styles – Transitional style, which is characterized by its simplicity, un-ornamented yet functional design, is gaining in popularity as it can be perceived as traditional or take on a more modern feel depending on accessories and decorating style. Simple, flat or recessed paneled door styles with clean lines and minimal detail were big sellers this year.
Colors – Dark natural and deep reddish-brown maple finishes have been popular for cabinetry and floors as well as the two-tone kitchen combining lighter, painted finishes with a dark stain or paint color. Stainless steel continues to be a favored choice for kitchen appliances.
Cabinet Upgrades – Organizational accessories such as roll-out trays, trash cabinets and tray dividers are often included in current kitchen designs. Communication centers or areas dedicated to catching all of our miscellaneous ‘stuff’ such as mail, cell phones, calendars, etc, all necessary to keep the family organized, are now a part of the kitchen. Concealed appliances, wine storage and custom hoods to match the cabinetry were all popular upgrades for 2011 as well.
As a Kitchen & Bath Designer, I’m often asked what trends are most popular yet won’t go out of style anytime soon. Without a crystal ball that’s difficult to say as it’s really a matter of preference and fortunately everyone is different. Be sure to give thought to how you will use the space, where everything will be stored, where you will do your prep work, etc, and choose styles that complement your personality and lifestyle. If you’re unsure of your style, start collecting photos of kitchens that you like, you’ll be surprised to see some of the same styles repeated many times over.
