 Things to consider before remodeling your kitchen: The Latest Trends
The fact of the matter is that trends are what influence change. When you invite friends and family over, you want your home to be as updated as possible with the latest trends. You also want it to fit your current lifestyle. We work closely with you to show you what and how to accomplish both. We will offer you something different, relevant and on-trend with today’s current marketplace conditions, keeping your personal preferences at the forefront.
- The average homeowner spends over 19 hours a week in their kitchen.
- During a gathering of friends and family, more time is spent in a well designed kitchen than any other room.
- Are you interested in the latest trends in kitchen décor and technology?
- Would you like your kitchen to have the latest and greatest products that will both enhance the style of your kitchen and make cooking and entertainment more convenient?
- Would you like to know the styles, spaces, and gadgets that work best for how you use your kitchen utilizing current decorating themes?
- Would you like your kitchen to be unique and edgy using popular décor?
So if you answered yes to any of these questions, you should call us for a consult.
Kitchen design
 Often the goal in redesigning a kitchen is to improve the traditional “work triangle”—the path between the refrigerator, the food prep area, and the cooking area. The standard work triangle puts the sink midway between the refrigerator and the oven, with a food preparation surface between the oven and the sink. Designers have even defined optimal lengths for the sides of the triangle for maximum efficiency so the cook does not feel cramped or need to take unnecessary steps.
This traditional conception is being challenged by a new approach that focuses on ergonomic workstations, like those found in the workplace. Contemporary kitchens create functional zones for food preparation and cooking, clean up, and eating. For example, a freestanding island might be dedicated to food preparation, with storage for utensils and cutting boards. It might also incorporate a second; smaller sink used exclusively for food, like those found in restaurants, thus avoiding cross-contamination.
Choosing your designer
- Kitchen designing is highly specialized and complex.
- A skilled, knowledgeable kitchen designer is imperative, in conjunction with an interior designer, an architect or both.
- Kitchen designers think about the little things that can become big if not anticipated -- like the placement of outlets, size and shape of appliances and proper storage spaces.
- A good designer will know about kitchen trends, innovations and specific manufacturer details; they keep abreast of the frequent changes, finishes and options offered by the many companies that will become part of your kitchen.
 Kitchen Lighting
Kitchen lighting affects the mood of a room and tops the list of many homeowners’ lists of things to change. A good kitchen design will balance efficient lighting for the workstations and dining areas with the overall lighting of the space.
Recessed lighting is less popular than in the past. Where once track lighting on rails were employed, now several smaller lights are suspended from the ceiling, providing directed lighting with stylish shades. Pendant lamps are also very popular and come in styles to complement every decor—from Asian to French Country. Under cabinet and rope lighting are still very popular as well.
Cabinetry Designs
 "Stacking" of wall cabinets – mixingthe sizes and introducing material inserts or glass into upper cabinets - Elevation changes & depth changes along the walls and base cabinets
- Natural wood finishes
- "Transitional" styling in doors
- Mix-and-match on the island color and finishes
- "Full-overlay" door styles
- European styling trends
- Emphasis on storage
Knobs and Pulls
Knobs, pulls, and handles for cabinets and drawers are an outlet for the homeowner’s self-expression. Once an afterthought in the hardware store, these accessories now take up their own aisle at large home-improvement stores. The effect these pieces have on a kitchen is not proportionate to their diminutive size. A kitchen with white ceramic knobs looks very different when refitted with brushed chrome knobs.
Appliances Trends
- Increased use of integrated appliances that blend in with cabinetry
- Specialty appliances such as wine coolers
- Continued use of stainless steel
- Commercial grade appliances properly scaled for residential applications
- Six-burner gas cook tops with front controls
- Refrigerators with exterior drawers
- Warming drawers
- Built-in steamers
- Barbecue grills on the cook top.
Counter Tops and Sinks
 A strong trend in kitchen design is the use of natural materials. This is evident in the consistent popularity of natural stone countertops (and even sinks). Stones such as soapstone, slate, granite, quartz, and marble are resistant to scratches, burn, and wear, and are beautiful and elegant.
Many new kitchens mix more than one surface material: for example, quartz based Silestone™ or Zodiac™ counters may be in the main surface area with granite or stainless steel existing on an island. Stainless steel adds a strong commercial flavor to a kitchen and also provides a seamless, nearly germ-free surface.
Kitchen sinks are also becoming a more distinguishing feature. Manufacturers are making an array of sinks in various materials, configurations, and colors. Showrooms display long, thin sinks, designed to look like troughs or streambeds; professional apron-front sinks; sinks that join countertops with no visible transition; and sinks in bold colors.
 Backsplash
This is the wall space between the back of the counter and the bottom of the cabinet. It once was painted or wallpapered to match the rest of the kitchen walls. Today’s backsplashes might be an extension of the countertop or decorated with tile that matches the flooring with inlays that bring out your personality.
Faucets
 There can be a lot to consider when choosing a kitchen faucet. Granted, if you're looking for just a simple, conventional two-handled faucet, the considerations aren't as great.
Everyone's decision-making process is different and we all arrive at conclusions, including buying decisions, by various means. However, to help in that process, the following information attempts to pull this information together to help provide some guidance in making a good kitchen faucet decision.
- Become familiar with styles and finishes you prefer
Browse online stores that sell faucets, go to manufacturer's websites to look at styles, and look through home-related magazines to see the kinds of styles (traditional, contemporary, transitional) you like. Consider how your choice blends with your kitchen's style.
- Determine what technologies, features and configuration you want
Once you've narrowed down some styles, determine whether you want to spend for more reliable valve technology (like ceramic disks) and if you want features like pull-down attachments, etc. Do you want single-handle functionality or a two-handle configuration? Consider how often the faucet will be used and who will use it to help make these decisions.
- Know what sink is going to be matched up with the faucet
If you're just replacing an existing faucet, you already have the sink and know that you'll need a faucet configuration to match (e.g. the faucet doesn't require more access holes than your sink currently has). When you're buying a new faucet and sink make sure the two are compatible, both functionally and aesthetically (one doesn't overpower the other).
- Know when you're going to install it
Since this if part of a kitchen remodel or some larger project, understand when you'll need (or want) to install the faucet because there may be a time lag between ordering one and getting it.
Color
Picking the perfect color for your kitchen is a difficult decision to make. Painting a kitchen is time consuming with all the little nooks and crannies. You want to pick the correct color the first time. Take your time and do not be impulsive when deciding on your paint color because you are tired or fed up with the entire process.
Colors of the Rainbow
Get fabric swatches or paper of the different colors of the rainbows. The colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. Tape the colors in a row on the same wall. You may wish to tape the rainbow colors on all walls in your kitchen. Each area of your room will give the colors a different feel to the room.
Paint Color Selection
Once you have decided on a warm or cool color, it is time to browse a wide assortment of hues in that specific color. For example, green has a multitude of hues that can uplift the energy in a room or make the room feel dark and depressing. Once you have chosen an assortment of a specific color, tape them to your walls. Narrow your choice to 2-3 and look at the colors in the morning, day, and evening to identify your mood and energy level in the kitchen.
Color Meaning
Red: Stimulating/Increases Appetite
Orange: Stimulating/ Increases Appetite
Flooring
 Kitchen floors get a lot of traffic and often need to be replaced. The old standbys, vinyl and linoleum, look better than ever and are among the most comfortable surfaces. They are matched in durability by wood floors coated with polyurethane. Stone and tile floors introduce colors and textures reminiscent of Mediterranean kitchens and are still very popular. Some of the more “Green” alternatives are Bamboo, Natural flooring and Cork.
Finalize your plan
When you realize just how wonderful a new kitchen can be, you may want to start renovations immediately. Experts suggest that you take your time planning your renovation because making changes once you’ve started can be expensive.
Get a look at the hot trends in kitchen design by perusing magazines, touring model homes and showrooms, checking out the kitchens found in gourmet cooking stores, and touring impressive home kitchens in your area on local tours. Take time to reflect on how the kitchen is used and how it fits with the other rooms of the house. Start a running list of things to change or add in a renovation, and keep it in the kitchen so family members can add to it as things come to mind.
Once these needs are addressed, allow yourself to dream beyond practicalities. Set aside space for displaying a collection, such as antique yellow ware bowls or exotic baskets. Designate one wall to hold an extra-large chalkboard for family communication like the one in your childhood home. Add a small wine cooler in the space opened up when the dishwasher moves to the new freestanding island.
The good news is that many kitchen designers say that the hottest trend is to disregard trends and strive for a personalized space! With the endless combination of lighting, flooring, storage, surface, and cooking options available, you no longer need to sacrifice appearance for function.
Your kitchen can and should reflect your personal style no less than any other room in the house does.
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