If you asked the average American homeowner which part of their home they wish they could renovate or build completely from scratch, the answer would probably be their kitchen. A study undertaken by Home Depot has shown that 33% of those surveyed commence a home renovation in their kitchen, since this spot is both a meeting point for family members and one of the most visible, visited parts of the home by friends. Whether you are looking at a new build or simply wishing to make a few small changes – or add a few high-tech appliances to your cooking space – watch out for these hot trends shaping the kitchen design industry!
Complement, Don’t Contrast
One of the most important trends springing up in the world’s top design magazines, is also one that respects tradition: that of celebrating the setting your home is in. If you live in a New York loft, for instance, a kitchen containing elements such as industrial steel sliding doors, statement brick walls, and art deco lighting celebrate the City’s urban roots to perfection. Homes in lush countryside settings, on the other hand, have very different features to shine the light on. For instance, homes in Princeton NJ are known for their stately, almost palatial like quality and lush green surrounds. Their high ceilings and large spaces, as well as their elegant windows looking out into nature, are particularly suited to elegant bespoke, artistically carved wooden central islands, wooden-beamed ceilings. Adjacent terraces or porches, meanwhile, are large enough to make the perfect setting for an outdoor bar or grill, where electric smokers and other high-tech equipment reigns supreme.
Wooden Fantasy
Wood is back in a big way, even in rooms that need to withstand plenty of wear and tear – including bathrooms and kitchens. The key is to forego solid wood in bathrooms in favor of ‘wood effect’ ceramic slabs that are more akin in appearance to boards than tiles. In kitchens, one glorious ‘trick’ is to use wooden planks on one side of the kitchen (the non-work-oriented site) and large mosaic tiles on the other. Wood also makes the perfect table top for an elegant central island, and for the legs of plush or leather-covered island stools.
Blended Materials
Forget about uniform kitchens bearing the same hue and material throughout your design. Top designers are mixing and matching with an eye for style. Think a glorious, colorfully-veined marble central island, framed in barn wood and contrasted with wooden wall claddings in a totally different hue. Blend cool and hue tones as well; if you opt for a dark wood island, for instance, light grey, cream, and beige will work well on countertops and drawers.
Metal Features Abound
Metallic materials are present on island stool legs, pendant lights (think a symmetrical set hanging over your island), and country kitchen extractors. If you like the style and light that metal can add, consider warmer hues like pink or copper-toned accents. Don’t be shy when it comes to mixing and matching. As is the case with jewelry, home design is also embracing different elements in the same room, each of which bears its own metallic shade.
From fabulous copper metal pendant lights to gorgeous wooden-and-mosaic floors, new trends are inviting homeowners to take a playful approach to design. Tap into your artistic side, but remember where your home is located. Make the most of the space, natural features, and weather, for the kind of design that lasts a lifetime.
Leave a Reply