Kitchen Trends for 2012
Remodeling your kitchen is a great way to add function and appeal, while increasing the overall value of your home. You may choose to build new kitchen cabinets and countertops or reface the old ones. Plan carefully for a kitchen design that will not only look great, but will also maximize space and efficiency.
My wife and I have just completed the remodeling of our kitchen. Like most people, we got inspiration from several sources and kept on top of the latest and greatest. Most people like clean lines and neutral colors in their kitchens, they want what is safe for resale and at the same time unique from their neighbors. It seems contradictory, but people want to be unique while at the same time they are doing exactly what everyone else is doing.
Trends in kitchen design are sometimes considered temporary fads. However, if you look deeper there are trends that are consistent and are here to stay. The Big Three of the classic looks are Still Big: Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and wood floors have always been favorites for a trendy kitchen.
Here is my list of kitchen trends for 2011 in a nutshell, taken from disparate sources:
Curved shapes: The way to introduce curved shapes and impart the kitchen with a modern look is through the introduction of rounded sinks, curved islands and curved faucets.
Materials and styles: Mix and match materials to impart a unique look. For example mix materials such as wood and glass. You can also design the cabinets and the island of different materials.
Artistic details: Replace the straight cabinet handles with curved handles featuring any design. The faces of cabinets and drawers can also be detailed with artistic design.
Vibrant countertops: Use flaunt punchy colors and showy surfaces. For example use glazed blue lava stone for the countertop against turquoise glass tiles for the backsplash.
Maximum Preparation Space: Island/peninsula combinations, table islands, dual islands and tiered islands leave plenty of room in the kitchen for meal preparation, storage and dining.
Functional Storage Space: Pullouts make it easy to organize your pots, pans, dishes and bake ware. A pullout pantry is a great way to organize your dry and canned goods.
“Niche” Appliances: There’s an appliance for almost any task these days: small refrigerators, drawer dishwashers, wine coolers, trash compactors, and warming drawers are just a few.
Going Green: The easiest way to aid the environment is by using Energy Star appliances. Choose a “green kitchen” featuring sustainable products, such as bamboo floors, recycled glass, etc.
A Splash with a Backsplash: The purpose of a backsplash is to protect your kitchen walls from stains. However, it may also be used to give your kitchen a more elegant look. Glass tiles are becoming more and more popular in the kitchen this year.
Crown Molding: When you add crown molding to your kitchen, it will give it a more finished look to your cabinetry, as well as a little more architectural appeal to your space.
Combining Rooms: You may want to consider tearing down a wall separating your kitchen from the dining room. This will open up your kitchen space and make you home more functional.
Lighting under the Cabinets: Compact florescent and LED lights are incredibly energy efficient and easy to install under the cabinets in your kitchen to accent, brighten, and illuminate.
Tailored Storage Solutions: The kitchen is the center of the home, so your time here should work for your needs. It is critical to inventory everything before you design your dream kitchen.
Chef convenience: With all the cooking shows on TV, it is easy to see how the trend for restaurant equipment continues to rise. While the impressive stainless steel look is a driving factor, convenience is often the winning key.
Pendant Lighting: Whether over an island, or a nearby breakfast nook, pendant lighting is eye candy! Lighting can give a sculptural boost, aid in focal points, and give the most ideal lighting for tasks.
Open it Up: The most interesting designs include open shelving. They offer a break to the boxy monotony of a standard kitchen design, and allow the design to breathe. A mix of cabinets, glass doors and open shelves provide the best design balance.
Note: By the way, if you’re planning a kitchen change and live in the Los Angeles Area, then I highly recommend a call to “House of Décor” (818-787-3339) for a free estimate. They’ve done an outstanding job with our kitchen cabinets, providing an all-inclusive service (demolition, cabinets, countertop and installation) for the lowest price around.
