After the era of the show kitchen, it seems functionality won over. In a recent poll conducted by Sub-Zero and Wolf, suppliers of premium refrigeration, wine preservation and cooking equipment, three out of four kitchen design professionals completed more projects for function over form. They focus more on creating a design that fits into the clients’ living and cooking styles rather than designing a “show kitchen.”
The group selected to participate in this poll was comprised of 53 regional and eight global winners of Sub-Zero and Wolf’s 11th annual Kitchen Design Contest, all of whom were polled on trends in kitchen design, products and consumer purchasing priorities.
Now, let’s break down the findings.
Seven out of 10 designers say open floor plans are still in demand. What does this mean? An open floor plan is any floor plan which makes use of large, open spaces and minimizes the use of small enclosed rooms. The best example of this plan is the “great room” which combines the kitchen, dining room and living room into one shared space. It is best to use this in homes with less square footage. There are many pros that come along with this layout such as: more social time, keeping your eye on the kids, increase views and natural light and better for entertaining all around.
Seventy-two percent of designers agree the formal dining room is a thing of the past. When retained, formal dining spaces are becoming part of a different room divided by barn doors or drapery, which allow homeowners to close up the space but keep it open if they choose. This trend; however, seems to focus in on the homes that are 2,500 square feet or lower. Instead, they are making them multi-functional. Homeowners are not willing to give up fully on the formal dining room, but rather find a way to convert it into a library or home office during its off season.
White is still the most popular color in the kitchen, but design professionals are seeing a rise in the new neutrals and accent colors, with gray, blue and black as the most popular colors. Having a white kitchen allows for versatility with other design elements such as: accent colors, tiles, and appliances while providing a welcoming feel and the illusion that you have a larger kitchen. Now the new colors on the horizon create a sense of calm in the kitchen and are just as easy on the eyes. Even though they do not help create an illusion that the kitchen is bigger, they bring crisp feel to the design front.
Design professionals named convection steam ovens and induction cooktops as the hottest appliances. Integrated appliances are also in demand. The convection steam ovens cook food faster and more evenly than conventional ovens. On top of that, the food retains more nutrients because you are steaming the product. The only downside is that you cannot brown foods the way convection ovens do. Induction cooktops are powered through magnetic induction rather than thermal induction so, no fire or electrical heating element here. This allows for rapid increases in temperature. Integrated appliances are appliances that have been built into the cabinetry and do not take away from the room’s aesthetics.
Wood is the number one material of choice, followed by quartz and stainless steel. Whether these materials are used in appliances, flooring, countertops or anything else you can think of, all of the materials are wonderful selections. It is easy to see how they have risen to be the top materials used. All are durable, easy to clean and create clean lines while bringing a sense of nature into the home through a simple change.
82 percent of design pros say the kitchen island is a must have, while 72 percent point to recycling centers. Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too? You shouldn’t have to choose. The kitchen island is fundamental necessity in any kitchen because it allows for easy entertaining and food preparation while creating more space for appliances and cabinetry. It is understandable why this percentage is so high. A recycling center is an easy way to remember to recycle. Usually hidden by cabinets, three bins reside; one each for paper, plastic and waste. If you want to go super green, add a green bin for items that will go in the compost pile. You will be surprised with how little waste will actually be headed to the landfill.
More than half the design professionals surveyed agree the outdoor kitchen is becoming more popular. Outdoor kitchens are the new must-have. When the weather is nice, there is no better way to soak up some rays in the early evening than enjoying dinner in the great outdoors, even if it is in the middle of a concrete jungle. It is an easy way to turn your backyard into a little oasis. You can deck this out with a grill, bar, mini-fridge and so much more. You basically could take your entire kitchen outside.
Children are becoming more interested in cooking and the cooking process, but designers need to figure out how to best incorporate this new demographic. How can we get the kids in the kitchen? Do we create lower snack drawers for them to reach in and grab healthy snacks out of a refrigerated drawer? Do we have a section of the counter that is lowered for them to use as they learn the fundamentals of cooking? There are so many different options to be used and tested to make the kitchen a kid-friendly environment.
Aging Americans are looking for a cleaner design with fewer ledges and grooves. This makes complete sense. Fewer ledges and grooves allow for safer mobility. By creating a space that grows with you, you can stay in the same place for longer without the fear of getting hurt in your own home, allowing you to thrive on a day-to-day basis in the comfort of your own home with a few design changes.
There is a transition to “organic design” in which salvaged woods and recycled materials are being incorporated into the home, not solely in terms of materials but also in living things like plants. Have you seen the tables that have built-in succulent planters? They seem to be all rage at the moment. What about the salvaged woods, upcycled furniture and sustainable materials that are now being used? Here is your moment to shine bright and bring the outdoors in.
While there is a growing interest in the modern aesthetics, the most popular and widely categorized style of kitchen design is transitional. Transitional styling is a combination of traditional sophistication and contemporary simplicity. It combines luxury with minimalism to create a home that radiates tranquility. Transitional style is all about finding that balance between something classic and something a little more humble – it’s the best of both worlds. Colors are inviting and neutral and patterns are discreet in order to create a true place of peacefulness. Instead of using eye-catching colors, textures are relied upon to create visual interest. Transitional style uses a mixture of matte and polished finishes as well as leather furniture, wooden frames and other tactile materials and features. Clean lines mixed with a pinch of luxury and ornate styling create a soothing and serene transitional home.
In this day and age, building materials, labor and just about everything seems to be raising in cost. Building a new home is nice, but the price seems to be doubling daily to do so. Why not just look at the beauty and character already established and embrace the past? Your style taste can always update the interior, so here are a few reasons to buy or keep a Mid-century home.
1. Sloped roofs add drama and are practical.
Pitched roofs are the roofs that range from a slight to drastic slope. They naturally do not accumulate snow because it slides off. They require smaller structural members and do not retain water at all, keeping the house watertight! From a design viewpoint, the roofline can be built to accentuate the topography pf the area, whether it be pointing skyward or perfectly nestled into the trees.
2. Architecture can be a natural climate control.
Yes, you heard correctly. Architecture can be a natural climate control. Hello, lower utility bills! In the 1950s, it was normal to not have an air conditioner and retaining heat in the winter was key. These houses were structured to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter with very little help. Windows are usually placed on the southern walls with overhangs that create shadows like a brim on a hat. This allows the windows to remain cool in the summer and guide warmth into the home during the winter months. It is also normal for the homes to have doors on opposing walls to create air flow through rooms or the house has whole house fans that help create air flow! This also will lower your carbon footprint, if you live a green lifestyle.
3. Straightforward layouts create interest and understanding.
The layout of these homes is divided into “zones.” Due to this type of layout, it is easy to see and understand the architect’s thought process in building. It essentially guides you in decorating and makes it easy to pick out where everything was meant to be placed. Large open spaces are a norm in this style of home which allows for large spaces to entertain and create continuity. If you have a wall of windows, make sure to use the wall as a focal point.
4. Simple materials provide more creative flexibility.
This is so true. In the 1950s, builders used mainly aluminum and wood siding. Building materials have come a long way since then. Opt for cement board, plastic or PVC. All of these are durable and have a painted finish that is easy to maintain. Most likely, you will be giving the siding a fresh coat of paint to go with your sense of style. Make sure the materials beneath it are just as durable for an easy upkeep.
5. Minimal frills can accentuate details you might want to otherwise hide.
The staircase, usually in the main entryway, is not an easy thing to hide; especially, when they are free-standing. The craftsman made the staircase as a way to show off their craftsmanship and the latest trends in new materials for the time. Embrace this structural piece of art, and you will learn to love it.
Single-walled kitchens come into play in small homes or apartments and open-plan kitchens. Here are a few tips in making the most of your single-walled kitchen.
Embrace a Sociable Layout: The Single-Wall Kitchen is the epitome of a social layout. There are no added walls, which opens up the space for entertaining. Although a single-wall kitchen allows one person to cook at a time, it still allows others to access it. Make sure to keep this in mind when choosing furniture for the kitchen and accommodating your lifestyle!
Make it Efficient: Space is limited in this type of kitchen so planning out every detail is imperative. In a single-walled kitchen, usually, the fridge is on the far end of the kitchen run. The sink is located next to the fridge with counter space on either side. Beneath the counter, is the dishwasher and more storage space. On the far side of this, the oven and cooktop are located with ample counter space for safe food preparation with more storage beneath. Maybe you want to include tall cabinets to bookend the kitchen. Just makes sure that your layout makes sense to you because you are the one that will be using it daily.
Use a Standard Run of Cabinets: Just like in any other kitchen, you will want to include overhead cabinetry. This will create more space to store anything and everything that you need in your kitchen. Do not worry if this run of cabinets goes the entire length of the wall. This is normal. Be aware that if you wish to include a vent-a-hood, this is where it will be placed.
Mixed Shelving: You may not want a run of cabinets to span the entire length of the wall because design-wise you find it going against your aesthetic taste. Have no fear! There are other alternatives to breaking up this span of cabinets. Consider mixing in some open shelving or have shelving on the wall to the right or the left of the kitchen, making it décor with a purpose.
Bridged Upper Cabinets: Talk about adding storage space and utilizing every little inch of the kitchen. Bridged upper cabinets usually have tall cabinets on either side and cabinets that are placed on top of your other cabinets. If you want, make the upper cabinets stick out a little bit farther than the other run of cabinets to create a layered, sunken effect that adds depth to your kitchen. The cabinets come in an assortment of materials and colors, which makes it easy to find a run of bridge cabinets that will fit with the other cabinets you have.
Make sure to store items that are less used and get a cute foldaway footstool to access the items in those cabinets.
Max Out Storage: With a limited amount of cabinet space available, getting creative with other storage options is a must! Consider making your pantry larger to accommodate more items and maybe even a few countertop appliances. Add an island into the layout of your kitchen and place cabinets underneath. Get creative with your storage because the sky is the limit…or maybe the ceiling in this case.
Choose Appliances Wisely: Selecting appliances for a single-walled kitchen should not be a chore and you should not have to compromise. Lucky for you, appliance companies are designing their appliances for small, compact spaces. There is a plethora of compact dishwashers, compact ovens, microwave ovens and warming drawers. If you are going to have an open-plan arrangement, make sure that your appliances run quietly to reduce objections from those who are watching TV or reading in the spaces that connect to the kitchen area.
Add an Island: An island is a good way to add more storage space, increase your counter space and create more seating if needed. If you plan one well, it will accent the kitchen.
Rolling into 2016 and you want to stay on top of the latest trends? Here you will find simple ideas and ways to keep your house looking sharp no matter what your budget is. Make sure to look at our Pinterest Look books to see these ideas in full swing to help you think of fun ways to incorporate these trends!
1. The “Glamily” Room:
What is a Glamily room you ask? Well it is the newest hybrid of the family room: Glamorous yet still a family room. There is no reason why such a popular room in your house should be drab.
Yes, your dog will be running around, your husband will be watching football with a cold one and your kids will be eating Doritos while they watch their favorite movies with their friends, but have no fear. Glamour should not be lost and neither will your sanity.
Pair up fabrics that are durable, but still beautiful with unique pieces of furniture and amazing silhouettes to still retain beauty in such a fun, popular room.
2. Monthly Club:
Monthly clubs seem to be all the rage right now. Whether it is samples, wines, or beauty products, it makes getting the mail a little bit more fun because it will not only be bills and advertisements.
The monthly clubs are not just restricted to the above. Recently, there have been clubs created for bouquets, artisan goods from around the world and surprises for your pets!
3. Boutique Showrooms:
Boutique showrooms are wonderful hidden gems within the design world. These local startups are a treasure trove of original one-of-a-kind pieces ranging from furniture to textiles.
Take the time to go and peruse these places even if you are just trying to gain some inspiration as you move forward. You may just see something that you can do yourself for the fraction of the cost or something that you cannot live without.
4. Bed Linens with Pizzazz:
Open up your hope chest and pull put your favorite quilt that was made by your grandmother because they are fully in and white bed sheets are out!
Mix and match fun patterns to make your room more interesting and unique. The sky is the limit on this one.
5. Pretty Pendants:
You have seen these lights hanging in all the trendy new restaurants and residences. They are the trendy, new chandelier for 2016. These fixtures come in all sorts of shapes, colors and sizes. You will find one that suits your taste and will seamlessly fit into your existing décor without breaking the bank.
Make sure to hit up places like World Market, Hobby Lobby and Pinterest to help in your quest to find the perfect pendant.
6. Perky Pedestals:
Add some height into your house by adding a pedestal into the décor. These are perfect for adorning even your tiniest of corners.
They come in a variety of styles and materials and are perfect to house your favorite house plant, vase, sculpture or cat. Keep your eyes open for a unique piece that will add to your pre-existing aesthetic.
7. Return of the Desk:
2016 is kicking everyone off of their "home office" bed and onto a desk.
These new desks are no longer the large bulky oak desks that seem to weigh a million pounds, but more of a piece of high-gloss art. So, run to Ikea and find the perfect desk for you and dress it up with fun lamps and colorful textiles and pillows for your chair. The more unique your new home office is the better.
Remember that this is your space to be productive so, try and tailor your decoration to this idea.
8. Traditional Tableware:
Yes, you read that right, Traditional tableware. Pull out your grandmother’s china, gravy boats, footed bowls and silver from the crates in the garage and shine them up and dust them off.
Create beautiful tablescapes by intermixing the old with the new. The pieces that are found in the traditional tablescape are beautiful and have intriguing patterns that will liven up any meal while bringing back memories of your childhood.
9. Mixed Metals:
Mix and match metals like no other. As long as it has a metal sheen, mix them. Metal sconces, metal wall art, metallic fabrics, use them all. Bringing in and combing multiple types of metals, textures and natural elements in any home will create a sophisticated look that seems effortlessly put together.
Keep your eyes peeled for that show stopping piece that will not break the bank!
10. Fabric Wall Art:
Forget wallpaper, we now have wall fabric and Robert Allen is paper-backing nearly all of its textiles for a flat fee. There is definitely at least one fabric that will catch your eye and when added to a room will easily turn into a conversation starter.
You are not limited to using unique fabrics on walls. Simply re-cover your favorite seats and ottomans for an update that is as simple as pulling out a few staples from a piece of wood. Your house can be changed significantly for a low price.
11. A Delft Touch:
Have you heard of Delft? Delft pottery is from 17th-century Holland and uses dark blues and whites to create images of charming country life. These pieces can be found online and in antique stores across the nation.
Buy one or two pieces to spruce up your room or find look alikes to get more for your buck. Keep in mind that if you do buy real Delft pottery that it is extremely collectable.
12. Better Sleep:
Sleep is a natural part of any life-cycle and boy, has the technology come far for this art form.
Have you heard about the new mattresses that help cool your body as you sleep? How about the headrest that incorporates airflow technology with a memory foam pillow? Or the pillow that is specially made for the sleepers who move around all night in their dreamland?
If you are in the market for some new bedding, make sure to see what has come out recently to help you sleep better at night and to wake fully rested in the morning.
13. Guatemalan Fabrics:
Aztec patterns are out and Guatemalan hand-made fabrics are in. These brightly colored weavings all are the rage and nothing is better than getting handcrafted pieces of art to decorate your house with.
They will add a bohemian feel to any room. Find them in pillows, throws, wall hangings or even coasters.
14. Consignment Now:
Trying to find a unique piece that no one has? Go the consignment or thrift shop route. Not only can you buy from some of these places, but you can also sell pieces there. If you happen to have a piece that you no longer want, call up your local consignment store and see if they can help you find a new home for
Design Your Space With the Help of Our Experts.
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