Thinking About A Kitchen Update?

Have you been toying with the idea of revamping your kitchen and think now may be the perfect time to take the plunge? Before you start shopping and getting estimates, it's important to think about what you'll need and how you can improve your kitchen setup, as well as what you want the space to look and feel like. It's also worth reading up on emerging kitchen trends, which may provide a spark of inspiration and, ultimately, influence the design of your new cooking zone.  These are some of the kitchen trends we are seeing:

~~Furniture-style design features. Interior designers predict that furniture-style cabinetry and other features will be one of the top trends in 2015. This approach marks another step in the evolution of the kitchen as the hub of the home and a treasured space the whole family can enjoy, rather than just a functional area that's used for food prep and cooking alone.  The incredible designs available celebrate the different elements of the kitchen as pieces of beautiful furniture, not just workstations, which allows people to bring their own personal, warm, welcoming touch to this space.  How can you incorporate this idea into your own kitchen?  A standout way is through an island.  Raising it on legs or including intricate paneling or a contrasting top and sides are ways of turning this into a piece to be proud of.

~~Airy (and user-friendly) open shelving. There is a rising trend toward using open shelving as a practical solution for the kitchen space, rather than simply for display.  Open shelving personalizes the space, making it feel lived in and warm, while keeping the kitchen functional and easy to use.  Of course, there are always some things that you don't want displayed, and combining open shelf cabinets and cabinets allows you to still hide things if necessary.

~~Wallpaper that wows. Want to add interest and character to your cooking zone? Incorporating wallpaper - which is a major trend everywhere in 2015 - into the design of your kitchen is the perfect solution.  Wallpaper provides an easy way to add visual impact, even in small amounts.  Wallpaper gives you the control of complementing the architectural elements throughout the kitchen or adding a beautiful contrast to an otherwise simple color palette.  And it won't just be used to dress up plain walls, either; we are also seeing wallpaper used in unexpected ways and spaces, such as on ceilings, to create striking features.

~~Modern traditional style. Designs that marry modern and traditional elements will be one of the most influential looks of 2015.   Homeowners are shunning ultra-sleek, contemporary kitchens in favor of spaces that are warm, homey and reflect themselves.

This trend is affecting everything from cabinet design to colors, materials to textures. We are really mixing it up.  Flat-panel cabinet doors are being replaced with classic door profiles, such as Shaker doors, for example. And materials are being mixed, such as stainless steel with wood, and wood with marble.  Modern design elements, like glass backsplashes and chrome handles, are also being replaced with features that exude traditional style and charm, such as tile with black, pewter and brushed-nickel fittings.

  

~~Ceilings that make you look up. For a long time now, we have all forgotten to look up. More emphasis will go into ceiling design, in terms of shape, features etc.  Whether it be through the use of lighting, bulkheads or coffer ceilings, or the addition of classic embellishments, our ceilings will become part of the room's beauty once again.

~~Luxe metallics. While silver, chrome and stainless steel are three metallics commonly used in the kitchen, warmer metals, like gold, copper and bronze, are all having their moment to shine.  Metallics in all their forms were prominent at all the design shows, from copper to bronze to gorgeous gold.  The texture and gleaming finish of metallics provides a stunning accent to most palette choices.  How would you incorporate it into your project? Try adding gold faucets - a little bit of decadence to dress up the everyday.

~~Touch-me textures.  There's a move toward using more textured and tactile materials. Natural marble and granite in honed finishes, as well as engineered stones that replicate raw finishes, are a few materials we'll be seeing a lot of next year.  Wood is always a huge trend, but in 2015 we are seeing more finishes that represent wood in its natural form, rather than high-gloss or smooth finishes.

~~Beautiful black. If you're not too set on a colorful or an all-white kitchen, then look to the other end of the spectrum and consider choosing black as the dominant tone of your culinary zone. Black will be one of the "It" colors in kitchen design in the coming years. Why?  We spend so much time in our kitchens, and we think that more and more people want to make them a really special space. Black makes a strong, sleek statement.  A simple way to introduce this classic, sophisticated color into your design is by opting for black cabinetry or countertops.  You can also add paneling to infuse the space with extra visual interest.

~~Minimal wall cabinets. Want a kitchen that feels open, airy and not too top-heavy? Then we're sure you'll appreciate this look.  Open-plan kitchens are now being designed with fewer wall cabinets, though obviously this depends on the size of the kitchen and storage you want.  While open-plan kitchens have long been a popular choice for homeowners, having minimal wall cabinets will further enhance a room's sense of spaciousness. The airy, bulk-free look also allows other design elements or features to enjoy the attention they deserve, such as windows that frame a picturesque view outdoors or a striking custom-designed range hood.

~~Repetitive patterns. A major trend that is happening is a move away from geometric patterns and toward elegant, repetitive motifs instead, which will take shape in the form of laser-cut plywood or steel panels, wall coverings, door inserts and tiles.  Patterns from bygone eras will be revitalized to create intriguing and calculated designs that appeal to the fashion-savvy.  Kitchen backsplashes are an easy way to incorporate this trend.

~~Tribal-inspired tones. Not a fan of all-white kitchens or monochromatic color schemes? Then you're in luck, because vibrant, attention-grabbing hues are making a comeback in the kitchen.  Color tones will likely shift to echo the diversity of nature, with inspiration drawn from the rich, bold Moroccan and Native American palette.  Vibrant yet dusty shades of mustard yellows, deep scarlet, royal blues and dirty pink hues may be used in place of primary colors. We'll still see a mix of matte and gloss finishes to inject energy in the kitchen hub.  If you're not too keen on investing in colored cabinetry or appliances, consider painting an accent wall, or introducing decorative elements in one of these hues that will be easy to replace once your love affair with the color comes to an end.

  

~~Shaker style. Classic Shaker-inspired kitchens never seem to go out of style, but this simple, timeless look is particularly popular in 2015.  A lot of people like to keep things traditional and appreciate the textural beauty of wood, which is a big factor this year.  Keen to incorporate the trend?  Focus on the paneling of cupboard doors, which can work in a classic or contemporary space.  Such detailing is a key characteristic of Shaker style, which focuses on clean lines, craftsmanship and functionality.

TIP:  If you want  a brand new kitchen to cook in for Thanksgiving, you need to be actively shopping now.  Thanksgiving is only six months away!  Most kitchen remodels take two to three months to complete, start to finish.  Now is the time to be researching and finalizing your dream kitchen design.

Memorial Day

Please take a few minutes this weekend to reflect upon the meaning of Memorial Day:  a federal holiday for remembering the people who died while serving in our armed forces. The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, is not to be confused with Veterans Day; Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving, while Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.

 

Enhance Floors & More will be closed Sunday and Monday, May 24---25, in honor of those who died while serving our wonderful country.