Every year U.S. homeowners remodel more than 10.2 million kitchens — and it’s easy to see why. Kitchen renovations can be a great way to add value to your home and add convenience to your life. New kitchen designs can create a solution for an overly cramped space or provide you with the appliances you need to make five-star meals right at home.
If you’ve decided to renovate your kitchen, there are a number of design elements you’ll want to consider. While the sink, large appliances, flooring, and tile all matter, there are two essential design components you can’t forget about: the cabinets and the countertops.
Having these features is necessary for any kitchen, as they play a pivotal role in food preparation and storage. But when you renovate your kitchen, you’ll probably want to think beyond their basic functions. Aesthetics can be just as important for many homeowners.
With both of these features, trends will come and go. For example, granite countertops were once considered the most desirable. And although many homeowners still love (and look for) this type of stone, there’s no reason you have to limit yourself when you renovate your kitchen. Instead, you might want to learn more about what’s trending right now — and choose design features that will be both in-demand and timeless. Here are just a few popular options that many kitchen remodeling contractors are incorporating into their projects.
What’s Trending in Countertops?
- Bold Colors: You can never go wrong with neutrals, but it’s also trendy to make a bold statement with your countertops. Instead of sticking to gray, beige, or white, consider adding a pop of color with your kitchen counters. The key here is contrast, so the rest of your kitchen design shouldn’t compete in terms of color. Many homeowners are opting for saturated oranges, yellows, greens, pinks, and reds instead of a natural stone look.
- Butcher Block: Although wood may not work in every kitchen, butcher block countertops can look beautiful and actually function as a cutting board. They can add warmth or a rustic feel to any space while still functioning as a neutral element. Although butcher block countertops do need to be sealed to protect the finish, they can work with virtually any design style. If you have wood floors in other areas of your home, having wood countertops can also make your property’s design feel more seamless.
- Metal: You might think metallics would bring a sterile coldness to the kitchen, but stainless steel and copper countertops can be an excellent choice for both contemporary and vintage-inspired designs. Stainless steel is easy to clean and evokes a more industrial feel, while copper offers a sense of warmth and charm. This can be an attractive and durable alternative to traditional stone.
Which Cabinets Are Most Popular?
- Shaker Style: Shaker style cabinets have been popular for decades because they’re relatively simple and classic. They’re also incredibly versatile, which means they can be used to great effect in almost any kitchen. You’ll be amazed how their color and finish can transform the entire look of your renovation.
- Flat or Glass Front: Looking for something a little bit different? Flat front or glass front cabinets can make your cabinets really stand out. Flat front cabinets look more modern and tend to be rather striking in appearance; without any hardware, they can be easily painted to bring some color into the space. Glass front cabinets are less sleek and more chic. Because they can show off what’s being stored, they provide an opportunity to add a bit of personality or sense of history.
- Open Shelving: The last cabinet trend isn’t technically a cabinet at all! Open shelving can be a highly attractive way to store all kinds of elements and make use of wall space. While it’s not ideal for larger dishware, it can be the perfect way to supplement existing cabinetry and display certain items in the space.
Now that you’re up-to-date on the latest countertop and cabinet trends, you’ll have ideas to discuss with your contractor. If you’re looking to renovate your kitchen this year, we can bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more.
