Kitchen Remodeling

Top Kitchen Trends

1. High Tech
The kitchen of the future is here now, full of new technology. For example, today’s new kitchens are being equipped with LCD flat panel televisions that can swivel in all directions, and can be folded under the counter when not in use. Other options include LCD screens that can be placed on vent hoods or refrigerator doors.

Ovens can be found with programmable features you can adjust through the internet or cell phone, and program meals to be ready when you get home. Some also double as a refrigerator, so you can keep that food cool until it's time for it to cook. New motion and daylight sensor lighting is also being used. A cook's sink that has an added heat element for cooking right in it can also be found and will expand the capability of the kitchen.

2. Earth-Friendly/Green
Renewable, recycled, environmentally safe, and energy-efficient products from flooring and countertops to appliances, are available and in demand in the kitchen.

Lower energy and water usage appliances are becoming more available and helping consumers to save both money and resources.

3. Universal Design/Ergonomic
Adjustable counter top heights and features such as levered door handles and storage drawers are making it easier for people of all ages and sizes to take part in kitchen activities.

4. Healthy and Sanitary
Companies are catering to nutrition-conscious consumers with products that help keep cooking and food storage and preparation healthy. Countertops with antimicrobial surfaces are available and cook tops that are easier to keep clean are popular.

Motion sensor devices and anti bacterial surfaces help keep things sanitary.

5. The Kitchen within a Kitchen
Designers are creating quick prep areas where a small sink and microwave are close together. Larger homes are often using a small butler's pantry off the main kitchen for this purpose, with a clean up sink, microwave, prep area and small refrigerator.

Homeowners are also putting in sinks in the island, to make a food prep zone and placing larger sinks along the back wall for more elaborate clean up.

6. Eclectic Look
Homeowners of all kinds want to reflect their own tastes. They are looking for functional but also artistic and aesthetically pleasing products. Homeowners are mixing and matching cabinet and countertop finishes and putting cabinets up on feet to make them look more like freestanding furniture.

7. Efficiency
Homeowners today want cabinets that look good and work efficiently for them. Cabinets now include many storage options including pull out spice racks and pot and pan drawers, chopping boards, wine racks, plate storage drawers and more.

Appliance manufacturers have been quick to capitalize on the trend too, developing warming drawers, beverage chillers and separate freezer drawers.

8. Colorful
Stainless steel might never go out of style, but color is making a statement. In addition, to appliances, greater use of color in cabinets and countertops is an up and coming trend, as well as the use of two colored cabinetry and molding.

Solid, bold paint colors are growing in popularity. Warm, rich tones are the trend right now.

9. Open design
Kitchens are the new living room. They are the center of the home, where the entire family gathers in the evenings, after school and work, and on weekends to do homework, share meals, entertain friends and just hang out.