Kitchen Trends We Are Loving
In the kitchen design world, classic, personalized designs make for lasting investments. While we encourage our clients to do what they love in their kitchen and not rely heavily on trends, we usually have conversations about current design movements (typically guided by global events) that we think will both enhance their new kitchen and are here to last. The pandemic pushed many Americans to go outside, and we certainly see those warmer earth tones coming back into play. Here are some current kitchen trends we are loving!
Darker Island Color
Many clients put a kitchen island on the top of their wish lists. More than ever, these clients are seeking to “ground” their kitchen islands by using a contrasting finish in the cabinetry. We like the idea of aesthetically widening the kitchen with light cabinetry on the perimeter and then mixing in rich tones like black, navy, or warm woods on the island to support an otherwise floating piece.
Take It to the Top
Cabinetry has come a long way and is easily customizable-even in a stock or semi-custom line. Pulling cabinetry to the ceiling, either with a full-height box or decorative crown molding, draws the eyes up and gives the illusion of taller ceilings. Bummed out by a bulkhead in your kitchen? We have tricks to hide the potential plumbing that may be inside-like creating a chase inside the cabinet or hiding the plumbing behind crown molding. If you have 9’ or taller ceilings, we can also stack cabinetry and add glass to create extra drama and light.
Coffee Bars
We love our coffee! And a coffee bar that stocks easy morning go-to’s has been at the top of wish lists lately. One feature we love to add to a coffee bar is drawer storage for tea bags, stirs, pods, and mugs. Clients also love tall wall cabinets with pocket doors that can stay open during coffee breaks and close later in the day when not in use.
Darker Cabinetry Colors
Rich hues like graphite, bottle green, and navy make for lasting impressions in the kitchen. We often bring these into butler’s pantries, coffee bars, and islands, but even a full kitchen in a deep color can add so much drama to a home. Against lighter walls and countertops, the contrast is elegant and timeless.
Wood Tones
The push to go outside during the pandemic brought a wave of earth tones like moss green and natural wood back into play in a big way. White kitchens that alternate wood finishes like walnut, alder, and white oak bring warmth to what might otherwise feel like a cold space. Natural walnut can add movement with its waves and curls and is a natural beauty. Alder has a beautiful closed grain, making it easy to customize with stain. For a more transitional kitchen, we love knotty rustic alder paired with whites and blacks. And finally, white oak has quickly become one of the biggest requests from our clients. With its moderate grain, light finish, and great durability, white oak brings in those warm wood tones without looking gaudy. It’s somewhere between sand and forest for us, with a classic coastal vibe.