Kitchen spaces continue to evolve into a center for functionality, personal style and entertaining space in the home. With changing preferences and modern kitchen designs, homeowners are rethinking how the kitchen can better serve their needs. To learn more about the trends, we reached out to Darin Midkiff, owner of Kitchen Solvers of Phoenix.
living spaces
We still haven't met anyone who doesn't love bar seating or a nice breakfast nook as a design option. “Dining rooms create a casual atmosphere that encourages social interaction,” notes Midkiff. “More and more Homeowners realize that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and by adding a dining area, they make it even more inviting. Living spaces also maximize square footage so every extra space is utilized. These spaces are also multifunctional, making it easy to serve food, host parties and socialize while cooking.”
Kitchen solver
Greater focus on pantries
“Customers are starting to realize that pantries are prime space in the kitchen,” shares Midkiff enthusiastically. Although homeowners identify a need for more closets, they don't always focus on the pantry, a storage space that must be carefully curated for access and organization. “While most pantries are often overlooked or forgotten, We've seen customers allocate more of their budget to pantry upgrades. It is important to create a design that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Pantries should be easy to navigate and by using our designs there will be less time rummaging for items.” Consider allowing yourself to build the pantry of your dreams, complete with modern touches like appliance garages and fantastic storage solutions.
Natural wood tones
“As people move away from all-white kitchens, we’re seeing natural wood tones become more popular,” shares Midkiff. “I find We will continue to see an increase in natural materials and wood tones because they bring warmth to the kitchen without being overpowering. Natural wood tones are timeless and fit into most design palettes.”
It's a kitchen color trend that we're hearing about from other design firms, too. Even Pantone is pushing us away from bold colors and toward warm neutrals and browns with its mocha mousse. While light wood will always have its place, warm, rich tones are enjoying renewed popularity as a design choice for kitchens.
Kitchen solver
Mixed metals
Mixed metals give kitchens a unique character. “Have Different metals such as mixing and matching copper, brass, chrome, gold, silver or copper can make a kitchen reflect more of your personality and style,” shares Midkiff. “[It’s] popular for cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures. The unique mixed metals add more layers and textures to the kitchen, giving it depth and a more complete look. Combining different materials is a fun way for homeowners to express themselves and add variety to the space.
Oversized islands
A popular choice that takes center stage is large islands, and some would say the bigger the better. “Islands are becoming more and more diverse Customers want them to be as large as possible to accommodate food preparation, cooking, homework, socializing and gamingetc,” Midkiff notes. “I think kitchen islands will remain popular for quite a while because they serve so many functions.” When homeowners decide to add an oversized island, they find that the value and practicality of their home increases, resulting in a great return on investment.”
Related: Houzz's Kitchen Trends Study Finds Trends in Kitchen Island Sizes
Honorable Mentions
Without a doubt, these are some more of the biggest kitchen trends that are on the rise this year:
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Smart refrigerators (smart appliances and smart technology overall)
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Timeless kitchen design, focus on biophilic design
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More energy efficient devices
Related: Three Window and Door Trends to Inspire Homeowners