The kitchen is one of the most influential indicators of a home’s design style, second only to perhaps its exterior façade. Less permanent interior design elements such as paint colors, textiles, furniture, or rugs can easily be swapped out to transform a space. A traditional living room can become modern with a new interior design scheme and accessories. The kitchen, however, requires substantial investment and renovation to achieve the same transformative result. Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and layout are a more permanent reflection of the home’s design style. For this reason, careful forethought must be considered when designing a new kitchen to ensure that it will be admired for years to come.
Below are 4 kitchen design trends that have gained popularity last year and that we predict will last this year and beyond.
1. SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
We are all living more eco-friendly today and that sense of environmental responsibility has even transcended into the way consumers are purchasing kitchens. Today’s homeowner is demanding cabinetry that is made with sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing processes and low emissions finishes. More and more manufacturers are beginning to understand this demand, and they are increasingly changing the way that they make cabinets.
2. DARK BLUE CABINETRY
It was no surprise when Sherwin-Williams named Naval, a rich dark blue, their 2020 Color of the Year. Dark and navy blues have infiltrated the pages of interior design magazines over that past few years and top designers are utilizing this timeless hue in beautifully appointed luxury kitchens. We have seen a rise in dark blue cabinetry throughout the last couple years and predict it will grow in popularity in 2020. Dark blue cabinets can be used as an accent color on an island, or they can be incorporated throughout.
3. OPEN SHELVES + DEEP DRAWERS
The steady disappearance of upper cabinets has been a design trend that we have seen gain popularity in the last several years. Perhaps driven by the farmhouse movement, open shelving is growing more popular as younger homeowners rebel against the cramped and confined kitchens of their childhood. Open shelving provides an opportunity to add personality to a kitchen with thoughtfully displayed décor and accessories. Beautiful collections of mugs and spices are not only celebrated, but when stored on open shelving they are also more easily accessible.
To replace upper cabinet storage, homeowners are also demanding larger and deeper drawers. Plates, bowls, pots, and pans are conveniently nestled under the countertop in drawers making them easier to grab and put away. Even pantry items like boxes of pastas, crackers, and baking needs are easier to access when stored in deep drawers rather than behind cabinet doors. Appliances are also finding their way below the countertop with the popularity of drawer type refrigerators and microwaves on the rise.
4. FULL WALL BACKSPLASHES
Both beautiful and functional, full wall backsplashes not only provide a dramatic accent wall in the kitchen, they also are easier to clean and more durable than painted walls. Driven by the trend to eliminate upper cabinetry, backsplashes are now given the opportunity to extend uninterrupted from countertop to ceiling. Classic tile adds texture and character to the kitchen when it is allowed to be featured on the large expanse of an open wall.
Ready to get started?
At Encore Construction we are passionate about kitchen design and can help make your dream home a reality, while creating everlasting memories. Contact us today to set up a consultation for your next project.
