Kitchen Trends to Watch for in 2016
If you’re among the many millions of Americans looking to update your home in 2016, you likely already know that kitchens and baths represent the bulk of your overall renovation budget, so avoiding a mistake here will ensure staying on target financially with the entire project. The best decisions are informed decisions. Knowing what kitchen and bath cabinet, countertop, appliance and fixture styles to choose will keep your renovation looking modern and
fresh for many years. The best renovation projects take on a classic and timeless look driven by great decisions based on a combination of modern trends, personal style and purchasing the best product lines within your budget. The following trends are based on a summary of purchase volumes within the United States and if followed will keep your kitchen or bath looking stylish and enjoyable.
- Open, integrated floor plans. Kitchens are the heart of the home. If your kitchen feels disconnected from the rest of your home, consider incorporating your kitchen and living spaces by opening up your floor plan. It can be overwhelming to think about taking down walls and installing header beams, but with the right licensed and insured contractor, you can completely transform your home.
- Soft, muted color palettes. White kitchens are dominating the covers of decorating magazines and Pinterest boards everywhere. But we’re seeing more and more soft, neutral tones, like pale blue-gray, pale greens and tinted whites being incorporated into everything from backsplashes and countertops to cabinets and even appliances. Using a softer palette allows you to change up the look and feel quickly and easily by incorporating your bolder colors on accent pieces.
- Well-lit cabinetry. Homeowners won’t settle for just ceiling lights and table lamps to illuminate their kitchens. Extensive cabinet lighting is a trend to watch. LED light tape strips are used as accent pieces above and below cabinets, and even inside cabinets and below countertop overhangs.
- Metallic finishes. One of last year’s biggest trends was metallic finishes, be it copper, rose gold or bronze. This can be a risky trend, and some homeowners go a little too far, so our advice is to stick to small touches of metal, such as faucets, pendant lights and cabinet pulls to incorporate this raw texture.
- Smart spaces. Get ready for a hi-tech makeover. Homeowners are asking for designated spots for smart devices, like hidden charging stations to store devices like phones and tablets so that they are always operable, at hand and charged. We’re also seeing homeowners splurge on state-of-the-art appliances, like built-in wine coolers and coffee machines, and steam ovens.
- A new kind of tradition. While it’s no surprise that present-day kitchens are embracing simple design, expect traditional spaces to hop on board too, with bold lines, less fuss and a clean feel. Homeowners are opting for fewer frills and more calculated, strategically placed details like hoods, islands, cabinet hardware and lighting.