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Jan 04
2011
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Kitchen Design Trends for 2011Posted by tkg in Untagged   |
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2011 Kitchen Design Trends
It's an exciting time in the kitchen design business! As the economy recovers, more and more homeowners are revisiting the idea of improving their home through a wide variety of remodeling projects. As always, one of the most popular home improvement projects is the kitchen remodel. As we start the new year, there are any number of distinct trends that have recently emerged.
SIMPLICITY SELLS
When it comes to cabinetry, our designers have noticed a movement toward the philosophy of "less is more". For example, simpler cabinet door styles such as the slab (completely flat) and Shaker syle (single, flat recessed panel) have become much more popular than in prior years. In addition, we've seen a preference for door hardware that is less ornamental and more functional. According to one designer, "My clients seem to prefer a functional, less ornate look throughout their cooking space."
LIGHT MEETS DARK
Cabinet finishes have continued to evolve away from light wood tones such as natural maple and more toward darker finishes such as espresso and even black. Of course, these finishes can make the room itself look darker which has lead to a very noticable increase in the installation of recessed ceiling lights and under-cabinet lighting. The result can be a very bright, but rich look throughout the kitchen.
As much as darker woods and stains have become popular, we've also seen a resurgence in the completely white kitchen. All white cabinets coupled with a light-colored granite or even white marble countertop has gradually been making a comeback.
TOPS IN COUNTERTOPS
For years, the man-made countertop materials such as Silestone and Zodiaq (by Dupont) had continued to take marketshare from Corian (also a Dupont product), laminate and granite. Over the last two years, we've seen a reversal of that trend and granite has continued to gain popularity. Homeowners used to be very concerned that they would get stains if they installed granite. However, the new sealants and other treatment products have greatly reduced the odds of granite being stained. According to McCoy, "I have actually never heard of a client calling us with a stain on their granite top. Granite has definitely gained in popularity while the price of granite has actually declined."
NOW YOU'RE COOKING
Appliance trends continue to favor the commercial look popularized by premium manufacturers such as Viking, Sub-Zero and Wolf. However, this commercial look has now spread to more moderately priced offerings from Dacor, Thermador and Kitchen Aid. Even value priced appliance brands such as GE and Kenmore are now offering the commercial look and continue to upgrade their technology to compete more favorably with the high-end.
GATHERING AREAS
The trend toward the kitchen as a social space continues to gain steam as well. Islands, two-level peninsulas and other natural gathering areas are becoming a part of more and more kitchen designs. According to Kitchen Guild President, Jim McCoy, "Many families are actually rebuilding their kitchen around a specific number of family members. For example, we've seen clients request an island with seating for all three children on one side of the island and a prep and cleaning area for one or both parents on the other side. They know exactly how, and where" the family will congregate."
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
All fashion and trends aside, the most important consideration is how you will use and appreciate your kitchen. A good designer will get to know you, your family and your taste and combine these with desires with timeless trends that will contribute to your enjoyment and help add value to your home.
At The Kitchen Guild, we are blessed to have a wonderful team of designers coupled with a great group of experienced carpenters and tradesmen. When combined with our design and cabinet showrooms, we have an unbeatable system to help the homeowner get the right design, the right products and the right installation team. It's all here.
It's an exciting time in the kitchen design business! As the economy recovers, more and more homeowners are revisiting the idea of improving their home through a wide variety of remodeling projects. As always, one of the most popular home improvement projects is the kitchen remodel. As we start the new year, there are any number of distinct trends that have recently emerged.
SIMPLICITY SELLS
When it comes to cabinetry, our designers have noticed a movement toward the philosophy of "less is more". For example, simpler cabinet door styles such as the slab (completely flat) and Shaker syle (single, flat recessed panel) have become much more popular than in prior years. In addition, we've seen a preference for door hardware that is less ornamental and more functional. According to one designer, "My clients seem to prefer a functional, less ornate look throughout their cooking space."
LIGHT MEETS DARK
Cabinet finishes have continued to evolve away from light wood tones such as natural maple and more toward darker finishes such as espresso and even black. Of course, these finishes can make the room itself look darker which has lead to a very noticable increase in the installation of recessed ceiling lights and under-cabinet lighting. The result can be a very bright, but rich look throughout the kitchen.
As much as darker woods and stains have become popular, we've also seen a resurgence in the completely white kitchen. All white cabinets coupled with a light-colored granite or even white marble countertop has gradually been making a comeback.
TOPS IN COUNTERTOPS
For years, the man-made countertop materials such as Silestone and Zodiaq (by Dupont) had continued to take marketshare from Corian (also a Dupont product), laminate and granite. Over the last two years, we've seen a reversal of that trend and granite has continued to gain popularity. Homeowners used to be very concerned that they would get stains if they installed granite. However, the new sealants and other treatment products have greatly reduced the odds of granite being stained. According to McCoy, "I have actually never heard of a client calling us with a stain on their granite top. Granite has definitely gained in popularity while the price of granite has actually declined."
NOW YOU'RE COOKING
Appliance trends continue to favor the commercial look popularized by premium manufacturers such as Viking, Sub-Zero and Wolf. However, this commercial look has now spread to more moderately priced offerings from Dacor, Thermador and Kitchen Aid. Even value priced appliance brands such as GE and Kenmore are now offering the commercial look and continue to upgrade their technology to compete more favorably with the high-end.
GATHERING AREAS
The trend toward the kitchen as a social space continues to gain steam as well. Islands, two-level peninsulas and other natural gathering areas are becoming a part of more and more kitchen designs. According to Kitchen Guild President, Jim McCoy, "Many families are actually rebuilding their kitchen around a specific number of family members. For example, we've seen clients request an island with seating for all three children on one side of the island and a prep and cleaning area for one or both parents on the other side. They know exactly how, and where" the family will congregate."
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
All fashion and trends aside, the most important consideration is how you will use and appreciate your kitchen. A good designer will get to know you, your family and your taste and combine these with desires with timeless trends that will contribute to your enjoyment and help add value to your home.
At The Kitchen Guild, we are blessed to have a wonderful team of designers coupled with a great group of experienced carpenters and tradesmen. When combined with our design and cabinet showrooms, we have an unbeatable system to help the homeowner get the right design, the right products and the right installation team. It's all here.
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