It's hard to imagine that a couple of decades ago, kitchens were usually galley-style and very little attention was paid to their design. Now, the kitchen is considered the heart of the home, and open floor plans demand that your kitchen be as attractive as your main living areas.
If you're ready to upgrade your kitchen design, this list of 2014 kitchen remodeling trends will help you get a feel for what's available.
Open shelving and glass-door cabinetry. Consider where your kitchen would be benefited by open shelving and cabinetry with glass doors. By leaving some of your cabinets open, you will create a more light and spacious feel. This can be especially beneficial if you have upper cabinets above a peninsula that borders a living or dining room space. The glass cabinet doors will provide a view through both areas, which really opens up the space. It will also increase the available natural light.
Another place to consider swapping shelving for cabinets is above your stove top counter, allowing you to display a stunning backsplash tile or design. Consider mix-and-matching glass doors, some with clear glass panes for cabinets housing attractive china or ceramics and others with a frosted or textured glass to obscure the view of the cabinet contents.
Mixing antique and modern. It used to be that modern kitchen remodeling trends were all about sleek, glossy, and swanky upgrades. Now we are seeing a upswing of modern kitchens that include a few funky or eclectic antique pieces, re-claimed lumber or shelving that adds a unique flair.
Farmhouse sinks. Farmhouse sinks are popular. Also called "apron front sinks", they work well with every kitchen design. These sinks are large and wide open, which allow them to hold oversized pots and pans and a full day's worth of dishes. Originally, farmhouse sinks were white porcelain, however, modern apron front sinks can be found in stainless steel, copper, and natural stone finishes.
Ditch the "work triangle". Once refrigerators were moved from the back porch to the kitchen, architects and designers coined the phrase "kitchen work triangle", referring to the imaginary triangle that existed between the fridge, sink, and stove. The idea was to make the kitchen more efficient for the modern housewife. However, now that kitchens are as much a gathering spot as a place to prepare and cook food, this idea is being overhauled.
Sit down with a professional kitchen designer and really analyze how your family utilizes the kitchen. You may find that the "work triangle" doesn't really suit your lifestyle. You can use functional kitchen islands, raised bars, and eating nooks to create a kitchen space that is more comfortable and functional for your household.
Remember that kitchen remodeling trends are just that: trends. Some are here to stay, others may not be around as long. The most important thing is that you design a kitchen your family loves. Contact Kitchens & Baths Unlimited to begin designing a kitchen that reflects your lifestyle.
