Kitchen spaces continue to evolve as a hub of functionality, personal style, and entertaining space in the home. With shifting preferences and modern kitchen designs, homeowners are reimagining how the kitchen can better serve their needs. To learn more about the trends, we connected with Darin Midkiff, Owner of Kitchen Solvers of Phoenix.
Eat-in Spaces
We still haven't met someone who doesn't love bar seating or a nice breakfast nook as a design choice. "Eat-in spaces create a casual setting that promotes social interaction," notes Midkiff. "More and more homeowners are realizing that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and by including a dining space they make it even more inviting. Eat-in spaces also maximize square footage, so every bit of extra space is used. These spaces are also multifunctional, and make it easier to serve food, host parties, and socialize while cooking."
Bigger Focus on Pantries
"Clients are beginning to realize that pantries are prime real estate in the kitchen," shares Midkiff with excitement. Though homeowners cite a need for more cabinets, they don't always fixate on the pantry, a storage space that needs to be thoughtfully assembled for access and organization. "While most pantries are often overlooked or forgotten about, we have seen clients devote more of their budget to upgrading the pantry. It’s important to create both a functional and aesthetically pleasing design. Pantries should be easy to navigate and by using our designs it allows for less time rummaging around for items." Go ahead, consider this permission to make the pantry of your dreams, complete with modern touches like appliance garages and awesome storage solutions.
Natural Wood Hues
"As people are drifting away from the all-white kitchens, we have seen natural wood tones rise in popularity," shares Midkiff. "I think we will continue to see the rise in natural materials and wood tones because it brings warmth to the kitchen while not being overpowering. Natural wood hues are timeless and can fit in most design palettes."
It's a kitchen color trend we're hearing about from other design firms, too. Even Pantone's pushing us away from bold colors and into warm neutral tones and browns with its Mocha Mousse. While light wood will always have a place, there's a renewed draw to warm, rich tones as a design choice for kitchens.
Mixed Metals
Mixed metals add to the unique character of kitchens. "Having 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 bring more layers and textures to the kitchen adding depth and a more complete look. Having a pop of different materials is a fun way for homeowners to express themselves and add variety to the room."
Oversized Islands
A popular choice taking center stage are big islands, and some would say, the bigger, the better. "Islands are becoming so multi-purpose that clients want them to be as large as possible to accommodate food prep, cooking, homework, socializing, playing games, etc," notes Midkiff. "I think we will continue to see kitchen islands remain popular for quite some time because they serve so many functions. When homeowners choose to add an oversized island they really see the value and practicality of their home increase, resulting in a great return on investment."
Honorable Mentions
Without a doubt, these are a few more of the biggest kitchen trends we see taking off this year:
- Arched doorways
- Metallic finishes
- Smart refrigerators (smart appliances and smart technology as a whole)
- Timeless kitchen design, emphasis on biophilic design
- Green cabinet doors
- Natural Stone
- More energy-efficient appliances
