Kitchen Design Trends (November 26, 2010)

Kitchen Design Trends: Consider The Latest in Features

As with other industries, kitchen design trends are ever changing. Trends change often but they¡¯re always centered on the consumer and their needs. Some of the latest trends are being used to focus on eco-friendly materials and designs that make your lifestyle easier.

These days, many people are looking at the use of natural and sustainable products in their homes. Perfect examples are bamboo hardwood floors,concrete countertops and kitchen granite countertops. Bamboo grows quickly which makes it less expensive, and more eco-friendly than other woods.

Ergonomics is making its way into kitchen design trends as well. Many people are using different heights on their countertops, making it easier on their body. Better heights are being used for preparing meals or washing dishes with some new designs.

Many islands that are workstations are raised higher than other counters for that reason alone. It is becoming more common to see varied height base wall cabinets as well, especially on either side of the range or cooktop.

Beautiful copper kitchen sinks are being used in more traditional and period designs.

Kitchen Design Trends Combine Kitchen Colors

Another flooring trend is to use different colors of flooring within itself. An example of this is to create a diamond or other design pattern in your floor by using a lighter or darker finish. This can be done with hardwood, ceramic, stone, marble, porcelain or even vinyl kitchen flooring. Another option is to create a border of a different color down a hallway or around the perimeter of your room.

Cabinets are being changed to work with different lifestyles. Many options are available to create great use of space.

Tall kitchen cabinets are being used to increase storage, as well as special kitchen storage cabinets for items used either frequently or not very often.

Spice shelves and pull out cabinets for items used in cooking are placed for quick access, sometimes as slide out drawers at eye level next to your cooktop.

Glass is Popular

Glass is making its way into the kitchen as well. You¡¯re seeing more kitchen cabinet glass and glass tile backsplashes gaining in popularity. Glass tile is all of the rage because of its colors, shapes and translucence. You¡¯re sure to find any color or combination of colors that will go with your kitchen style.

Combining finishes is a new trend as well. From flooring to counters tokitchen backsplash tile designs, using different types of materials is a big hit. You can change the type of flooring in your kitchen, by using hardwood for the eating area and ceramic in the cooking area. However, a lot of homeowners still like the tied together look of the same flooring materials in the kitchen and adjacent room.

Another one of the kitchen design trends is to have counter top surfaces combined. For example, you can have granite for the main surface and stainless steel for the island, or vice versa. A lot of folks are combining glass tile with ceramic or subway tile for an interesting pattern.

One of the other areas of the kitchen design that is getting a lot of attention is the range hood. The kitchen hood design is becoming a focal point with stone arches and wood surrounds. And the stainless steel range hood is becoming more popular in modern kitchens as well.

Sleek Built-Ins

Built in appliances, everything from a built in refrigerator and wall ovens to convection microwaves and coffee makers are finding their way into cabinetry. The reason for this trend is to make spaces look cleaner by either removing items from counters, or blending them in with the cabinets.

A wood paneled front is one way to conceal a refrigerator, while an appliance garage is a way to conceal your coffee maker or toaster.

Being that today¡¯s kitchens are not just a place to prepare a meal, the kitchen design has become a sign of today¡¯s busy lifestyle. More often, plans are made, work is done, guests are entertained, and of course, meals are prepared in the kitchen.

The result of modern day living is the use of technology into the kitchen. Many families are creating a homework and workstation within the kitchen that includes a computer, other gadgets and charging docks in one area.

Another desired feature is the island with breakfast bar if you have the space. Whether you are warming up a quick meal or having coffee, island seating is perfect for quick relaxation and easy cleanup.

Keep in mind that kitchen design trends will change. Some trends last longer than others. The key is to create your kitchen to be functional, and provide a setting that you can enjoy and that fits well with your lifestyle.

Tags: Glass, kitchen cabinet, kitchen design, Kitchen Design Trends
Posted under Contemporary kitchen design, Design Trends, Glass Cabinet Doors, Kitchen Design, Kitchen Design Plan, Modern Kitchen, New Kitchen Design, New Trends

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