Trends in Cabinetry
Like fashion or furniture, cars or cuisine, cabinetry follows trends. From the coasts inward to the Midwest, innovations in style and functionality sweep the nation. But trends in semi-custom and custom cabinetry are following furniture trends within weeks or months, rather than a year or two as they used to. This hardly gives trend-conscious homeowners that are planning to start a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project the time to catch their breath. So what's new? What's in, and more importantly, what's out?
With extensive new construction and bathroom and kitchen remodeling projects, homeowners are opting to splurge on kitchens that make dramatic statements rather than conservative claims. The average homeowner will undertake only one or two kitchen remodeling projects in a lifetime. About 98 percent of investment in a kitchen design can be recouped upon resale, assuming the total kitchen design budget is 7-15 percent of the home's value. The investment is well worth the effort, since the selling point for many home buyers is the kitchen.
Cabinetry finishes like Chestnut, Java, Bordeaux and Amaretto replace lighter tones of oak and fruitwood. Maple and cherry cabinets remain popular choices. Counter tops are bold colors rather than neutrals. Wall tones are richer and feature more greens or blue-greens. Appliances are stainless steel. Expect greens and golds to reenter the appliance market as well.
Semi-custom and custom cabinetry style itself takes either of two paths. Some homeowners opt for ornate decorative features like onlays, corner posts, mullion doors, apothecary drawers, corbels, beading, medallions and arch valances. Others are choosing contemporary, clean lines-a warm, welcoming "integrated industrial" look-moving away from raised panel doors.
Also popular are specialty woods like quarter sawn oak and alder cabinets. Popular right now are gently distressed and glazed cabinetry that mimic well loved pieces of furniture.
Kitchen spaces themselves are much bigger than in the recent past, and the rooms are designed for entertaining. Seating areas keep the cook - or multiple cooks - from being isolated as they work. Multiple food preparation areas to accommodate these multiple cooks fill these large spaces. Two cooking centers, two sinks, and two dishwashers enhance design plans. Islands are as large as 8 or 10 feet long. Refrigerated drawers in these islands accompany standard refrigerator units.
Industrial stainless steel appliances replace white, almond and black residential appliances. Cooking areas are focal points with hearth hood designs surrounding large ranges. Formerly coveted specialty features like fryers and grill tops move out of the house to brick outdoor kitchens. Stereo systems are built in and hidden rather than featured in cabinetry units, and flat screen televisions hang on walls like artwork.
Natural and natural-looking materials are popular in today's kitchen. Wood and ceramic tile remain flooring choices. Cork flooring, recognized for its comfort on feet, legs and back, is gaining popularity. Oft-chosen countertop materials are granite, slate, marble and stone, along with acrylic glass tops.
Organizational features are more sophisticated. While the outside of the cabinets may be clean, simple, contemporary lines, inside the cabinets are increasing numbers of roll trays, pull outs, swing out or swivel shelves and drawer organizers. Visibility of items on shelving is improved with chrome rails instead of wood. Ease of access is key.
Cabinetry is not just for kitchens anymore. Closets are as big as bedrooms themselves, featuring seating areas, televisions, islands and full cabinetry with specialty organizational functions. Bathrooms adopt spa environments as full cabinetry complements whirlpool tubs, separate showers, twin sinks, entertainment systems and seating. Great rooms can feature custom cabinetry with wet bars, refrigerators, wine coolers, humidors and separate wine storage rooms.
So with cabinetry trends moving rapidly, what's a budget-conscious, fashion-savvy homeowner to do for the next kitchen or bathroom remodeling project? Design the kitchen with future updates in mind. Choose medium toned wood like maple and accent with color. Trendy colors and wall techniques can make conservative cabinetry pop visually. Countertops can be changed at modest expense and with relative ease, so they can be a bit more daring than cabinetry. Select one specialty cabinet as a focal point, and incorporate metal door panels that can be replaced simply. Trendy looks can be added with hardware, also easily changed with new trends. Investments in convenience-minded organization retain their value as well as their functionality.
Set a kitchen or bathroom remodeling budget and visit with a StarMark Cabinetry Specialist today. Replacement of existing cabinetry is as cost effective as refacing cabinets, so don't be afraid to start from scratch. You'll be glad you did.
