One of the unfortunate side effects of home trends is that they often don’t stick around for long, leaving you with home features that are outdated and in need of an upgrade. Fortunately, there are several trends in kitchen design that are likely to stick around for many years to come, making them great options to incorporate into your kitchen design. Here is a look at a few trends in kitchen design that are here to stay.
LED Lighting
LED lighting is a long-lasting, eco-friendly lighting option that can go a long way toward brightening up your kitchen. Use it to illuminate a toe-kick, to increase lighting within a workspace beneath your cabinetry or to perk up an island. Consider adding layers of lighting for additional intrigue. A combination of over-island pendant lights and LED strips on the underside of cabinets create a bright and attractive workspace.
Undercounter and Integrated Appliances
A major trend in kitchen design has been to eliminate hard-to-reach upper cabinets while simultaneously shifting appliances and storage space so it is under the counter. With the help of universal design principles, small appliances remain accessible while staying out of sight. To go along with this trend, many new microwave models can now be loaded from the top to make their use more convenient.
Integrated appliances will also continue to be a major trend in kitchen design. Rather than allowing the appliances to stick out and draw all of the eye’s attention in the kitchen, new kitchen designs integrate the appliances into the overall look of the kitchen with the help of paneling and built-ins. Unless the appliance is to be used as a statement piece, this design option allows the appliance to simply blend in with the surrounding cabinetry.
Deep, Single Bowl Sinks
Single bowl sinks have been trending for some time and will likely continue to be in demand well into the future. Not only are they more practical for today’s modern kitchen, but single bowl sinks can be made to be larger and deeper than the traditional double sink. This makes the sink more accommodating for hand washing large pots, pans and other items that cannot be washed in the dishwasher.
Induction Burners
Induction burners use little heat, helping to keep kitchen temperatures cool while also creating a safer workspace. Induction burners also eliminate the need for a large range hood, thereby offering more creative kitchen design opportunities.
Open Layouts with Single-Level Islands
Not only are open layouts attractive, but they are also more functional when used in a kitchen. In addition to eliminating obstacles in your way while cooking, an open layout encourages interaction with others. With the kitchen becoming an increasingly important space for social engagement, making the space open and breezy helps make it easier to entertain guests. Similarly, single-level islands provide a space to work or to present food without creating a cramped, dark space in the kitchen. Single-level islands also serve as a great space for guests to sit, thereby helping to increase the intimacy of the kitchen.