By Linda Klein (Allied ASID, Member – NKBA), Kitchen Designer, Modiani Kitchens & Interiors in Englewood, NJ
The kitchen has become the hub of the home. It’s where life happens for families of all definitions. This exponentially increasing trend has made the kitchen renovation the most popular residential upgrade. We kitchen designers feel very strongly that it is a trend that is here to stay.
The multi-layered considerations can be broken down as follows:
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Color trends – kitchen cabinet finish options are more plentiful than ever. The strongest trend with staying power is the white cabinet in all of its wonderful variations. These include solid white hues, whites with aging, whites with glazes and striaes. These light cabinets are often partnered with components in darker woods stained or painted – on trend right now – all the grays!
Another great, new option for more contemporary kitchens is the engineered veneers, made from sustainable wood such as the Obechee tree. Wood fabricators are able to simulate exotic wood grains in the production process without endangering or depleting the world’s forests.
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Finish materials – the biggest trend here is any beautiful finish that is low maintenance! Porcelain tile floors, Caesarstone countertops, sealed and protected backsplashes. The activities that happen in the kitchen are far more varied than just preparing food and eating. So the finishes need to reflect simplicity in their care.
The kitchen has entered an age where it is much more than a space to eat in! Our kitchens now combine the uses of the office (homework, bill paying, web searching, social media, etc), the family room (conversation gathering and TV watching), and the bar. Most kitchens now have beverage or wine refrigeration in their layouts.
Appliances – Kitchens used to be designed around the working triangle – the cleaning area, the cooking area and the refrigeration area. That triangle doesn’t really exist anymore because of the constantly changing world of appliance options – steam ovens, combination ovens, speed ovens, induction cooktops, modular cooktops, under counter refrigeration, prep sinks, and dishwasher drawers, among others.
It’s important for clients to see all the options and choose only those that they will really enjoy using. In addition to choosing the right appliances, there must be a balance between the amount of space that is allotted to appliances and the space that is allotted to cabinetry.
Lighting trends – LED lighting has finally reached a palatable price point and warmer lighting options. It’s a great alternative to halogen or incandescent lighting with more energy efficiency and a significantly longer life span.
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About Modiani Kitchens and Interiors:
Modiani first opened its expansive SoHo style showroom in 2011, specializing in sophisticated contemporary Italian and traditional kitchen cabinetry and designs. Owners Gil Kovalsky and Kobi Aharon use their knowledge of ergonomics, surface technology, appliance function, and storage philosophy to create one-of-a-kind kitchens that are functional, sophisticated, and modern. Linda Klein, Allied ASID, NKBA Member (National Kitchen and Bath Association), is an expert in residential and commercial interior design and space planning. For more information visit www.modianikitchens.com.