Here are some fresh ideas that can be combined to create a warm and inviting feel while still projecting the clean lines of good design.
Wood cabinets and shelving are a great way to bring texture and color into your design. Combining the natural look of wood with sleek matte base cabinets creates an inviting warmth that is sure to please. Consider adding vintage-inspired fixtures and lighting to create further interest. Gold accent colors are still very much in vogue but a more muted tone is starting to take hold.
Another fantastic look is open shelf and glass front uppers. Don't be afraid of the openness. Unmatched dishes stacked neatly look great and you will come to love the accessibility and the interest open shelving creates as well as the visual lightness. Just be sure that the open shelving is away from the cook area.
Mid-century inspired everything is still very popular but if your home is not a mid-century you may want to dial it back a bit. The look can be achieved in simple touches such as pendent lights over an island, mid-century chairs around a table or even the dishes you choose. Trying out some orange, green and muted yellow in pillows, rugs or dishes can be another great way to get that mid-century feel without permanent commitment that may end up dating your renovation.
Full wall backsplash are big statement makers today. The four-inch backsplash made of countertop material is a thing of the past. Kitchens today feature backsplashes that cover the entire space between counter and upper cabinet. A backsplash that extends all the way up your wall is a great way to add color and texture to your kitchen. With the use of open cabinets or no uppers at all, backsplashes can continue uninterrupted to the ceiling.
As you can see, it works with backsplash materials of all kinds – mosaic tile, large-format tile, back-painted glass but the effect is particularly striking with a slab backsplash.
Appliances are a major investment so deciding the finish can give everyone reason to pause. Stainless steel may be on the way out but it is still a look that will be appreciated. The hot new thing, well thats matte finish of course. There are a variety of matte and what you choose depends on the over all look of the kitchen. Brown matte may be the right direction but fore a bolder statement black matte is the way to go. Some manufacturers are even beginning to offer matte colors that match cabinetry. If you are not ready to abandon your affections for stainless steel, don't beat your self up about it- heck the big box stores still sell granite.
So that brings us to counter tops, another expensive choice of the renovation and one that is not easily changed once a kitchen is complete. I like the look of concrete. Polished concrete is a fabulous floor choice but not all homes can support the weight so try using it as a kitchen counter.
Not ready for concrete then quartz it is. Quartz is a durable surface which will not require regular re-sealing and it is nonporous making it one of the most hygienic countertop options for homeowners.
Quartz comes in a wide array of colors, patterns, and finishing techniques that mimic’s the look of natural stone. One of the most current and trending finishes right now....yep you guessed it- matte.
In 2019, Quartz manufacturers will continue with manufacturing improvements that are sure to keep this countertop option popular for quite some time to come.
Ciara Crews | Big Red Realty Group