There was a time when kitchens were relegated to the back of the house. Today’s modern kitchen is the hub of the home, however. It’s where the entire family gathers to kickstart their day. It is a space where everyone winds down after a hard day at work or school. No wonder homeowners want their kitchen to be utilitarian, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
As with fashion and clothing, home design trends tend to fluctuate and cycle every few years. What’s old is new again and the latest rage of a few years ago is no longer fashionable. If you’re thinking of remodeling your kitchen, what design things should you incorporate in 2019? Here are 3 trends to keep in mind for a stylish and up to date kitchen:
The Modern Industrial Kitchen Is IN
The modern industrial design trend is minimal and focused on practicality. It is a no-frills approach to decor that works very well in both period and modern homes. The industrial trend focuses on natural materials like metal and wood. Think exposed ducts, wooden beams and high ceilings, and dark wood kitchen cabinetry.
The color palette tends toward deep, rich, and vibrant colors. But be mindful of your own space. Dark colors for a small kitchen can make it feel smaller than it is. You can always use deep tones on one wall or only for the cabinets to match the industrial look.
Another feature of an industrial kitchen is the lighting. Consider a centerpiece fixture with exposed bulbs or pendant lights for a stylish twist. In an industrial kitchen, lights pull double duty – they work as both task lighting and ambient light.
Finally, consider open shelving with plenty of wire baskets and/or ledges for storage. Use durable appliances with clean lines and farmhouse sinks to accentuate the modern look. A large kitchen island with pendant light and plenty of storage will fit right in!
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Things up
For a long time, all-white kitchens were all the rage. Everywhere you looked, there was yet another completely white kitchen staring at you from the pages of a magazine. For better or worse, that trend is now at an end. Kitchens in 2019 are all about contrasts – whether it is in textures, colors or materials.
Even the smallest kitchen fixtures are now embracing the two-toned look. Consider your humble faucet. Instead of going for an all-chrome or complete gold finish, try faucets with different finishes or materials. The Essence faucet in shiny metal and black or the Blanco Urbena in chrome and truffle is just the ticket!
Don’t hesitate to use different colors and textures in your kitchen. Your appliances don’t have to match anymore. Forget about stainless steel throughout the kitchen as well. Manufacturers now offer refrigerators, microwaves, and ovens in a riot of colors from ruby reds to bright blues. Mix-and-match unique pieces to create a custom kitchen that’s your very own.
Upgrade existing cabinetry with new drawer pulls in natural materials like leather or wood. You can even bring the outdoors inside with large windows and potted plants. Combine light and dark colors as well as soft and hard materials for a stylish kitchen!
Give a Nod to the past with Vintage Accessories
Thanks to kitchen trends like retro, shabby chic and farmhouse, vintage accessories are all the rage right now. Consider adding a few items here and there in your kitchen. For example, a new Blanco Torino faucet in coal-black makes for a great vintage touch.
Hardwood flooring reigned supreme for the last few years, especially in kitchens. Not anymore. Try new floor options in bright and bold designs, like our grandparents used to have. Whether it is simple black and white or funkier global patterns, your kitchen should make a statement!
The vintage look is not just for accessories though. Also, consider using colors to add a bit of nostalgia. Think pastel colors like robin’s egg blue or cool mint for an accent wall. Even better if you can pick up an appliance or two with the same pastel colors.
The opposite of soft pastels can also work in your kitchen. Manufacturers of small appliances have unleashed a plethora of items with a pop of bold colors. Just don’t go overboard though. Consider adding one or two appliances like a coffee maker or mixer to contrast with the pastel walls or light wood cabinets.
Remember that every kitchen doesn’t need to have every design trend in it. Pick and choose which aspects you want that can also work with your lifestyle. After all, you – and your family – have to live with the new kitchen for a long while! Or at least until the next upgrade.
