For most people, redesigning the kitchen can be one of the most difficult projects to tackle. From cabinets and backsplashes to flooring and appliances — where do you even start? While there’s no shortage of beautiful designs on social media to get your creative juices flowing, those professionally staged spaces that people fawn over on Instagram might seem a little … out of reach to the average homeowner. But that’s not necessarily true! Creating a dream-worthy space is really just about understanding what styles are in and knowing how to combine them for a cohesive look.
We’ve put together the latest in 2019 kitchen trends to help you create a beautiful kitchen that will become the envy of your friends, neighbors, and even your Instagram feed!
Smooth and sleek are in. Traditional white is still very popular, providing that streamlined look Millennials love. But more than that, white makes a space look bigger, and nearly every item you’d want to install in your kitchen is available in this basic color. Just don’t go all white — that’s too sterile and industrial for today’s aesthetic.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, and gaining in popularity, is matte black. Matte black photographs well. Like white, it provides a neutral backdrop upon which you can splash your colors and personality. But incorporated properly, it can make a dramatic statement all its own. Use it for your sink and faucet, your lower cabinets, or your backsplash and appliances. Too much? Use it for cabinet and drawer hardware and pair with a black-and-white color scheme that marries the two hot colors in a less overwhelming décor.
When it comes to storage, we’re leaving open cabinets behind in order to minimize clutter and keep it refined. The extremely traditional Shaker style, with a recessed central panel in the doors, is back, and it fits in nicely with two of the top overall kitchen styles, transitional and farmhouse.
Must-have features for a picture-perfect kitchen include no-touch and energy efficient fixtures with special coatings that eliminate fingerprint smudges. Voice-activated or app-controlled appliances are gaining in popularity and also reduce fingerprints and smudges!
Black stainless steel, nickel, and chrome are overtaking traditional stainless steel for fixtures and appliances. Pops of color are also popping up on appliances — including Millennial pink — but have yet to achieve the popularity that the sleek look of white and black can evince. Keep in mind, though, that a backdrop of white or black can really make color stand out and make a great IG-worthy statement!
Cooktops and in-wall ovens are trending, with induction cooktops providing a smooth and seamless look to counters. Touchscreen controls rather than dials contribute to the sleekness. That smooth look is so trendy, in fact, that kitchen hardware is often nowhere to be found, with soft-close cabinets and drawers contributing to the “hidden storage” style.
According to the 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, countertops are the No.1 feature that get replaced during a remodel. White and grey lead the pack for countertop and backsplash color, with multicolor finishes not far behind. Engineered materials are making a bit of a comeback, as they are extremely low-maintenance and long-lasting. Quartz is most popular because of its durability and resistance to scratches and stains. The warmth of the farmhouse style is brought back in via textiles and accents.
Brick- or subway-style backsplash tiles are still on trend, especially white paired with grey, wood, or even monochromatic colored cabinets and white or light gray counters. Feeling bold? Take those tiles all the way up to the ceiling for a statement wall that will draw oohs and aahs from all who see it.
Engineered materials are taking over the top spot in popularity from natural bamboo and wooden floors, which were super trendy just recently. Tile, vinyl, and laminates are easier to clean and care for, can be made from recycled and sustainable materials, and may cost less than natural wood.
While tile leads the way with 26% of renovators choosing ceramic or porcelain tiles for their kitchen floors, engineered wood is also very popular. For the hot trend of open floorplans, wood and wood-look really work, as the flooring can flow from kitchen to living room and pull the rooms together seamlessly.
With walls, it seems the fewer, the better. A large open area allows the chef to socialize with guests without leaving dinner unattended; families can participate in activities or homework time without having to put a meal on hold. Socialization is extremely important to Millennials, and open areas with lots of natural light and an integrated décor look great online!
Whether you’re looking to remodel your current kitchen or you’re considering a move to a new home, there are financing options that can help you get the kitchen of your dreams. Let’s discuss how I can help!
Source: 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study
