While we know that kitchen renovations are overwhelming, it’s important to know exactly what you are getting when it comes to spending. On average, a major remodel for a 200-square-foot is about $42,000, with a smaller space budget at about $25,800. However, these numbers vary depending on factors like size, scope, budget, location, and finishes/appliances. Some remodels can cost upwards of $100,000.
Goodbye Granite?
According to a recent study by Houzz, granite has been on a three-year decline among homeowners.
The texture of granite can feel more outdated as it is smaller than the scale texture of quartz or marble. Which is why most homeowners are willing to invest more in the higher-end materials. Quartz is more durable than marble, but gives the same look without sacrificing durability if they spend ample amounts of time in their kitchen. They also wouldn’t have to deal with the upkeep of marble as it can stain easily. Although, quite a few homeowners are still going for the classic material, as the veining is hardly ever aesthetically controversial in resale.
White Out
The all white kitchen, adored by the modernists and minimalists, might be taking a backseat. Homeowners are actually on the other side of spectrum, color!
While all white may have a clean modern look, the stain factor can be a turn away for a family, but it also pose as difficult to pull off. Different manufactures have different considerations as white, so making the tile, the paint, the cabinets, and more – can be almost near impossible. But even with all the whites matching or blending together, most cases the kitchen will look flat and uninviting.
Complementary Hues to Use
Homeowners tend to get nervous when it comes to adding color to any space much less the kitchen. Most are going for a two-toned kitchen with colors like navy, grey, and forest green.
Black has made a come back when it comes to contrasting colors to give the kitchen something to stand out.
Don’t let the colors scare you, there are ways to inject the color you want without bright red tile or emperor blue cabinetry. Try adding the color with kitchen accessories like teapots, toasters, linens or on the backsplash. This allows for open inviting personality without seeming to be loud and busy.
All Matte Everything
Appliances and hardware are starting to go down the sleeker route- matte black.
LG and Vipp are making entire lines of matte black stainless steel appliances that give sophistication to your kitchen.
By adding matte black islands, hardware and appliances pair them with glossy counters and backsplashes to give the kitchen a contemporary appeal, while also eliminated the need to get rid of fingerprints and smudges.
Embrace the Dark Side
Many homeowners are going towards crisp and modern with marble and brass hardware. But they are also trying out Nero Marquina, essentially the exact opposite of marble but this spreads beyond only countertops. The trend of darker marble counter tops with thick veining, matte black, brass hardware, and deep colors like forest green and navy cabinets are becoming the new elegant.
Hardwood to Ceramic
Hardwood flooring is still very popular when it comes to kitchen flooring. But the second most popular option, ceramic flooring, is about to get more attention. Thanks to technology, ceramic flooring now comes in a wide variety of designs and styles and sizes.
For example, you can get ceramic tiles that look exactly like hardwood flooring. So if you want to retain the hardwood look but wanted a material that is easier to maintain, consider using ceramic. In addition to wood, ceramic tiles can be designed to resemble a range of other materials including natural stone. Even the surface texture is changed to mimic these materials.
In terms of size, you do not have to go for traditional sizing any longer. It seems like the sky’s the limit with variety and larger format tiles. You can get single plank tiles that resemble actual wide planks of hardwood once laid down on the floor. Or you can get custom cut tiles to create a uniquely patterned kitchen.
Pet-Friendly Spaces
The kitchen can be a hazardous place for babies and pets if you are not careful. While we try really hard to babyproof the cooking area; we do not think much about pet-friendly spaces in the kitchen. But 2018 is bringing along some great ideas for a pet-friendly kitchen.
One great idea is a feeding station. This is usually a the end of a cabinet run or in the corner where you can set up your pet food storage cabinet, feeding station, toys and anything else pet-related. You can even design a kitchen island with a built-in doggy bed underneath the countertop. If you have cats and a little extra money to spend, consider a slide at one corner of the room where they can play until they are exhausted.
Beyond the Farm
The big farmhouse kitchen is not complete without the large farmhouse sink, but more on a simpler note. Homeowners are leaning towards doing the farmhouse sink for size but are more leaning towards undermounts again. Sinks are starting to gain a color profile, such as copper sinks.
A Better Backsplash
Homeowners are starting to embrace the global, old-world style. The continuous countertop to the backsplash is started to fade while more Spanish-style tiles throughout the kitchen as a backsplash and the home as flooring.
Easy Access
The design of the kitchen is crucial when it comes to functionality but also pleasing to the eye. According to a recent study from Houzz, the most reason for remodeling is to declutter. The idea of glass cabinets for easy access is starting to make a come back, along with a pantry cabinet even though you are sacrificing some counter space. These allow for homeowners to keep more things off the counter and put away from eyesight.
Another great feature is cabinet garages, they allow homeowners to open the cabinet upwards to show appliances or other objects like spices. If you are using these for appliances like a mixer, you can have a slide out tray or bottom for easy maneuver.
Mix and Match
With bold colors playing a big part in a kitchen’s personality, sharp contrasts are coming into view. For example, mixing a bold color for the island cabinets with a different color for the kitchen cabinets help bring your kitchen to life.
Homeowners are also getting creative when it comes to the center island, presenting it as a showpiece or an independent piece of furniture. This then allows the island to be made of marble, leaving the counters to be durable and better suited for food.
In some homes, the islands have been transformed to free-standing butcher tables while some others include the waterfall from the island to the floor.
A Natural Touch
The 90’s aren’t just making a come back in clothing, the wooden cabinets in a more unfinished contemporary way. Deconstructed wood is being used in many applications such as reclaimed wood ceilings or open shelving. The best way to achieve this is typically custom-wood cabinets but can run a pretty penny. That being said, the price endures with being able to completely change the feel of your kitchen with either replacing the fronts or repaint/restain. Having the right cabinetry can have an immense payoff in resale.
Finish with Some Drama
The one place an experiment can’t go wrong: lighting. Most designers encourage homeowners to go wild here. Over the past years, asymmetrical kitchen lighting has picked up major traffic and is not slowing down. The traditional double or triple pendants are a thing of the past when it comes to redirecting the eye to above the island. This allows homeowners to create vignettes or show off a kitchen accessory.
Ready to put all of these design ideas into your kitchen? Contact Mega Pros today!
