Today’s fashion in our homes have taken a turn for simplicity. Warm earthy tones combined with classic lines have consumers thirsting to remodel their spaces. The kitchen is the most costly and interrupted room to remodel but people feel a need to entertain and go back to the days of family bonding in the most used space in the home. Function is the main reason for the do-over but I have seen a trend towards warmth and love, especially with the Gen X’s. I think they all lived a hectic life being brought up by us Baby Boomers that they want calm, warmth and family love to take over their homes. I never had the luxury of cooking with my mom in our kitchen when I grew up because that was her space. Today, women and men want to cook together and especially having their kids with them. I cooked a lot with my daughter when she was growing up and keep that tradition going with my grandson’s. I think kids get a sense of importance working in the kitchen alongside of you, not to mention the love and interaction they experience.

So, how does today’s kitchen fare different from the kitchens we all grew up in? One is the size of the rooms. Kitchens have evolved into a much larger space than kitchens of years ago. Appliances have had a lot to do with that with the much larger varieties to choose from today. Double ovens and cook tops take up a lot more space than their cousin, the freestanding stove. Refrigerator sizes have gone from 30-33″ to 36-48″, with some consumers combining a fridge and freezer filling a space up to 72″. They are also several more built in selections giving the kitchen a more sleek, commercial and custom look. I feel appliances are a lot more important for our kitchens than ever before.

The other trend and difference that I see is the mixing of taste and styles. As I have said in blogs before, Transitional is the style of today. Transitional is mainly the mixing of traditional and today’s modern. Today’s modern is so different from the modern we all grew up in. Our older modern was cold and plain where today’s modern is sleek, fun and warm, yet cool and airy. Stainless appliances are mostly preferred with this look. Classic is also the word we use to describe this taste. Classic has always been that look that was somewhat simple and was always in no matter what era we talk about. This kitchen featured shows the mixtures of style well and how well they come together.

The other trend also points to more of a built in look. Cabinets building up to the ceiling and more custom style appliances give the space a very cozy fitting look. The days of cabinets open above with the galley rail that was so tough to clean and dust are long gone. I do find the clients who want the new look of farmhouse/country, like the cabinets open above but most others are choosing the cabinets to the ceiling, even when they have 9 or 10 foot ceiling heights. It does give the room a classic look.

No matter which style you choose for your space, give the room some life by mixing a few styles together. If you find it tough to know what looks good together, choose a good professional to help you. You will be living in that room for many years so it’s important to get it right. You can also peruse sites like Houzz and Pinterest to get those creative juices flowing. I use them a lot to show a client how certain looks go great together and to re-enforce their taste in styles.  Oh yeah, and don’t forget to Dream First so that you get those thoughts and ideas out of your head to help the professional bring them to life for you!

Bon Appetit!

Tim Holick (Food A Holick)

This entry was posted in Kitchen Design on April 12, 2016 by wpalace.