Kitchen Trends 2019

Expanding kitchens. The emphasis for kitchen design in 2019 will be as much on creating an inviting living space as it will the function of cooking. Kitchens will be bigger, but the extra square footage will be devoted to features such as expansive banquettes, oversized islands and bar seating, rather than to work space, as in previous years.

Trends come and go, and some last for decades. Regardless, it’s good to keep an eye on what’s current in kitchen design.

Whether building a new home or remodeling an older one, investing in the kitchen can increase your property value and provide a useful space that your entire family will enjoy. With any kitchen design, there are some basic rules to follow that will ensure the space is functional and efficient. Aside from these time tested rules, there are also trends. Trends can change quickly or last for decades, but they carry a lot of design power, so it is good to at least know what homeowners are leaning toward before selecting your paint colors and fixtures. Take a look at some 2018 kitchen trends that stand out in today’s market.

Bring on the Drama

The two best words to define 2018 kitchen design might ironically be simplistic drama. Homes are evolving to accommodate modern families, but the kitchen still remains it’s beating heart. In addition to serving as both quick service and weeknight gathering space, the kitchen offers a place to casually entertain guests while dinner is being cooked. As a result we’re seeing this room evolve as functional and aesthetically pleasing. By removing the clutter and adding dramatic lines and colors to cabinets topped with showpiece countertops, this room gains the kind of appeal that makes guests want to linger and enjoy. Don’t be surprised to see darker kitchen paint colors like charcoal, navy blue and forest green popping up in accent walls or even cabinetry. For example, a dark blue island with white perimeter cabinetry is a very popular look.

Kitchen Islands with Seating

Maybe chef-led cooking shows have inspired this trend which invites guests to come hang out in the kitchen with the cook, or maybe our on-the-go lifestyle that requires flexibility when it comes to eating dinner. For whatever reason, traditional dining rooms are being replaced with in kitchen seating and much of it is around an island or peninsula. To bridge the gap between formal dining and island seating, opt for chairs that are bar stool height but offer the comfort and style you might find in a traditional dining room.

Copper Finishes

Warm metallics are in style this year, and copper is the preferred choice for the kitchen. From faucets to kitchen cabinet hardware, copper can be used to add a sleek look to the room, and it is budget friendly.

Open Shelving

This trend started a few years ago, but has really caught fire lately making it one of the top trends for 2018. Open shelving embraces a minimalist approach, and if designed properly can give your kitchen an open airy feel. The trick is to keep it simple. Keeping shelf items and dishware in solid neutral colors, keeps open shelving from looking cluttered and busy.

Standout Countertops

Natural elements are hot, hot, hot. From quartz and stone to concrete and wood, countertops using natural materials can really pull a kitchen together and make it shine. Wood offers a warm, rustic look and can be utilized in any kitchen design whether modern or traditional. Reclaimed wood offers character and an eco-friendly option.

Lighting

No matter how beautiful and efficient a kitchen is, poor lighting can make it unbearable to work in. You need an overall well-lit room with brighter lights for specific task areas. But there is no reason for task and overall lighting to be boring. Many homeowners are opting for a layered lighting scenario that provides ambiance for different occasions, task lighting to work by and beautiful centerpiece lights that have the same decorative touch as the rest of the house. Task lighting on dimmers, pendants, overhead cans, and under-cabinet lights can all be combined to create a nice, bright or warm, cozy space.

Tech-Savvy Solutions

Equipping your kitchen with smart technology is no longer a trend as much as a reality. As new technology surfaces and more kitchen gadgets incorporate smart technology into their function, we will see the trend escalate.

From automated cooking appliances to simply telling your lights to turn on or your sound system to play music, the possibilities for technology are many and now they are becoming more affordable. Start planning your kitchen of the future now by creating docking stations and more outlets to plug in all your devices.