So, what will this year’s kitchens look like? Some new additions to kitchen style are expected this year, such as: hi-tech workstations, ‘80s glam, and muted color schemes. Here are the top design changes of 2016:
Good news if you’re thinking about a new color scheme this year. According to interior designer Jane Lockhart, kitchen colors are changing. Although white motifs still dominate, everything from cabinets to backsplashes are migrating to more varied colors. “Charcoal, grays and even neutral pastels like pale blue, pale green gray and tinted whites are the new alternative to the standard white,” she says. Pastel colors add a unique style to any space and can help brighten up your home.
The hi-tech makeover has arrived. “Look for areas with hidden charging stations to store devices like phones and tablets so that they are always operable, at hand and charged,” Lockhart says. It is no secret that technology is even dominating the kitchen with cool new appliances and gadgets. Accommodating your kitchen to fit these new technological advances is essential.
The ‘80s are back,” Lockhart says. Mirrored backsplashes, brass accessories and high-gloss surfaces aren’t dead by a long shot. But they’re more elegant and refined this time around. Adding brass finishes to a kitchen can give it a classic touch of elegance.
Metallic finishes are back. In 2016, metal will dominate kitchen aesthetics, and be favored over wood as the range hood of choice. “Wood mantle hoods are bring replaced with metal hoods or ones that are a combination of wood and metal,” Drury says. If you’re thinking of neutral tones this year, metal hoods can offer a burst of contrast into your kitchen.
Does your kitchen feel disconnected from the rest of your home? Designers are looking to merge kitchens and living rooms into integrated spaces, incorporating cleverly designed appliances and new storage areas. the concept of a closed off kitchen has been gone for a while now, and designers are always finding new ways to make kitchens feel more open and cohesive with the rest of the home.
What is contrast in 2016? Texture is expected to be at the forefront of this change – “Strong contrasting designs are being replaced with more texture-on-texture designs,” says Drury. “The same exact stone can be finished three ways and combined in the same space,” Drury says. “The difference is very subtle but at the same time makes a statement about attention to detail.”
In many ways this style has midcentury furniture to thank. “To some extent, this is already occurring with the increasing use of walnut in islands and cabinet doors,” she says. “But look for more kitchen styles that offer a nod to 60’s modern style, also called Nordic style.” Nordic design is all about simplicity and functionality.
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