We asked four veterans of the design industry what’s hot in the realm of kitchen design and which trends are on their way out. The big takeaway: Regardless of the style, kitchens loaded with personality are where it’s at.
By Catherine Warmerdam
Photography by Charlene Lane
LAURA NEUMAN
PEPPERJACK INTERIORS
We asked Laura Neuman of Pepperjack Interiors what's hot in the realm of kitchen design and which trends are on their way out.
What’s In
• Dark painted colors on cabinetry, including black and navy
• “Gold and aged brass are still in for lighting, faucets and fixtures.”
• Open shelving. “I’m putting it where people can tolerate it. Many homeowners can’t handle too much of it.”
• Statement tiles on floors. “We’re seeing black and cream in interesting patterns, and also stripes that look almost like an area rug.”
• Subway tile. “They are in and will forever be in.”
• Granite. “For the longest time I thought it was passe, but I’m changing my mind on that. There are amazing granites out there that can be absolutely beautiful in the right application.”
• Self-expression. “If people have the confidence to express themselves without regard to the trends, there are so many beautiful things out there that they can do. The sky is the limit for the homeowner willing to express themselves and have a little bit of courage.”
What’s Out
• Plank tile that looks like wood. “I think it’s a little overwrought.”
• Glass mosaic tile backsplashes
MARY ANN DOWNEY
MARY ANN DOWNEY INTERIOR DESIGN
What’s In
• Mixed finishes, including metals, wood and painted elements
• Cabinets with flush inset doors that show the face frame. “I think it’s more interesting, and if it’s done correctly it’s not more clutter.”
• Simple cabinet doors with statement hardware. “The hardware is larger, more unusual and more decorative, almost like jewelry.”
• Solid-surface countertops. “The selection keeps getting better and better.”
• Farmhouse sinks
• Open shelving
What’s Out
• White cabinets
• Dark wood cabinets. “No more ebony or black-brown.”
• Raised panel doors on cabinets. “For the most part, any kind of complex door face is out.”
• Monochromatic kitchens
• Decorative drop-ins on backsplashes
KIMBERLY HENNEY
LOWE’S
What’s In
• Cabinet doors with flat or Shaker profiles. “They can be used with so many different styles—urban modern, farmhouse, midcentury, transitional.”
• Cool whites, off whites, warm browns with gray undertones
• Open concept spaces. “The trick is to achieve a cohesive look throughout the house by keeping the same flooring from the kitchen to the dining room and living room.”
• Luxury vinyl tile. “The texture doesn’t feel like old linoleum. It’s warm to the touch, which you don’t get with porcelain tile.”
• Quartz countertops. “Marble look-alikes are especially popular.”
• Quartzite countertops
• Subway tile. “The 4-by-12-inch size has a more modern appearance.”
• An eclectic approach. “People aren’t wanting to stay with one particular style or trend in the kitchen anymore. It’s a complement of many different styles to create their own personal and unique look.”
What’s Out
• Glazing on cabinet doors
• Linear mosaic tiles on backsplashes
• Double-bowl sinks
• Regular stainless steel. “People are moving away from it in favor of black or slate-colored stainless that’s fingerprint resistant.”
• Bronze
STEVE CASCI
CASCI DESIGNWORKS
We asked Steve Casci of Casci Designworks what's hot in the realm of kitchen design and which trends are on their way out
What’s In
• Connecting the kitchen to the family room. “People want to get that wall out and open up the kitchen. I know it’s probably an old horse, but it’s still the most popular thing. It’s where everybody hangs out. The formal living room is a thing of the past.”
• Creative use of LED lighting. “Lighting is going to become more and more important because there are so many wonderful things you can do with LEDs—along toe kicks, under counters, on top of cabinets.”
• Colored appliances
What’s Out
• Stainless steel appliances. “Keeping them clean is the biggest drawback. Black, white and stainless will still be around, but I don’t think stainless will be the go-to anymore.”
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