Home & FurnitureApril

Kitchens

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Kitchen?What’s trending in the

right now

With the economy still trudging along without a spring in its step, homeowners want to spend over the top and they want to buy smart for longevity which translates to neutral finishes for those costly items such as cabinets, countertops and flooring. Clean, modern styles with warm touches continue their popularity. A country style which includes the appreciation of nature and natural textures and finishes juxtaposed with more simple cabinet designs seem popular.

There is a growing interest in open floor plans and the social kitchen, built-in and concealed appliances. Design sustainability and healthy cooking factor into the consumer’s purchasing decisions more than they ever have in the past. Faux materials with a surprisingly real look due to technological advancements such as ceramic ‘wood look’ tile and ‘natural stone look’ laminates enjoy revived interest.

Kitchen design is looking very exciting for 2013 as people are adding more personal touches to certain trends.

Laminates

Country style

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Neutrals

What are people looking for when they redo their kitchens?Convenience is the motivating factor. Home cooks are looking for appliances that have convenient features, and cabinet access and storage should also be convenient, and the kitchen design overall should be convenient to use and move around in. Homeowners seek to express themselves in a personal way in terms of aesthetics and function and have the confidence to do so more than ever. Of course, homeowners are also looking to find that sweet spot between good value and stylish products of good quality.

If there’s one thing we should splurge on when we remodel our kitchens what should it be?Cabinets are the one area to splurge on as they get used constantly as do appliances, but since cabinets are made of wood products as opposed to metals and glass that appliances are made of, it is critical that cabinets be able to perform consistently over time and resist wear for nearly 20 years. Middle- to high-end cabinets are your best bet as you do get what you pay for and purchasing low-end cabinets can be a gamble.

What kitchen appliance is worth the splurge?A major cooking appliance such as an oven and hob or a range, depending on which one best fits the overall kitchen plan. The flexibility of a hob’s burners to simmer or power boost, built in timers, autocook features, convection in ovens, easy pull out racks and precise temperature control are a cook’s dream. Technology has modernised cooking appliances that we see today. Clever features, such as hobs with no burners at all are being offered by both Thermador and Gaggenau brands. Imagine being able to place a pot wherever you want on your hob!

Lots of white, off whites, natural wood stains. They continue to be what homeowners want in cabinets, adding that the whites are a strong leader. Neutral remain on the upswing and touches of black add sophistication in the form of featured cabinets and/or accessories. Countertops tell a similar story as authentic colours and neutrals, particularly warm grays, create an understated look which allows pops of colour to be used in the decorative layer.

Are there any popular kitchen colours trending right now?

So if you are thinking of sprucing up your kitchen this Spring be sure to take these tips on board for a stylish yet extremely efficient kitchen that does not need to cost a fortune.

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