This year, residential design is borrowing elements from the commercial industry. The easiest way to quickly incorporate this trend into your kitchen without a full remodel is by adding one (or a few) industrial lighting elements. To make it even easier, swap modern light bulbs for clear or round old-fashioned ones in light fixtures with exposed bulbs. Beyond the bulb, think about swapping lamp shades for wire caging on sconces and replacing your traditional chandelier with a steel counterpart. In addition to lighting, you can incorporate industrial elements by updating your cabinet hardware or replacing opaque wooden cabinet doors with panels of clear glass (or no doors at all). If a major overhaul is on the table, then you can focus on the bigger design element likes your flooring, ceiling, and tiling. Polished cement flooring will immediately up the cool factor of your kitchen. Other on trend options include subway tile and salvaged brick or wood.
Bold color is a second design influence that can be easily implemented in your home. If an accent wall in orange or a vintage fire engine red refrigerator is not up your alley… Opt for smaller pops of color. Budget-friendly updates with a big visual impact include refreshing your table linens, putting any cookbooks with bright covers on display, and adding a piece of folk art or photography as the main focal point on a blank wall. Furthermore, you can easily add a splash of color and pattern with an area rug, curtain, or seat cushions. If you are ready to commit to a color, there are plenty of varieties of dinnerware and serving plates that you can incorporate into your daily tableware settings for a fun (and useful) pop!
If you are building your kitchen from scratch, then you should consider adding smart and functional elements that will increase the usability and flexibility of your space. Charging drawers are popping up in kitchens across the country– creating a wonderful way to charge all of your devices and hide them with the hip bump of a drawer! Strategically placed outlets are another thing that you often take for granted– being able to access power for your mixer, coffee maker or juicer is a convenience that you should make sure is on your contractor’s radar. Beyond technology, design storage solutions that work for YOU. If your garage is directly off your kitchen and this is how your family comes and goes, then consider adding a white board and key holders to organize to-do lists and belongings amidst the chaos.
Keep in mind, that you can make updates on any budget or timeframe– do what works for you. It is often helpful to gather inspiration photos and hone in on the colors, elements, and functionalities that catch your eye. Don’t commit to a trend solely for its trendiness. It is much smarter and safer to choose something that you love and can see yourself living within one, five, and ten years down the road. That being said, trend reports and Pinterest images are a wonderful jumping off point!