Five Kitchen and Bath Trend predictions
In the coming years, living small will continue to be big news and consumers will want to use every inch of available space. Shows like Tiny House Nation and Treehouse Masters are huge hits, teaching consumers how to maximize space in new ways and build storage into small areas. This year we also see home buyers emerging from the safe cocoon of all white paint and shaker-style doors and adding large elements of color in the kitchen (albeit on a typically neutral white or gray backdrop) and subtle detail in the door styling.
Dead space is dead and small space is more functional
Today, dead space in corner cabinets has gone the way of Styrofoam food packaging and gas guzzling sedans. Now consumers are demanding blind corners be opened up for use and organization tools be included in multiple areas of the kitchen, from the well-established pull out spice racks, drawer organizers, corner Susans and recycling centers, to newer automated pull-out storage, custom pan storage hardware and hidden charging and storage stations. Narrow organization cabinets are being tucked into mere inches of space in tall cabinet end panels, creating convenient storage for hidden mop/broom and cleaning supplies.
New device storage cabinets and organizers keep our many smart phones, tablets and e-book reader cords organized and out of sight. Cabinet upper end panels are being put to use as shallow, hidden storage areas for keys, bulletin boards, dry erase boards and mail with drop zones for keys, mail and school notes.
You mean there are other paint colors than white and grey?
According to Google Trends, online searches for painted kitchen cabinets have steadily climbed over the past several years with white paint still the most popular choice, but a shift in color preference is underway. Painted cabinets are still in high demand but the stark white rooms are being broken up by using light and dark paint colors together or paired with natural, clear-finish wood or lightly stained wood to create a more interesting and warm environment. Gray was a very popular second paint color choice but we’re seeing more color variety in demand, with black, blue and green paint becoming more mainstream and red kitchen cabinets even making the list of rapidly rising searches on Google.
Two is much better than one
Introducing more than one cabinet color or finish in the kitchen is now the norm rather than the exception. Different finishes are being used on select cabinet pieces together with furniture style feet to create a custom, built-in furniture look and a more curated, inviting and homey feel.
Shaker for the 21st Century
Shaker style cabinet doors are timeless and safe but with the economy rebounding, homeowners are willing to take design risks within the safety net of a design with staying power. This new shaker for the 21st century has a subtle detail, mainly on the inside edge such as a slight chamfer, ogee or bead.
Read our Shake Up Your Shaker article which showcases our top shaker style alternatives.
Modern Natural
Back-to-nature finishes and materials including clear and medium finishes on wood, as well as raw wood edges, wood slabs, open shelving using natural wood shelves, nature inspired prints, colors and textures.
