Message Boards

It's that time of the year for trends, predictions and dusting off the ol' crystal ball.
Here's a fun article about kitchen design: http://www.cultivate.com/blog/...13&utm_campaign=Blog

Comments?

I just skimmed but, I don't think anything really new was covered...maybe I missed something? White cabinetry, green design, maximizing storage, minimizing appliances, keeping the same footprint while remodeling...what's new?

Personally, I believe kitchen design is first about the house and second about the people who will be using it. Trends are the least important ingredient. JMHO.

I agree: nothing earth-shattering. But the pix are pretty.

Aych - I agree, great photos, and I do really love the suggestion to use banquettes in smaller spaces. They are underutilized because they appear to need to be built in (tho you can purchase modules from a few vendors out there) but can take a space that doesn't seem to have enough room and make a table work. They are great with kids, and the new outdoor fabrics make practical coverings a great deal more versatile than the old diner vinyl.

And, though it has been true for many years, let me just add my vote for white cabinets in a kitchen. Wood tones roll in and out of favor unless you have a specific era /style that your entire house references (quarter sawn oak / in a craftsman kitchen / mid century teak / traditional walnut or cherry) -again, just referencing these reminds us that the big challenge in most homes is lack of cohesive style. Builders throw a lot of elements from different genres together and we inherit the mishmash. Making some cohesive sense of it is when you feel a home is pulled together.

From my perspective, for kitchen cabinets, I agree that white is always right.

I've gotta admit that I am warming up to white and light-toned painted kitchens.

What's old is new again, but today's light and bright kitchens use a more sophisticated approach than yesterday: sleeker cabinet fronts and hardware; a varied mix of materials; less foo-foo; cleaner lines overall.

The use of integrated appliances that are blend with cabinet finishes and that are flush, not bulky, is a welcome trend.

While the info wasn't earth shattering, it was concise, well presented and still current. I also liked the fact that the "trends" weren't style specific, just good basic design info relatable to all tastes.

quote:

Originally posted by Charles D:
While the info wasn't earth shattering, it was concise, well presented and still current. I also liked the fact that the "trends" weren't style specific, just good basic design info relatable to all tastes.

ITA

I have often wonder as to putting wood floors in a kitchen. I always think that, what it shouldn't happen, does. Water and wood, are not really compatible,
So why so many desingers are always designing kitchens with wood floors?

quote:

Originally posted by rker321:
I have often wonder as to putting wood floors in a kitchen. I always think that, what it shouldn't happen, does. Water and wood, are not really compatible,
So why so many designers are always designing kitchens with wood floors?

I can't answer for designers, but I like wood floors in kitchens, have had wood floors for years with no problem.

One reason it flows for many homes if wood is elsewhere.

Another reason, it is comfortable to stand on, ceramic tile is too hard, and more difficult to keep clean.

Water has never been an issue for me, as I always have sealed wood floors, easy to keep clean dry.

Hardwood is classic and comfortable, I would install it again tomorrow.

I am beginning to like "modern" designs more and more, although i still prefer traditional style kitchen cabinets, and furniture. I'm not a modern furniture person yet.

When i read "combining unexpected finishes" my first thought it using 'reclaimed engineered rustic wood' :P not my style.

I've been trying to create "comfort zones" in my house for years... and i love the banquette idea.

Definitely like the "expanding smaller kitchens" idea, my kitchen is so small and there is NO flat clear surface for cooking prep anywhere in my house.

Light Cabinet Color is ok with me as long as they go up to the ceiling and there is lots of them. Who here has a kitchen with plenty of cabinet space? How many kitchens waste that space over the cabinets? wasted. I'll get a ladder to reach it, no problem.

Hiding Appliances: is ok as long as they're easy to get to. No ovens should be lower than waist level.

Designing Green... Sure, as long as it's not more expensive or that apcray engineered wood. how about solar or wind turbines.

well, that's my thoughts.
THanks for sharing aychihuahua


Rker321 - i would totally have wood floors in the kitchen... i've never liked tile and had some pretty awful tile floors in my last house.

quote:

Originally posted by aychihuahua:
I've gotta admit that I am warming up to white and light-toned painted kitchens.

What's old is new again, but today's light and bright kitchens use a more sophisticated approach than yesterday: sleeker cabinet fronts and hardware; a varied mix of materials; less foo-foo; cleaner lines overall.

The use of integrated appliances that are blend with cabinet finishes and that are flush, not bulky, is a welcome trend.

What is old is new again... i agree.
I've wanted to 'hide' the fridge for years, too. Next house, i always say.