In the past twenty years or so the kitchen has become the centre of the home. This room has grown from a perfunctory space to an all-out eating, cooking, dining and communication hub. It’s no wonder that Canadians spend more money on kitchen renovations than any other space in their home. If you’re planning to overhaul your kitchen this year, you might want to check out these five growing kitchen trends.
1. No Uppers
No upper cabinets, via Vosges Paris, A Paper Aeroplane
There is a growing trend in kitchens to forgo upper cabinets altogether. It keeps the kitchen looking light and airy and reduces the bulkiness or heaviness that traditional kitchens sometimes have. In its place are either empty walls or open shelving. Either way you will want to make sure you have enough room in your base cabinets to store all your kitchen needs.
2. Eat-In Kitchens
Eat-in kitchens, via Tommy Smythe via Rooms Bloom, Because I’m Addicted
The popular kitchen island of the 80s and 90s has made way for the sit-down dining room table. More and more homes are forgoing another work surface for a place the whole family can sit down for a casual meal or do homework after school. Harvest tables or surfaces that can double as prep space are a practical choice if you choose to have an eat-in kitchen.
3. Dramatic Lighting
Dramatic kitchen lighting, via Interiors Digital, I am a Domestic Goddess
A kitchen isn’t complete these days without some bold pendant lights. Whether you place a pair of them over your island or eat-in table, or choose one to take centre stage, a dramatic lighting statement is de rigeur.
4. Tiled Walls
Tiled kitchen walls, via Big Shoes to Fill, La Maison d’Anna G
As more and more kitchens do away with their upper cabinets the trend to tile an entire wall is also gaining in popularity. Since you will need that much more square footage of tile, choose something that is budget-friendly like a basic white subway tile. Paired with a dark grey grout it looks classic and timeless.
5. Material Inspiration
Unique material choices, via Design Traveller, One Hour
If money is no object and you’re willing to take a few risks than the sky is the limit when it comes to material choices for your kitchen. We’re seeing everything from hammered metal cabinets to rough stone walls to sheets of marble. Paired with stunning hardware, beautiful chandeliers and amazing faucets your kitchen can be the jewel of your home.