Trends in interior decorating continue to fluctuate over the years, reflecting the values and necessities of the current age. Today, homeowners embracing a lifestyle in which technology has been firmly established need kitchens that are both functional and beautiful. It is no surprise then that the top kitchen trends of 2017 encompass both technological integration and functional construction. Here are some of the most significant trends incorporated in this year’s popular kitchen designs.
1. Efficiency and Functionality
Gone are the days of cramped kitchens tucked away from a home’s main entertainment space—modern home design has embraced the understanding that everyone seems to congregate in the kitchen! This has resulted in kitchens becoming more stylish than ever while still maintaining superior functionality. Open floor plans make kitchens highly visible to other areas of the home and require that clutter be kept to a minimum. Prime examples of functional, stylish modern kitchen elements are deep storage kitchen cabinets and hanging wall storage racks for pots and pans. By reducing countertop clutter and using walls for storage, even smaller kitchens can look bigger. Quiet soft-closing hinges are also a part of this new trend in functionality as slamming cabinets are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
2. Organic Hues and a Rustic Appeal
Although granite and quartz countertops maintain their timeless appeal, earthy hues are prominent in this year’s kitchen design trends. Shades of green and yellow are appearing as “pop” colors in otherwise monochromatic kitchens (particularly all-grey or all-white color schemes). In addition, organic countertop and flooring materials like wicker, bamboo, cork, and wood are replacing the industrial stainless steel and stone designs of the early 2000s. Intricate graphic tiles are also part of this trend. Tiles with geometric patterns that recall old-world European styles are being used as backsplashes and as decor around kitchen islands. They blend well with modern trends but also exude a touch of nostalgia and give your kitchen a warm mood.
3. Technological Integration
Home chefs are using cookbooks less frequently, replacing hard media with digital recipes on phones and tablets. Kitchens are now expected to accommodate technology. Instead of having a countertop littered with cords and chargers, today’s kitchen trends incorporate technology-friendly mounting and storage solutions. For example, drawers that contain built-in USB charging stations have become a mainstay. Conductive charging countertops are also a highly desirable technological upgrade. These countertops make it incredibly convenient to not need to plug in a device while blending seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen design.
4. Induction Cooktops
The range oven has been king of the kitchen for decades, but cooktop technology has been slowly gaining in popularity. Induction tops are one of the year’s favorites as they always stay cool yet have incredible speed in heating up your food. Are you tired of waiting for a pot of water to boil? Then you’ll be pleased to know that an induction top can turn a pot of water in a magnetic saucepan from cold to boiling in 90 seconds. There are also fewer frustrations with cleaning induction tops because their surfaces are smooth. Because their surface remains cool, they’re also safer for all ages to use; this makes them a staple of universal design in kitchens. When planning your new custom kitchen design, consider installing an induction top and a wall oven to make the most of the space you have.
Contractors with Experience
If you’re ready to build your dream home (and kitchen), contact Homes by Brill Iowa custom home builders. We have been working in the Des Moines metro area for over 37 years, building over 500 homes. If you have a vision for your floorplan or upgrade, we can help you fulfill it—or we can help you get started from scratch with a custom design that’s uniquely your own. If you have any questions about giving your kitchen modern amenities or building a new home with these features, give us a call today.
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