Some people say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is where families gather, friends throw parties, and individuals satisfy their basic human need for sustenance.
Because we spend so much time there, the ambiance – and thus, the design – of the kitchen is so important. As time goes by, styles change, and the kitchen is often the first room we wish to update. Here are five kitchen design trends interior designers are predicting for Fall 2016 and early 2017.
- Muted color palettes
Color palettes are always coming in and out of style. This year, interior designers are saying that white motifs will dominate, with everything from kitchen cabinets to backsplashes colored in less saturated hues. Charcoal, gray, and neutral pastels are lovely alternatives to standard white, and they complement lighter wood tones like white oak and walnut. - High-tech spaces
It is time for a high-tech makeover. Today’s brand new kitchens are sporting designated spots for smart devices, including hidden charging stations. State-of-the-art smart appliances like built-in coffee machines and wine coolers will only grow in popularity as well. - Mid-Century mod
Minimalism is back, which means more and more designers are looking back towards the 1960s modern style for inspiration. This design is all about simplicity and functionality, with predominantly white color schemes, light wood textures, and basic shapes with clean straight lines. - Cabinet lighting
LED lights and recessed can lights are ideal for mood-setting capabilities. Why settle for boring ceiling lights and table lamps? With today’s state-of-the-art lighting technology, low-voltage light tape strips can be placed virtually anywhere in the kitchen and are often used as accent pieces below, above, and inside cabinets — perfect for modern designers and midnight snackers alike. - Texture-on-texture contrast
Interior designers say that we can expect to see more variation in textures used in the kitchen. However, we won’t be mixing and matching textures; rather, designers will be more likely to reposition the same texture in various patterns throughout the space. The contrast will be subtle. Since 90% of homeowners prefer hardwood floor or tile in the kitchen, hardwood floor installations or tile floor patterns may be the perfect opportunity to add textural contrast.
