The Latest Kitchen Trends

Planning a kitchen remodel or just updating appliances?


The attached article will give you some great information about the newest kitchen trends for 2007. Some of the ideas really hit home with me.

When I show prospective buyers new homes, I constantly hear how everyone congregates in the kitchen. People want different spaces right in the kitchen. Home owners want places to read and store mail, plus sitting areas for entertaining guests and for relaxation. These spaces are not just in the family room anymore, but now are more incorporated into the kitchen.


Kitchen design is now looking at separate work stations throughout the kitchen, rather than the simple triangle work pattern with a path between the stove, refrigerator, and sink as points of a triangle.


I have some clients who are avid cooks and were way ahead in kitchen design with their kitchen remodel. They have a large U-shaped prep area with the stove, a work sink, refrigerator and abundant counter and storage space. The clean up area is on the other side of the kitchen and it has its own sink, the dishwasher, and cabinets for storing the dinnerware. The cabinetry for each area is even different. The prep area has light cabinets, while the clean up area had dark stained cabinetry. When I saw their kitchen about 6 months ago, it made an impression on me because it was so functional.


Storage is becoming more elaborate. Cabinet interiors are designed to store specific items such as pans and trays. Storage is also sleeker.

I saw a great example of sleek cabinetry at the Bellevue Towers condominiums being built in downtown Bellevue. Clients of mine purchased a new home in the complex, so I got to see the finish work first hand. The kitchen designs were just fabulous. So fabulous that I could not find the dishwasher or refrigerator easily, which is exactly the point! Both appliances were behind beautifully crafted cabinet doors that were flush with the rest of the cabinetry. The design was quite elegant and seamless. The kitchen designs had more to offer in smaller, sleeker spaces, and with a less cluttered look. (These kitchens made me want to go home and rip my kitchen out!)

http://www.bellevuetowers.com/

Sustainability is also more of a consideration. People are using more "green" materials, such as bamboo flooring. Not to tout Bellevue Towers again, but the condos are being "built green".


I was excited to see the concept of universal design, design for everyone of any age and any ability, mentioned in this article. With our aging population, everyone needs to rethink design and livability. Accessible cabinets and counters and levers instead of door knobs are all issues to be considered when designing a kitchen that works for everyone, regardless of age.
http://www.realtor.org/RMOArch.nsf/pages/ArchCoach200706?OpenDocument