Although not in as hectic a manner as fashion trends, trends in home design do change and evolve from one year to next. One can get a good idea of this from going through top home décor magazines or reports published by various national bodies and associations related to home designs and décor, such as KBDi (Kitchen and Bathroom Designers Institute) in Australia or NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) in the US. (One may also familiarize himself with the ongoing trends by getting in touch with a local kitchen company, for example.) That said, experts argue that trends in home décor in general and kitchen designs and renovation ideas in particular have already seen several major changes from the pre-pandemic era.
More Time at Home, Extra Precautions with Regard to Hygiene and Cleanliness
For a significant part of 2020 (and 2021 as well), a great majority of people were made to spend more time at home than they ever did before. And this has, to a large extent, contributed to redefining the ways in which we spend and enjoy our time at home; cooking, working, relaxing, entertaining ourselves and so on. And this, in turn, has led to some major changes in home décor trends as well, including changes in the look, décor and function of the hardworking space of the kitchen. More people at home at the same time has led to changes in kitchen renovation designs, so that the space can allow for greater flexibility and can accommodate multiple users and tasks. In addition, there is now heightened awareness among people regarding cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen space and some of the current trends can be interpreted as direct outcomes of this awareness.
So, what are some of the most popular current trends in kitchen renovations? Let’s dive in and see what sort of fixtures and appliances, colors, finishes, etc. are popular right now and will predictably stay that way for some time to come.
Fixtures and Appliances
1. Range Hoods as a Focal Point
Decorative range hoods are increasing in popularity for their sleek style, but even more so perhaps as they facilitate easy cleaning. According to one industry expert, we may expect to see more decorative range hoods used as the focal point of today’s modern kitchen. She maintains that in order to make the hood a statement piece, the emphasis will be placed primarily on the slab material (plaster, marble, thin veneer porcelain) directly facing the hood.
2. Touchless Faucets
This is one of the easy and quick update trends that, according to a smart home manger from a reputed company, are here to stay for good. Courtesy the hands-free functionality offered by the motion-controlled faucets and touch-tap faucets; we can soon expect them to replace a large majority of traditional lever faucets used in most kitchens. For a more expensive option, homeowners may also choose voice-activated faucets (especially for smart kitchens) that, in addition to being more hygienic, can also increase the productivity inside the kitchen space.
3. Specialty Ovens
Specialty, auxiliary ovens are also growing in popularity for two reasons. First, they supplement your primary cooking range and allow extra cooking options. Secondly, many of these specialty ovens, such as a convection speed oven, offer a healthier alternative to by now traditional microwaves. In fact, according to reports, not a few homeowners are actually ditching their microwaves in favor of steam ovens due to all the health benefits associated with steam cooking.
Colors, Styles, and Finishes
1. Warm and Comfort Color Palette
Although cool tones, white especially, still seem to be the most popular choice for kitchens, this may soon change for good. A senior executive from PPG Paints reveals that the company research indicates that people will increasingly gravitate towards warmer shades (aqua, light orange, beige), hues that are commonly interpreted as comfort colors in the industry. In other words, in these times of unrest, people will increasingly opt for these optimistic shades not unlike the way they are opting for comfort foods right now.
2. Organic and Minimalist Style with Sleek, Nature-inspired Finishes
The organic, natural style is nothing new when it comes to kitchen décor. However, according to KBDi, the style has significantly grown in popularity from the start of 2021, so much so that some see it as the rise of a whole new kitchen aesthetic on the horizon. Whether or not that is a fact, it is true that organic styles, incorporating soft, neutral palettes; brushed or matte finishes; and a range of nature-inspired, organic materials (woven textures, natural wood tones, timber-look laminate flooring, potted plants, and indoor herbs) are getting increasingly popular in most modern kitchens.
Increased Storage and Dedicated Butler’s Pantry (When Possible)
In 2020, as most people spent large amounts of time at home and also spent more times cooking, many also invested in a greater number of utensils and small appliances and got in the habit of stocking groceries in large batches. These obviously called for more storage space. Now, when it came to long-term food storage, many have opted for refrigerator-freezer drawers or large standalone freezers. Many who had already had them have replaced their old units for larger ones.
As for small appliances and pantry goods, dedicated pantries (including Butler’s pantries—for those who enjoy the luxury of having a large enough kitchen space) seem to be on their way back. However, other space-saving solutions include adding kitchen organizers, larder cupboards, rolling carts, an abundance of wall cabinets as well as some freestanding storage furniture.
The above are some of the most prominent current kitchen renovation trends that are going strong now. However, there are also a number of other trends that are fast gaining ground in terms of popularity and wide acceptance. These include use of larger windows and bifold doors in order to allow more natural light inside the kitchen space; opting for splash backs in more subdues styles; including large island benches (or two benches); choosing easy-to-clean benchtops such as stone benchtops; and more.
So, which of these trends you want to opt for your own kitchen? Contact a reputed local kitchen company and let them inspect your kitchen space and they will surely be able to come up with a plan that suits your taste, budget, and requirements.