2013 Kitchen Fads

Kitchens are not just a place to cook meals anymore--they double as dining rooms and family rooms, too. Large kitchen islands allow for banquette seating, and dinettes provide additional seating options. Sitting areas and hearths in kitchens are not uncommon. As a result of this unified space concept, kitchen cabinets resemble fine furniture. White cabinets are popular for their classic style and versatilitly. With white cabinets, the rest of the kitchen becomes a blank canvas that homeowners can transform with their favorite colors, decor, countertops and backsplash. White cabinets are also common because they are compatible with many architectural styles, from country to contemporary.

Stainless steal appliances, as well as integrated appliances, make kitchens feel more sophisticated and polished. Now, manufacturers even offer fingerprint-resistant stainless steal appliances. Some appliances, such as refrigerators and dishwashers, have become more or less invisible, due to new technologies and techniques (such as adopting cabinetry panels) that enable them to blend in with their surroundings.

Many trendy kitchens sport specialized work zones, walk-in pantries, and technology. Work zones include desks, baking centers, wine-tasting areas, coffee bars, and pizza-making stations. Walk-in pantries are ideal for large families. It enables them to store bulk food items and kitchen supplies behind closed doors, saving kitchen cabinet space for utensils, plates, cups, and kitchen tools that are frequently used. Electronics such as wall-mount televisions, sound systems, computers, and ipads have started to replace conventional kitchen decor.

Layered kitchen lighting makes for both comfortable and functional kitchens. Recessed fixtures provide ambient light, while chandeliers and pendants hang above seating areas (i.e. kitchen islands and tables). Lighting can also be added under and above cabinets to highlight certain areas. Light-emitting-dilodes (LEDs) consume less than half as much electricity, and can last 10 times as long, as florescent lights. Also eco-friendly, products made from sustainable materials are on the rise. Countertops can be made from recycled glass, and cabinets can be manufactured using no or low-formaledehyde glues from bamboo and wheatboard. To reduce energy bills and the use of natural resources, water-conserving faucets and energy saving appliances are increasingly popular.