Many of the design features looking to dominate this year’s kitchen and baths trends remain classic elements, but perhaps with innovative materials and function. Here’s a look at the top trends you’ll see and the homes representing them:
Soft Contemporary This is still very much a modern, contemporary look, but with softer lines, warmer color palette and organic materials incorporated throughout the look. It is a sleek, clean design combined with a casual elegance.
New Traditional The look incorporates all those elements you’re used to thinking of in traditional design: rich, natural wood tones, soft lighting and exquisite detail. Yet, these elements have been toned down. The look is sleeker, with less adornment. The overall look is well-appointed and classically stylish.
Modern .
Modern style is still all about clean, crisp lines and design. Neutral, monochromatic color schemes and minimal ornamentation are the key components of this stream-lined design.
Eclectic Eclectic should not be confused with sloppy, mish-mashed design. On the contrary, it takes elements from traditional and modern design and creates a warm, cohesive look. There is a mix of color, textures, materials and quite often, re-purposed materials used in unique ways. The key to smart eclectic style will rely on balance in scale, proportion, ornamentation and materials. Without such balance, a room can quickly look like a curiosity shop.
Contrast This style is not for the timid. It requires making a bold statement. Often, color blocking will be utilized to accent walls or to highlight a signature piece of furniture. It is a mix of many elements to create a shock and wow response.
While all of these trends remain mainstay concepts, a few mentions on the elements in design you’ll see:
• Wood has seen a slight decline in demand, yet bamboo is steadily gaining in demand.
• Dark wood finishes still remain a sought after look, but “distressed” finishes are coming on strong.
• Lighting and an increased demand for energy efficiency make LED lights the contender for a design “Must Have”.
• Granite & other natural stones are still big finishes, replacing the glass block or tile backsplashes.
• Functionality & versatility are going to dominate kitchen redesigns. If your old faucet doesn’t turn on with a tap, pull out for produce washing or angle high enough for your largest pasta pot, it’s not going to rank high on the functionality & versatility tests.