Today’s kitchens today are continuing to evolve into family rooms which can accommodate multiple cooks, family dining, and entertaining.
Here are just a few of the major design trends popping up in luxury multi-purpose kitchens as 2010 begins.
Countertops
Kitchen countertops are increasing in mass – think thick – and demand is growing for new surface materials. As granite wanes in popularity, crackle glass, concrete, and wood (with decorative edges) are all moving to the fore as popular countertop materials. One of the most innovative counters combines glass with LED lighting. The result is a glowing glass countertop which can be programmed with most any color to match your mood of the moment.
Counters in new kitchens may also vary in height to add visual interest and to create work zones for special purposes and for both short and tall cooks. Counters and islands are also increasingly designed to double as serving and dining areas.
Work zones
As more activities gravitate to the kitchen, designers are building in special purpose areas. A quick food prep station makes simple meal preparation and cleanup easy. A baking center offers ingredient storage within reach and a counter height designed for chopping, mixing, and rolling. A coffee bar or a wine tasting and beverage center are other popular special purpose work zones.
Sinks
Large farm sinks are a hot trend and multiple sinks continue to be in demand. Water conserving faucets are part of a trend toward eco-friendly kitchens.
Cabinetry
Mid-height cabinetry is a major trend in contemporary kitchens and beginning to appear in traditional kitchen designs as well. Shorter cabinets may “float” on the wall or incorporate European-style legs and even be used as room dividers. In-demand cabinet materials include stainless steel, environmentally-friendly bamboo, pecan or alder wood. Cabinets are customized with interior fittings for efficient storage. Horizontal cabinet doors (sometimes motorized) are another emerging kitchen trend.
Although the all white kitchen is still popular, cabinetry is also showing up in a variety of finishes and colors to give a kitchen the look of a furnished room.
Appliances
Forget the concept of a cooktop, double oven, microwave, dishwasher and a refrigerator creating an adequate kitchen. Today’s cooks want more. Extra dishwashing drawers, elaborate coffee making appliances, warming drawers, additional ovens, wine coolers may all be part of a luxury kitchen and many of these appliances may be hidden within cabinetry.
Electronics
The kitchen is now home to televisions, computers, and sound systems. With friends and family gathering in the kitchen, entertainment and information need to be within reach.
Multiple kitchens
Luxury homeowners frequently want multiple kitchens. In addition to the primary gourmet kitchen, a catering kitchen – where preparations occur for dinner parties and other entertaining – may be on the must have list. A mini-kitchen in the master bedroom and another in the primary guest suite provide a convenient place for a midnight snack or that first cup of morning coffee. Of course, what was once the barbeque grill has morphed into a full outdoor kitchen with ice maker, dishwasher, dining area and more.
The kitchen is the heart of the house and this decade begins with trends which focus on making it more functional for a variety of lifestyle purposes and more attractive as a entertaining center.
