The new kitchens and baths are for living in rather than showing off like an art gallery, says Thompson Price, owner of Thompson Price Kitchens, Baths & Home LLC.
For one, materials are more “natural,” such as stainless steel appliances, wood floors and granite, quartz and solid wood counter tops.
The new kitchens and baths–probably the most lived in rooms in the house–now use elements that are more “furniture-like.” Oven cabinets are free-standing and old-style pie safes are back for food or glassware storage.
Dramatic environments make sense when you spend more time at home. Thompson says he sees a lot more kitchen cabinets designed with staggered heights (42″ and 36″) and depths (12″ and 15″). This utilizes the space more effectively, too. People are also angling cabinets, fluting corners and applying molding.
The kitchen and bath industry has kept up with the rise of SOHO businesses (small office/home office). You’re no longer confined to computer furniture in white, black, oak or cherry (how 70s!)
Color has invaded home office decor, and you can include your home office right in your kitchen design (it’s nice to be close to the microwave for popcorn inspiration while you work!)
A popular trend in both kitchen and bath cabinets is glazed finishes, what we used to call “antiquing.” (See our previous post on “Antiques Are Green.”) Tompson says, “While white used to be really hot, I believe you’ll see a leveling off of pure white kitchens and baths because there are so many other finishes available now.”
People are selecting more “farm home” accents, such as sinks with full aprons exposed on the front, glass-top vanity bowls (vessel sinks) and a lot of bun feet and inverted valances or furniture-toe bases, instead of the standard 4″ toe kick we’re all familiar with.
Ahh, the lived-in look. My favorite design theme. See you at this year’s St. Louis Builders Home and Garden Show for more inspired kitchen and bath ideas.
