In the past several years, kitchen design trends have taken us to a clean, shaker, predominantly white place. Possibly this streamlined trend is a response to the 80’s cabinets of golden oak, white Corian countertops (some with a wood inlay edge) and shiny brass fixtures, along with hunter green and mauve wallpaper in a paisley or floral print! You can picture it can’t you?
Kitchen trends have gone the opposite direction in recent years and some may say gone a little too far in that direction. White, on white with some gray thrown in! There is nothing wrong with white and gray and we are still seeing them as the predominant trend, sometimes paired with a dark or gray stained flooring. Rustic or reclaimed materials are being added to the white/gray mix. Metals, in rustic finishes or highly polished add another textural dimension to the layers. Satin brass accents are mixed with the warmer grays and sometimes blues and black. (Yes, brass is back…but in a satin or unlacquered finish that will patina with age and use). Floating shelves are still popular, replacing wall cabinets in some areas of the kitchen. Ship Lap is still popular, as are large pendant lights over islands.
In recent months, we are getting requests from clients looking for a more “French Country look”.
La Cornue
Which brings things to a whole other level….
French country can incorporate distressed woodwork, mixed patterns, carved furniture type moldings, soft color palette with warm hues, natural materials such as stone, brick and wood. Most French country kitchens incorporate a large island for guests to gather around. Farmhouse or apron front sinks are still common, along with pot fillers. Lantern style lighting is used due to the rustic, organic and hard -working aesthetic. Unique, decorative hoods are common, sometimes in a patina copper, or rustic iron finish. Exposed ceiling beams add to the warmth of the space. Antique mirror materials in cabinet doors or backsplashes are common choices. Natural stone countertops and floors with patterned or textured tiles on backsplashes.
James Martin
We have had recent requests for heavily glazed and distressed finishes, even crackle, and hand scraped painted looks. A more heavily textured, ornamented and layered look than before. More raised panel cabinet doors instead of the flat panel shaker style. More decorative toe kicks, corbels and corner posts.
I had a homeowner request a French country farmhouse look, where they were previously considering a modern farmhouse style. This trend could be just the market we are in? Or are we part of a bigger picture trend to come?
As our team goes to KBIS in February (The industry show for kitchen and bath professionals), we will see what the kitchen and bath industry predicts as the coming trends, and if we are part of an emerging trend, or just witnessing a new niche in our Lake Home market? Never a dull moment in our industry, as trends come and go, we try to stay a step ahead by watching and learning about what is happening in design, not only in our industry, but other sectors as well. Furniture, cars, decorative fabrics and clothing all follow the design Trends in our world.
