You’re not a boring, cookie-cutter type. Why should your kitchen be? If you’re ready to make a statement in your cooking area, consider these kitchen design updates that will not only modernize your space, but inject it with personality, too.
We’ve chosen the top seven kitchen design updates and upgrades that will modernize your space and breathe life into your cooking area.
1. Colored kitchen cabinets
Kitchen cabinets don’t have to be wood or white to wow. If you have a favorite color, show it off on your kitchen cabinets. Or, consider some bright hues that are cropping up on kitchen cabinets these days, including deep orange, apple green, or bright red.
When choosing a color take into account the size and brightness of your kitchen. A dark cabinet color could be a poor choice in a darker space, while some bright colors can overwhelm a small kitchen. Also consider how cabinet color works into your kitchen design as a whole.
2. Interior brick wall
If you have a brick wall in your kitchen, think again before you cover it up with drywall. Brick walls add a touch of character, while also providing a nice backdrop for modern and industrial kitchen elements.
Brick walls also add texture and interest in ways tile and painted walls can’t. Add a brick accent wall or backsplash to warm up your kitchen. Then choose open cabinets or shelving to house your necessities, showcasing the brick.
If your existing brick wall is tired, consider painting it a fresh white, or another color to match your palette, to spruce up your kitchen a bit.
3. Industrial designs
The industrial look is on trend right now, and you can add touches of industrial design to your kitchen through the lighting, islands, and your décor.
- Lighting: Look for black, copper, brass, or stainless steel lights. Rivets, clear glass, and old-fashioned style light bulbs are also a part of the industrial look. Consider a few chunky industrial pendants for over your island, or to light up your sink area.
- Islands: Think stainless steel, with exposed industrial shelving. Stainless steel wheels add to the look, and give you the convenience of being able to move your island as needed.
- Décor: Choose a table with a rich wooden top and industrial metal legs, with mix and match metal chairs. Or add an industrial touch to your island with chunky metal stools.
4. Unique flooring
Kitchen floors don’t have to be boring anymore. Ceramic or porcelain tile, hardwood, and stone are just some of the options.
Natural stone provides interest with slight variations in color, and you can mix it up with different sized tiles. Bamboo flooring is also gaining in popularity. It is earth-friendly, and can be stained any number of colors.
What about vinyl? (Really—vinyl??) Vinyl tiles are growing in popularity, as they are affordable and come in tons of different color options. Think fun and retro with a black and white checkerboard pattern in vinyl tiles, or go with a vinyl tile that mimics the look of stone.
5. Brass detailing
If your kitchen is feeling a little dull and could use a flashy upgrade, go with a metal that’s back in style. That’s right, brass is back, and can make a real statement used sparingly in your kitchen details.
Think brass for faucets, handles, knobs, pulls, and even light fixtures. Don’t be afraid to mix brass details with stainless steel appliances—they do go well together. What’s the best part of adding just a few touches of brass? Pulls or knobs make a great statement, but can easily be swapped out when you’re ready for something new.
6. Tile galore
Go beyond your backsplash with tile for a neat effect. Do an entire wall in tiles of interesting shades, patterns, and textures. Or, choose one solid color to achieve a modern, monochromatic look.
If you’re not quite ready for a tile wall, or splashy colors on your kitchen walls or cabinets, instead make the inside of your sink a surprise for the eyes by tiling it. Mosaic tile in fun colors and pictures can make a real impact in a place you’d least expect it.
7. Modern touches
Nothing brings a kitchen from bland to brilliant like a few modern touches. Love the look of farmhouse sinks? Go for a stainless steel one, or a metal apron-front sink, which can be easily retrofitted.
Get a truly sleek, modern look by matching cabinet and counter colors—the monochromatic look is easy on the eyes. Or, add a touch of modern with interesting art, or a painting that makes a splash. Choose artwork that speaks to you and adds to your décor.
Whatever kitchen design updates you choose for your remodel or new kitchen, listen to your gut when it comes to making bold choices, adding modern elements, and revamping your space. But have fun with it too, and let your personality shine.
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Design TrendsSarah Lograsso
As Director of Marketing and Portfolio Management, Sarah has successfully coupled her design talents with business acumen to refresh, refine and distinctly position five standout brands in the North American market and abroad. She continues to provide design direction for the brands’ variety of best-selling modern profiles and trend-forward color palettes while enhancing the prestige of the category among masons, builders, designers, architects and consumers.
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