We all understand that itch - the one that keeps you awake at night and makes you get up from bed and stare at the old cabinet doors and imagine them being self-closing drawers. It's okay; as long as you make something about it as soon as possible.
Here are 5 kitchen trends that will scratch that renovation itch according to Realty Times:
Cabinets
It's all about light cabinets in interior design these days. "Neutral palates continue to dominate," said CBS News. "Most are still being painted white. Sandy tones and gray tones are also popular." Grays and blues are dominating home design now that they are even considered the hottest colors for your kitchen cabinetry. And it's not just about colors, but structural trends too. From shelves that give off the industrial look which can open up a tiny kitchen, to built-in cabinetry that mirrors or resembles a certain piece of furniture according to Style At Home.
Flooring
Wood will remain a very popular design option for kitchens and even other parts of the house. However, tiles replicating the appearance of wood are making huge waves in interior design right now. Apart from looking like the real thing, wood-look tiles also come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and styles that give you more option. It is also the perfect choice for areas where water is present, and it is also way cheaper than real wood.
Appliances
Stainless steel wins this category with zero doubt. Survey reveals that 65 percent of homeowner uses this material for their kitchen upgrades; while the remaining 35 percent are already enjoying stainless steel and don't need to add them.
There is also a surging trend for energy-efficient appliances. "Homeowners are still opting for new appliances where the energy or financial savings is readily apparent", said CBS News. For instance, high-efficiency dishwashers are becoming a crowd favorite; "touchless faucets have skyrocketed in popularity. Not only are they easier when you've got your hands covered in kitchen mess, but they significantly cut down on water use - a savings homeowners will notice in their water bills."
Countertops
Granite is out, quartz is in. "Factory-engineered quartz is the new granite," says CBS News. "While granite has held strong as the most popular countertop material for more than a decade now, quartz is starting to overtake it." While both offer the same in terms of appearance, quartz beats granite in terms of durability and resistance to damage.
One timeless look for countertops is the dark-counter-light-cabinetry combination. "Again, we're going natural black countertops here using black granite or quartz," says Freshome. "Whether left glossy, or has a dull matte finish, in contrast with a cool white interior, oozes a timeless and clean cry of, 'I'm not new, but I'm here to stay, and I look GOOD!'"
Backsplash
Subway tiles have been and remain a popular choice for backsplash in the past 5 years. However, there seems to be a re-routing going to graphic patterns - just like with textiles. This is exactly why colorful and edgy backsplashes were such a huge hit in 2014.
But Freshome believes that tile will be taking a break to give way for large-scale design. "With more open space surrounding range hoods and sinks, there's greater opportunity for large-scale backsplashes. To really showcase the backsplash and make it a focal point in your kitchen, opt for slabs of marble and limestone - their natural veining essentially creates a work of art."