4 Favorite Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Watch in 2016
February 9, 2016
As a contractor, it is as important to keep abreast of industry trends and new ideas as it is to also know what’s practical, worthwhile, and lasting. There have been a few shifts in the home design world that have been interesting to follow, and we’d like to share with you some of the developments we’re most excited about for 2016 interior design!
Stainless Steel is Over
Well, maybe not “over,” but stainless steel appliances certainly don’t have the same death grip on the industry that they have for the last twenty years. Alternative appliance surfaces have been increasingly popular for kitchen remodels, such as paneled fronts for refrigerators or microwaves that match the cabinetry and create a seamless look, or white-or-colored, vintage-styled enameled appliance fronts that are evocative of the 1950s-70s. Major appliance brands have been releasing new looks for old favorites, such as KitchenAid’s much-coveted new line of “black stainless steel.” Though stainless steel will never really go out of style, many competitors have been emerging that are pretty dang cool.
Underlighting is In
If you’re planning a major kitchen remodel, get ready to talk a lot about light—not only is lighting an incredibly powerful (and often underrated) aspect of design, but kitchen lighting has gotten pretty innovative these days. We love the trend of underlighting your cabinetry or countertops. Not only does it provide better ambient and task lighting, but when done well underlighting can make your kitchen look almost ethereal.
New Ideas for Stone
Natural stone is pretty much unbeatable in terms of lasting value, durability, and beauty for a high-end kitchen, but the game has changed a little in the last decade. In the past, thick, highly-polished granite countertops with ornate edge profiles were a very popular choice for making a kitchen feel elegant and expensive; today, matte finishes (like leathered or honed granite) are increasingly popular because they look more industrial, and thinner, flat-edged countertops are favored for their modernity. Quartz has also overtaken granite in popularity, likely because of its falling price point as it becomes more common and its virtually nonexistent maintenance.
Decline of the Dining Room
In today’s modern world, families are far less likely to be sitting down together around a dining room table every day for breakfast and dinner. Unlike fifty years ago, it’s very common now that both parents work, and children and adults are busier and more interested in multitasking than ever. Especially as millennials grow older and direct a larger part of remodeling projects, we’re starting to see the traditional formal dining room decline in favor of integrated kitchen-to-living spaces. This means things like smaller tables, bar or counter seating, and much more open, sweeping floor plans.
If you want a contractor who’s on the cutting edge of the industry while still an expert in the timeless fundamentals, contact us at Harjo Construction! We love big-scale kitchen remodels, and also commercial or new construction projects. Contact us about your idea—we’d love to talk about it!