The last year or so have seen several changes in the kitchen with the result that dark wood cabinetry and granite countertops are beginning to look very ’90s. If you’re thinking of kitchen remodeling or simply looking, here’s five top trends to take on board. The best part is that several of them can be done without spending much cash either!
White and Wood
When you combine white and wood, you get the best of both worlds: modernity and warmth. It’s not a look you can necessarily achieve overnight, but with some many combinations, it’s a look that is easy to create. A wood butcher’s block can lend warmth to a white kitchen or how about installing a white countertop over light wood kitchen cabinets? White and wood also works well in a rustic kitchen where you can use white subway tiles for a classic and timeless appeal and accessorize with white kitchen stools grouped around a rustic table.
White glazed tiles
White glazed tiles and subway tiles offer a timeless look which is growing even more in popularity. It’s a great look which works equally as well in a modern or traditional kitchen. Why not think out of the box and use a darkly colored grout to give the tiles more depth and make them easier to keep clean?
Two-tone kitchen cabinets
Painting your upper and lower cabinets a different color keeps your kitchen looking interesting and is a relatively simple job that you could carry out yourself in the space of a weekend. Bright white upper cabinets can make a small kitchen appear more spacious by blending effortlessly into the wall. Black and white combos also make for a classic look which is very dramatic. For a country kitchen why not try a mix of soft green and white?
Open shelving
Open shelving is popular whilst at the same time controversial. Whilst open shelving can make a small kitchen look larger, it does mean that everything will need regular dusting and your bottom cabinets will be crammed with items that you don’t want out on open display.
On the plus size this is a look you can create yourself and you can also utilize a mix of upper kitchen cabinets and open shelving, perhaps by squeezing in shelving where a standard size of cabinet won’t fit and using it to store cookery books or even adding a wine rack. For a very different bohemian look why not use crates and baskets to replace the upper cabinets which gives a very rustic look when contrasted with sleek and stylish cabinets down below.
Alternatively on a smaller scale, why not try replacing some of your upper cabinet doors with glass doors or ripping out a section of cabinetry and putting in open shelving to display some pretty china.
Marble countertops
Marble is a great natural material which can be used for creating visible texture but many people do regard it as high maintenance. However, if you’re prepared to put in the effort it can look truly stunning and looks fabulous paired with white or black kitchen cabinets. A marble butcher’s block is an ideal way of fusing modern with traditional and will give any kitchen that little extra pizazz.
