In The Design Studio: Kitchen Trends to Watch in 2016

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact her at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and check out her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook; and Twitter.

The No. 1 question my customers and friends ask me is “what are the latest trends?”

Just like the weather, home remodeling trends come and go. However, no matter what, the kitchen has cemented its place in history as the center of the house.

In the last few decades, the focus on the kitchen has grown exponentially. When the trend of opening the kitchen to the rest of the house was born, it affected many other trends in design and function. This is a two-part series to explore those trends.

“The Super Kitchen” — Nino Sitchinava, the principal economist at Houzz, says “findings show that homeowners expect kitchen renovations to go far beyond improving flow, storage or aesthetics. The ‘super kitchen’ has literally become a living room, family room and office, blurring the lines between the kitchen as one room and the rest of the house. ”

Consumers want their space to be flexible and functional, since the super kitchen supports kitchen, living room, and office activities. Clients want to create statement kitchens with décor that blends into other living spaces and the dining room.

Cabinets — Shaker is still king due to the versatility it offers in design and price point. Changes in hardware, wall colors and backsplash designs can transform Shaker cabinets from modern to traditional and anything in between.

We will be seeing a big rise in slab doors as clean lines are taking over the fussy and traditional door styles.

Since the “super kitchen” is now the center of the house, cabinet manufacturers are focusing on creating clever storage solutions that help homeowners utilize every inch of the available storage space in the kitchens and keep clutter off the counters.

We’re also seeing new accessories such as the in-cabinet paper towel holder and a utensils pullout; adding drop-down tablet holders and built-in charging stations; and dog food storage and built-in pet bowls.

Style — Most homeowners that plan to remodel also plan to change style. We are seeing a lot of the transitional look: not too modern, no longer traditional. This type of middle ground has created two new styles: Modern Rustic and Industrial Farmhouse, in essence transitioning styles such as Shabby Chic into the kitchen.

Items such as cup style hardware, frame sinks, inset style doors, and open shelving are very trendy. Another look right now is Mid-Century Modern style, which features white marble tops, clean lines, subway tiles, and black-and-white design.

When thinking about your own kitchen project, the truth is that all of these trends are fabulous choices for styling your kitchen in 2016, but it is also important to create something that you love and are comfortable in for years.

In Part 2 of kitchen trends, we’ll explore color trends, appliances, and counter tops.

Got a design question? Email us at [email protected] and will post it on our next blog!

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Images courtesy of AKG Design Studio