5 Trends to Watch for in Custom Kitchen Design

From so many sources we have been hit by alllook can also create more room for windows,
the latest in trends for the kitchen. On one thingcolumns, displays, and any other design element
do most kitchen design professionals agree:that can give a kitchen more character.4. The
kitchens will continue to be larger, more open, andCustom Look in CountertopsIn designing a custom
definitely the most important room in the home.kitchen it is becoming easier to create the look of
The custom kitchen of today should create acustom countertops because of the availability of
space that is open for people to gather.Theso many materials being used today. Many of
perfect custom kitchen design can be suited tothese materials can be mixed, like using concrete
your every dream and needs of you and yourembedded with bits of glass and metal. While
family, and also to be able to fit the boundaries ofstone materials, such as soapstone and marble
your budget.Below are 5 custom kitchen trendsare still highly prized by homeowners, stainless
to be aware of when your are planning for yoursteel, sealed concrete, and engineered quartz are
custom kitchen remodeling project.1. Hardwoodbeing used in more low-use areas of the
Mouldings to Create a Custom LookAddingkitchen.Other trends in custom countertops
hardwood mouldings to kitchen cabinets caninclude: solid surface materials and granite
provide a richness not found in other features.look-a-likes that are easily repairable, and are
Mouldings are available in oak, cherry, and maple.available in many colors. Also popular is the use of
They can provide your cabinets with such detailsceramic tile, particularly on backsplashes. Other
as fluted columns, valances, cornices, galley railsmaterials that are part of this trend is stainless
and open shelves. These can help to combinesteel, and butcher block in certain specific areas5.
function and beauty to your kitchen. Mouldings canMore Sophisticated AppliancesKitchen appliances
also provide a custom look to stock cabinets.are becoming more and more sophisticated and
Examples of the uses of mouldings on cabinetryallowing for greater customization, personalizing,
include: installation around corners and along theand convenience. This has helped make the
face of cabinetry to minimize the square look ofkitchen the high-tech center of the home.The
cabinet, using in soffit areas, and installing on topfollowing appliance reflect the changes that are
of cabinets to add a crown moulding.2. Solidbeing introduced in kitchen appliances
Hardwood Flooring in the KitchenSolid hardwoodtoday:Duel-fuel ranges: The debate over whether
flooring makes a great choice for the kitchento use gas or electric for cooking is an old one.
because not only is it beautiful, it has practicalSome manufacturers of stoves offer ranges that
features as well. It is thicker than other flooringare professional-quality, and can feature both the
materials which makes it good for insulation, andpower of a gas cooktop with an electric
sound proofing. It will last of many years becauseone.Refrigerators: Refrigerators today offer such
it can be refinished many times.features as: multi-zone temperature control. They
If you just want to change the look and color ofare offered in both free-standing units and
your hardwood floor, you can just sand it. Youintegrated versions that do not look like a
never need to replace the entire flooring.3.refrigerator, but can be concealed by the use of
Free-Standing and Unfitted CabinetsThe trendcabinet fronts into the surrounding cabinetry.
toward free-standing cabinetry from the desire toSome counter-height refrigerators are even being
get away from the cookie cutter look by creatingused in kitchen islands or butlers pantries.Designer
cabinets that look more like furniture, includingDishwashers: As with some refrigerators, the
such features as molding, feet, and valances. Thisdishwasher is offered in the integrated version
type of custom cabinetry is available in boththat can be concealed by cabinet fronts that can
traditional and contemporary styles. Unfittedwash and store away dishes.James Mahoney is
custom kitchens are those that are classicallythe author of many kitchen design articles and
designed pieces used to conceal full-size applianceshas a site about kitchen design ideas at Kitchen
such as ovens, stoves, dishwashers andDesigners
refrigerators. Custom kitchens with the unfittedHe also publishes a newsletter on kitchen design.