New Kitchen Trends - Big is Out
by Kim Kinrade
In 2006 Fort Lauderdale homeowners were clamoring for large kitchens and wide-open home designs just as they had in previous years since the new century began. And the bigger the better. This is when the commercial concepts really took hold and exposed copper and stainless cooking implements were the adornments. That is being replaced with a “minimalism” seen last in the'70's with matching colors. No one wants to see stainless steel mixmasters and pots anymore. These are being tucked away in favor of a more clean, sleek look.
1. Goodbye Large Islands
These must-haves of the '900's - were made larger with cooktops, sinks large granite countertops and expanses of butcher block. The fact that these large concepts contravened the basic ergonomic laws of the kitchen seemed to be lost on both the designers and end-users. Imagine a poor person under 5' 5” racing across his or her large concept-kitchen to fetch a small step ladder to get up high enough to grab a colander before the pasta sticks in the pot – and back. In short, islands can be a detriment to the functional triangle arrangement between the refrigerator, sink and stove.
2. Mix-and-Match Cabinets
Unlike in the past, when good-quality, painted cabinets were ripped out and discarded there is a movement to preserve the existing ones if they are functional. If there are changes then only specific cabinets are targeted and replaced with another style so it is possible to have two styles of cabinetry in the kitchen. The busy wood faces are being painted and the top colors are the basic tomes: black and white.
3. Paint
Colored tones take on a decidedly soft, warm feel, such as watermelon or a carrot orange. Black and white continues to be used and combinations fruit colors such as lemon yellow, kiwi green and tangerine orange. As well, blue combined with tans, pale greens and yellows are becoming popular.
4. Appliances
Stainless steel is still a hot kitchen item although it has given some ground to more colorful applications. Appliances are showing up in bright red, blue and green enamel for a "retro look", in which new energy-efficient appliances are being made to look like older units with rounded corners and bright colors.
5. Lighting
Ornate lamps and sconces are starting to show up in the new kitchens but just as accents and show lighting. The mainstay for working is spotlighting with small LED and halogen pots and so is lighting the bottom of the cabinets. Small lights are also showing up inside the cabinets which makes for easier selection of utensils and food.
6. Floors
In the flooring department there are several new ideas stemming from the eco-friendly that is sweeping the country. “Green” is not only advisable it is becoming very chic:
- Wood – bamboo, cork, recycled wood.
- Tile and stone – granite, marble, porcelain and clay tile, pressed concrete.
- Recycled Linoleum – sold in sheets and tiles.
7. Countertops
In the countertop department there is a wide variety of choices but the laminated style is losing ground to stone, tile and even concrete. Granite still leads the pack of must-haves but marble and travertine are becoming popular as is tiles versions of all stone.
Fort Lauderdale contractors can give you more ideas and free estimates. In the Fort Lauderdale area permits will be required for major kitchen renovations. For more information:
City of Fort Lauderdale Building Services Center
700 NW 19th Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311-7834
(located just behind Lincoln Park off of Sistrunk Boulevard/NW 6th Street)
General Information: 954-828-6520
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm