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Tag: kitchen trends

  • Five 2024 Wellness-Enhancing Smart Home Trends For Your Kitchen

    Five 2024 Wellness-Enhancing Smart Home Trends For Your Kitchen

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    Many of the amenities found in the latest kitchen trends are empowered with smart home technology. Here are five described in the influential 2024 Kitchen Trends Research Report recently released by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. I wrote about eight of the report’s sustainability-related observations last week. The role of innovation in kitchen design and remodeling for adding wellness potential richly deserves its own coverage.

    As I noted in the previous piece, NKBA is a trade organization comprising 50,000 members, including designers, dealers, remodelers, installers and manufacturers, and produces annual studies like this one on design and remodeling trends. Those who specify kitchen products were included in this report. (I’ve been a member for close to two decades, but it’s just one of several leading industry associations I source for research.) I reached out to fellow designers who have had a chance to review the report and had them expound by email about the growing role of smart home technology in their kitchen projects.

    Before delving in, it’s worth noting what architectural designer Nar Bustamante in Sacramento shared in his comments. While he’s excited about the advances available in smart appliances, he says, there is a learning curve for some clients that may keep them from using the technology to its full potential. That being said, there are features that don’t take effort to set up or use, and can be very helpful to users, he points out.

    1. Resilience

    “Many appliances now have emergency power shut off monitors, leak detection, and Wi-Fi connectivity so we can now see how an appliance is performing from our phones,” comments Bustamante. The leak detection feature alerts the homeowner that there’s water where it shouldn’t be present that needs to be addressed. Some leak detection technology can turn off the water, (depending on the client’s plumbing system).

    “We’ve been taught to ignore a lot of these alerts, because they also commonly happen in ways that allow us to distrust technology,” the Californian observes. He notes though that since issues often occur when we’re not home, this will help prevent future incidents. That’s one alert category you definitely don’t want to turn off, given that floods and freezing damage are the third most common insurance claim. This is particularly true for vacation homes or rentals.

    2. Smart Refrigeration

    Refrigerators are a major component in the resilience conversation. “Key technology features will be safety related, including emergency power, leak detectors and food inventory technology,” the report predicts. Food preservation has increased in homeowner importance as food prices continue to soar, concerns about ethical and sustainability issues surrounding waste grow, and power grids fail due to extreme weather or other issues.

    Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina area designer Vicky Serany describes smart refrigeration as “the unspoken hero of our kitchens.” She’s impressed with what the industry has released thus far. “The appliance manufacturers have done a tremendous job working to keep our food preserved and safe.”

    After keeping the household’s food stocks preserved, convenience is another desired feature. “New refrigerator food inventory technology will help with menu recommendations and shopping,” the report notes. It adds that new and expanded refrigeration options provide flexibility for homeowners. About a third (36%) of homeowners want food these inventory technology and menu recommendations, it reveals. (This trend will likely skyrocket as more Generation Z digital natives become homeowners.)

    A big trend within the smart fridge mandate is the flex drawer that can shift on demand from refrigeration to freezing to wine preservation. With 74% of study specifiers reporting a desire for improved refrigerator functionality, an increase in flex models and even remote mode setting will be welcome in in this category.

    3. Multi-tasking Cooking Appliances

    “Appliances with more than one cooking function are popular,” the report shares, with 87% of respondents mentioning this. Technology helps make it happen. “Cooking appliances will have integrated cooking functions like air frying and steam cooking,” it points out, and 71% of respondents want these appliances to offer reduced cooking times and precision control.

    About half (47%) of home chefs expect to control their ovens or ranges from mobile apps! Programmable cooking options for delayed starts are a desired feature of 37% of respondents, and 21% expect these appliances to be voice-activated.

    Steam has been coming on especially strong in ovens, typically in combination with convection. Rather than run plumbing lines to these appliances, many designers and homeowners are opting for reservoir models that can be easily refilled and reduce installation expense and maintenance. Clients are thrilled with these appliances, Serany comments. “Perhaps it’s our culture of reheating leftovers, but many believe food just tastes better when cooked in a steam oven.”

    Bustamante is bullish on steam too, which he puts at the top of his wellness lists. “Steam ovens offer a more even, moisture-producing cooking method where chances of overcooking are minimized and nutritional value and freshness are preserved, maintaining the integrity of the food.”

    One of the innovations that’s been added to cooking appliances, according to the report, is personalized settings and controls. These can support temperature control precision, delayed and remote starts. The ability to monitor your cooking progress on a phone app or tablet is definitely another smart home trend worth considering.

    Some apps will alert you if you left a burner on. Some will allow you to upgrade your range or oven remotely as the manufacturer adds new features. One of the first smart feature upgrades that was incredibly popular was the addition of air frying to some convection ovens. The ability to do this gives homeowners an incentive to enable connectivity with the manufacturer. Remote repair diagnostics is another incentive, but maybe not as sexy as getting a whole new cooking mode in time for your holiday entertaining!

    4. Microwave Alternatives

    The report has a section noting trends on their way out. Microwaves installed over ranges was the top one (45%) cited. They’ve never been a factor in luxury kitchens, (except maybe tiny condo kitchens in Manhattan or San Francisco), and have lost appeal with many upper-midrange projects too. Especially installed over gas cooktops, which you’ll find in many tract homes, they’re a safety risk. They also tend to offer noisy, inferior ventilation, (a big concern over gas burners!). “The steam oven or drawer microwave-convection oven is the preferred method in our designs,” Serany says.

    “Speed ovens and steam ovens are also excellent for reheating,” Designer Sarah Robertson in Westchester County, New York, just north of the city, comments.

    Bustamante sees steam as an ideal alternative. “Reheating and defrosting foods has really changed with steam ovens – microwaves are no longer the only option.” He says he’s not even installing microwaves in many of his projects now. “The steam oven is rising to the top!”

    5. Handsfree Faucets

    “Handsfree faucets are becoming the new standard,” the report declares, with 57% of respondents choosing motion activation, 55% opting for an elbow or arm tap model, and 21% choosing voice activation. Overall, about half (46%) of respondents agree that handsfree is becoming the new standard.

    Robertson takes handsfree to the other extreme; she’s one of the 9% of respondents who prefer foot pedal control. The New York area designer specifies a commercial toekick-mounted water control valve, she says. “It can install on any faucet, and does not require electricity to operate. It’s simple, easy to install, and saves a lot of water!” (Anyone holding a heavy pot of pasta in boiling water can appreciate this convenience.)

    Voice control is another way to add handsfree capability to a kitchen, which is where most handsfree faucets are being installed in homes, Serany observes. They don’t always work as well as one would prefer; artificial intelligence will likely make them smarter in the next few years.

    Last Words

    The increasing popularity and presence of smart home technology in updated kitchens is leading design pros to partner with smart home technology integrators. It’s not uncommon for one of these experts to be involved in a high end project from the very start. Don’t be surprised to be introduced to your architect’s, designer’s or general contractor’s tech partner even before you choose a single finish.

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    Jamie Gold, Contributor

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  • 12 Kitchen Design Trends Going Away In 2023

    12 Kitchen Design Trends Going Away In 2023

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    A beautifully designed kitchen is essential for several reasons. Primarily, it is the space where we spend the most amount of time with family, cooking, eating, or even working. It’s also important to keep in mind that the right kitchen can add to the resale value of a home.

    While all-white and farmhouse-style kitchens have been popular for almost too many years now (blame the pandemic or supply chains for this one), homeowners, designers, and developers are finally starting to see kitchen styles evolve. Elements that were once “must haves” have become “no mores.” Here are twelve kitchen design trends going away in 2023, according to experts and interior designers.

    All-White Kitchens

    Los Angles real estate broker Lori Levine Harris of Brock and Lori tells me, “All white everything is on its way out. For the past decade, we’ve been seeing white walls, white tile, and Carrera marble. People are tired of these muted palettes, and designers are bringing in color— which we love.”

    Most designers also agree that white-on-white kitchens will look dated in 2023. So what color will be the new white? There isn’t just one answer here. Alice Arterberry and Barrett Cooke of Arterberry Cooke believe the newest kitchens will have two or three contrasting, complementary shades. “Monochromatic kitchens lack depth and visual interest. Complementary hues in a kitchen can elevate the area while still being timeless.”

    Interior designer Kirsten Blazek of a1000xBetter sees dark wood cabinetry making a comeback. “For many years now white oak cabinets were dominating kitchen design but I think that era is ending and we are going to start seeing more saturated palettes in kitchen design. The correct darker brown cabinet is timeless and can be mixed with so many other fantastic finishes.”

    Open Kitchens

    Open floor plans and particularly open kitchens are controversial topics in the design world right now. While it’s a practical choice for some, many homeowners have grown tired of this design choice in a post-pandemic world. Harris’ clients have been asking to close up their kitchen walls. “Especially for families, people no longer want to see dirty dishes and boxes of cereal while they eat dinner or entertain. We have clients with open floor plans who are building walls to separate their kitchens from their dining rooms. This more traditional style is coming back with the kitchen, dining room, and sitting room all compartmentalized. It allows you to curate a unique space.”

    Matte Black Hardware

    While matte black hardware was everywhere in 2022, expect to see less of it in 2023. “We have the flippers to thank for this one. Matte black hardware never really appealed to me but I do understand that for some they appreciate matte black’s minimalist nature and darker tones when opting for a more handsome look,” says interior designer Sara Weichel of Swike.

    So what’s a good alternative? Weichel recommends considering oil-rubbed bronze for a more updated look. She also predicts we will see more polished nickel and chrome in the coming year.

    Upper Cabinetry

    The days of standard closed upper cabinets are starting to dwindle and will be replaced by open shelving. Sapna Aggarwal of Bungalowe tells me, “Upper cabinets are going away. Beautifully styled open shelving is here to stay. Doing away with upper cabinets is a great way to save money and create an opportunity to show off your personality by creating beautifully styled vignettes.”

    But doing this right also means keeping it edited and uncluttered. “Our clients are very into hiding everything from dishes to appliances. Gone are the days of ceramics and cookbooks on display —the minimal, uncluttered look is in. Cookbooks belong in the pantry and appliances are hidden by cabinetry to obtain a zen, uncluttered look,” says Harris.

    Faux Finishes

    2023 is all about keeping it real in the kitchen, according to Lauren Cherkas, President and Chief Sales Officer of Artistic Tile. “Faux anything [such as quartz that looks like marble] is definitely a kitchen trend going away for the luxury consumer in 2023. For the discerning client, natural stone for floors, countertops, and backsplash is the only way to go. It is a classic look for the kitchen that transcends trends.”

    Cherkas also believes these finishes will serve homeowners better in the long run. “With its longevity, it is also a sustainable choice. With minimal maintenance, it can outlast much of the other elements in a kitchen.”

    Herringbone Backsplashes

    Herringbone backsplashes fell back into favor around the time herringbone flooring did a few years ago, but according to Christopher Peacock, founder and CEO of Christopher Peacock, this style’s days are numbered. “Herringbone patterns are good for a floor, but not so much for a backsplash as it can get too busy, and you need a large area to appreciate it fully.”

    Carrera Marble

    This is another hot topic because Carrera marble, while beautiful and beloved by almost everybody, has become almost annoyingly omnipresent. So, in 2023, we’re likely to see a lot less of it. Peacock thinks homeowners can do better. “I believe Carrera is overused and classic Carrera has changed so much now it’s hard to find a good slab. It’s not for me, unless I can find a nice piece that has a lot of white in it. There are so many white marbles, but they are super expensive, so Carrera can be good for a budget, but it’s not considered as beautiful as other white marbles out there.”

    Appliances Over The Range

    Installing a microwave over the range has been the standard for years, but now that standard is changing. “Just say no to putting appliances over the range. Making a fabulous design feature out of the space above your range far outweighs the utilitarian trend of using that area to house an appliance. Some people might say it’s a shame not to claim this upper cabinet section for added storage or for an appliance,” says Tamarra Younis of Union Of The Art Interiors.

    Contemporary Aesthetics

    HGTV star and interior designer Francesca Grace of Francesca Grace Home shares organic kitchen aesthetics are beginning to look dated. “As a maximalist, I tend to stay away from neutral palettes and I think we’re going to be seeing a lot more color in the kitchen in 2023. Think lots of rich colored hues, like dark greens, blacks, and blues, even merlot colored cabinets, with countertops with more character, like beautifully veined marble.”

    Farmhouse-Style Kitchens

    Live, laugh, and love that farmhouse-style kitchens will no longer be on-trend in 2023 “We’ve all seen them over and over again and it’s time this style gets a revamp, which can be easily done. This is a trend that has started to become basic. We want to see more character and personality in a kitchen and I think we’ll be seeing a lot of that in the future,” says Grace.

    Tile Backsplashes

    Arterberry and Cooke tell me that patterned tile backsplashes are beginning to become less preferable. “Patterned or mosaic wall tile can create a busy aesthetic and look dysfunctional. Opt for a solid slab stone to match the countertops for a calm, simple look. You can also have fun with cabinetry paint colors [instead].”

    Cold, Ultra Modern Designs

    Renata Vasconez and Samantha Gallacher, co-founders IG Workshop predict cold modern elements such as glossy finishes and sharp edges will be replaced by warmer, cozier styles. “Kitchens are now cozier and warmer, designers are staying away from glossy finishes and sharp edges. We are looking at curved islands, wood tones, and interesting use of textures. Honed and leathered stones are replacing the glossy slabs, and more daring colors have been incorporated in the designs.”

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    Amanda Lauren, Contributor

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  • Walcraft Cabinetry’s Virtual Reality Lets Homeowners Experience Their New Kitchen Before Renovations

    Walcraft Cabinetry’s Virtual Reality Lets Homeowners Experience Their New Kitchen Before Renovations

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    Immerse Yourself in Your New Kitchen Design Without Stepping Outside of Your Home

    Press Release
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    updated: Sep 24, 2019


    GRASS VALLEY, Calif., September 24, 2019 (Newswire.com)
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    ​​​Thanks to Walcraft Cabinetry’s new fully immersive virtual renovation experience, homeowners won’t have to leave their home to see or feel how a new kitchen will fit into their home. “We use the Oculus virtual reality headset to transport you into your future kitchen without ever leaving your house,” said Walcraft CEO Sean Walsh.

    After sliding on the headset, the user will see exactly how the tile they picked works with the lighting fixtures. Thinking of adding an island? The virtual experience will let the user feel what it’s like walking around the altered space. “This incredible technology will save people so much time, money and energy,” smiled Walsh. “They’ll know for sure that their new kitchen design works for them before they start construction.”

    The Most Realistic Experience with 8K Resolution CGI Technology
    During his many years in the construction business, Walsh noticed customers struggled to visualize their complete designs. Homeowners bogged down in the small details, like tile and wood samples, often struggled to envision the big picture of how everything would come together in their space. “Even with drawings and computer renderings, some people had a hard time,” he noted. “Some companies have attempted to incorporate virtual reality solutions, but you have to travel to their offices to try them and the resolution is so low that it’s not especially useful.”

    Walcraft’s virtual kitchen experiences solve that problem by providing the highest caliber Hollywood-level CGI rendered in 8k resolution. Walsh noted, “This interactive approach gives you the highest possible level of realism. You will see exactly how every element you selected works together. There’s nothing else like this.”

    No Showroom Visits Necessary | Experience the Entire Process in Your Own Home
    Walcraft provides this service for homeowners throughout the United States. The process starts with a consultation in which the Walcraft team helps you put together your dream kitchen design. They’ll send you free door samples and work with you to create personalized CGI renderings so you can get a general idea of the look you will end up with. Once you work out the details, Walcraft will load the design into a pair of Oculus goggles and send them to your home so you can experience your kitchen in virtual reality.

    “This service helps homeowners save time and money because contractors appreciate working with people who are well prepared. In all reality they charge less when the client has everything ready to go,” said Walsh.

    About Walcraft Cabinetry
    Walcraft Cabinetry is a “people before profits” business based in Grass Valley, California. The company provides jobs and opportunities for people coming out of crime, addiction and abuse. Walcraft offers nearly 200 cabinet options with styles, colors, shapes and sizes to suite every homeowner. Learn more at https://walcraftcabinetry.com.

    Contact Sean Walsh | 530-277-2593 | sean@walcraftcabinetry.com

    Source: Walcraft Cabinetry

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