Kitchen trends come and go quickly. As one of the hottest topics in the design and construction industry, we try to stay on top of what’s hot and what’s not so we can anticipate the kitchen looks you want in the coming year.
Here’s a sampling of some of the kitchen design trends that are just starting to emerge for 2020:
2020 Kitchen Trend #1: Connected Kitchens
Smart technology is finally coming into its own. Connectivity is no longer just a quirky feature, it’s a way to become more efficient around the house. Controllable via a smartphone app or a tablet, they offer a way to monitor and control different functions remotely.
While some connected kitchen gadgets won’t be for everybody, there are a few nifty functions we see that will, no doubt, appeal to everybody, or at least a certain demographic.
Here are some of our favorites:
- No-touch faucets. Activated by motion, a no-touch faucet is a great way to maintain cleanliness and save water. For example, if you’re prepping raw meat and need to wash your hands, you won’t have to touch the faucet to activate it. And, you’re conserving too; since the faucet shuts off by itself, you won’t have to worry about excess water going down the drain.
- Connected/voice-activated ovens, microwaves, toaster ovens, coffee machines, etc. Some of the features of connected appliances are quite simple—allowing you to turn something on and off from your phone, for example—and some are more complex. For example, some smart ovens will self-adjust the cooking temperature to help you achieve the best possible result.
To simplify operation, installing a home hub, like Nest, or Amazon Echo, puts all of your connected devices at your fingertips via a single interface.
2020 Kitchen Trend #2: Kitchen Islands
Okay, so kitchen islands are nothing new. What we will start to see as a trend going forward is an expansion of their functionality. When the island initially came to be, it was mostly for food prep and plating. These days, it has become a focal point in the home. It’s a place where the kids do their homework, where friends gather, where you enjoy a cup of coffee or a family meal.
Because of this focus, the size and storage capacity of islands has changed quite a lot. Today, you’ll find kitchen islands with appliances integrated into them, like microwaves, warming drawers, freezer or refrigerator drawers, sinks, cooktops, and so on. You’ll also see more storage solutions, shelving, and even dog feeding stations. The future of the kitchen island looks very interesting
2020 Kitchen Trend #3: New Finishes
Whereas shiny, highly polished finishes have been trendy in recent past, more highly textured finishes are starting to make their way into the mainstream of kitchen design. Honed finishes are textured, matte, and have minimal sheen to them. Leathered finishes are another example that has a slightly softer look and feel.
Many of these trendy new finishes can be applied to materials you already love, like quartz, granite, and marble. The advantage of a honed finish is that it lends a sophisticated, natural look – and it hides fingerprints and imperfections very well.
2020 Kitchen Trend #4: Dark-Colored Cabinetry
While white kitchens will always have a place in kitchen design, the trend for 2020 is moving towards darker colored cabinetry and features. Pure black, darker wood tones, like walnut, and sleek, sophisticated colors like slate and deep blue will dominate the color palette.
Dark cabinets, countertops, and accents lend a very high-end look and feel to a kitchen, plus, they help accent colors stand out. Your gold, copper, and brass hardware will really pop against a dark background.
One caveat – be sure there is enough light in the kitchen, so the room doesn’t look like a cave. Natural light, if you have enough of it, will help you avoid this. If you don’t have a lot of windows, be sure you plan adequate artificial lighting, task lighting, recessed lighting, and otherwise, to illuminate your work zones and all the dark corners.
J.T. McDermott Remodeling is an established design-build firm in St. Louis that specializes in kitchen design and a whole lot more. Our kitchen designers are always on the cutting edge of new trends, so you can always be sure you have access to the latest and greatest.
Are you thinking about a kitchen remodel for your St. Louis home? We are ready when you are! Reach out today to find out what’s possible.
