Vote for your Favorite Kitchen Decorating Trends

When you’re redecorating, you’re bound to know a lot about the current trends. You’re also likely to have very strong opinions on said trends and are probably a bit confused about some of them: are they too trendy? Will they date my home? Do I only like it because it’s trendy and I’ll hate it as soon as the trend’s over?

Check out these current kitchen décor trends and weigh in: love it or hate it? Would you put these ideas into your kitchen?

 

1. Open shelving and/or glass cabinetry

The prevailing opinion on this one leans to the positive side. What could be better, right? Extra space to keep your stuff, looks modern, opens up small kitchens, adds flair to the kitchen, and lets you showcase your favorite pieces.

diy_network_open_shelves
Via Better Homes & Gardens
Via Better Homes & Gardens
apartment_therapy_open_shelves
I’m not a fan, though. It looks nice on the decorating sites, but the practical side of me knows that it would drive me crazy. Yes, it looks nice – when it’s been professionally arranged and cleaned. The downside: your collections will collect dust and grime, which means you have to wash dishes BEFORE you use them. You need to keep them neat if you don’t want your shelving to look like a rummage sale. Open displays can make your kitchen look cluttered rather than open if they’re not arranged right.

So it’s nay from me. Would you do it?

Open shelving: yea or nay?

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2. Two-tone cabinetry

This trend can be executed in different ways: one color for top cabinets with another for bottom cabinets, island cabinetry in another color, and/or two colors or shades within the cabinets themselves.

I love this trend and can’t wait to put it into my dream kitchen. I’m thinking gray on the bottom and white on top so that I can get the white-kitchen look without having to constantly clean all of the cabinets. (Yes, I’m a neat freak – have you noticed?)

Designers are predicting that two-tone kitchens are on the way out (some say they’re already out!) but I still like them and would definitely do it. What’s your opinion?

Two-tone cabinets: what do you think?

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3. Subway tile

Subway tile has been popular in kitchens and bathrooms as of late, and it doesn’t seem like it’ll be a short-lived trend.

For me, subway tile evokes visions of one thing only… the NYC subway. Especially with dark grout. Not what I want in my kitchen.
One exception: colored subway tile is better than white, but still not something I’d prefer to put in.
What are your thoughts on subway tile?

Subway tile: yes or no?

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4. Farmhouse sinks

Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron or apron-front sinks, have made a big-time comeback – and for good reason. They’re durable, attractive, and practical – not just for farmhouses anymore!

rohl-rc3223-shaws-original-fireclay-fluted-apron-sink-104630
Rohl Shaws Sinks Fireclay Fluted Apron Sink

Disegno Ceramica Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink
Disegno Ceramica Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink

I personally am not wild about the classic white fireclay models, though they are beautiful. I’d rather something a little bit different, like these:

Elkay Avado Antique Hammered Copper Finish Double Bowl Apron Sink
Elkay Avado Antique Hammered Copper Finish Double Bowl Apron Sink

So… love ’em or hate ’em?

Farmhouse sinks:

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5. Appliance trends

Since appliances take up much of the kitchen space, choosing the right ones is critical. Many opt for stainless steel, but built-in (cabinet-front) appliances are becoming more popular.

I like the way they look but have to question their practicality – are they worth the extra expense? How do you deal with them if you want to remodel the kitchen in a few years?

I prefer the classic stainless appliances, though many say that they’re not classic at all and are going out of style, and despite the fact that they get covered in fingerprints. I like the sophistication of stainless and don’t think that it’ll go the way of avocado-green appliances. Plus, it’ll fit in nicely with my two-tone gray and white cabinetry!

What kind of appliances do you like best?

Which appliance finish do you love?

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6. Smart kitchens

Like everything else in the world, kitchens are becoming “smarter” now! Or, at least, more technologically advanced. With TVs popping up in many different places, you never have to worry about being bored while cooking or washing dishes (though I wonder what the statistics are for people cutting or burning themselves or breaking dishes while distracted – like cooking under the influence!):

Via Apartment Therapy
Via Apartment Therapy
I happen to hate washing dishes, so this over-the-sink backsplash TV actually looks good. But I wouldn’t do it anyway.
Samsung Wi-Fi-enabled fridge
Samsung Wi-Fi-enabled fridge

Not satisfied with the TV alone? Your fridge can now serve as the virtual center of your home. Samsung’s Wi-Fi refrigerators allow you to stream music, display photos (no need for magnets!), keep track of your family’s calendar, and get recipes and the weather – right on your fridge!

I believe that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and that it should remain the hub of good, old-fashioned face-to-face contact. It’s enough that so much of our daily communication is now electronic – let’s keep one part of our home sacred!

What do you think?

Smart kitchen: take it or leave it?

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When deciding on any trend for your kitchen, know yourself – and your current AND future budget. Will you be able and willing to change your project at any point in the future? Will you be upset if your kitchen goes out of style (even though you still love it)? My personal feeling: if you truly love it, go for it!

yael