The Smart Kitchen Trend – What Will Your Dream Look Like?

by | Oct 13, 2020 | Architects, Contractors, Homeowners, Interior Designers

With the trend in adding a “work” kitchen to the “social” kitchen, let’s look at where kitchen appearance and function is headed. Last February, the Kitchen and Bath Show in Las Vegas showcased a plethora of new views. Many kitchen designers now incorporate fashion-forward features like glass fronts and LED lights on refrigerators. Appliances and cabinetry have chic leather and metal hardware. Back-splashes now feature unusual finishes like shagreen, metal, raw wood and artful murals. Tech is also the buzz and smart kitchens are definitely going digital. Currently Smart-touch faucets turn on and off with just a tap. Refrigerators feature integrated cameras that allow people to check their groceries from both inside and outside the home. Induction cook tops save energy with technology that changes heat settings instantaneously. Now think of dishwashers responding to voice commands and appliances that could communicate with each other to create shopping lists, meal recommendations and cooking instructions. Not only futuristic, these features dovetail with the trend towards Universal Design – the approach that makes living at home easier for everyone at every age. This is why experts believe innovations for the sake of technology alone will be weeded out. They see the market moving towards technology that not only looks sexy, but improves kitchen function and ease of food...

Latest Trends in Kitchen Pantries

by | Oct 12, 2020 | Uncategorized

New homes are being built with pantries once again and existing homes are being renovated to include one. Why? As open floor plans merge living rooms with kitchen spaces, kitchen counters must be kept clean and minimal, yet food still needs to be stored and prepped somewhere. For the budget conscious, a wall of cabinets tucked away in a corner nook with a fold-out work surface is a better storage solution than a walk-in pantry. Also consider a pull-out pantry to replace a broom closet. The key is to use all available floor-to-ceiling space. Designers prefer to hide small kitchen appliances like kettles and mixers. If you can afford a butler’s pantry, make pantry cupboards deep for all appliances. If you’re stuck on what appliances to get for your pantry, looking at online review pages can help in your decision, allgreatappliances can be one of the places to look. Cover beverage coolers with wooden panels. Trade old pantry cabinet doors for doors that hold jars, pans or utensils. Store your canisters or containers with the same shape and design on open shelving to look more organized. Install cubbies to house water cooler bottles or items bought in bulk. Labeled baskets and bins are a great way to contain your housewares with a touch of style while keeping your investment to a minimum. Customize the cabinetry of the pantry space to create a dedicated work zone that keeps all items related to a specific task (like a breakfast station or a baking center) in one contained area. LED task lighting affixed to cabinets is essential. Pantries with vintage-inspired features soften...