Whether you’re thinking of renovating your home in Washington for sale or upgrading it for better aesthetics and function, it pays to begin at the so-called heart of it: the kitchen.
For many home buyers and owners, the kitchen is where most families gather to talk about life or engaged in fun activities like cooking or baking. It is where delicious food that feeds the stomach and soul comes from. Plus, it can occupy significant square footage, so you want to make sure it is not a sight for sore eyes.
But kitchens are also often influenced by trends, some of which may no longer work this year (and perhaps in the succeeding ones). Which of these should you avoid or embrace?
1. Stone Countertops Are Still In, Laminates Better Be Out
Many homeowners’ dream remains a kitchen countertop made of stone, preferably granite, quartz, or marble. For 2021, the trend leans on quartz that looks and feels like marble. These are solid-surface materials that possess a wide variety of benefits:
- They are antimicrobial.
- They are nonporous, so they don’t soak up moisture, making the kitchen a breeding ground for molds and bacteria.
- These stones are incredibly durable, allowing them to last for a long time.
- They are actually easy to clean and maintain.
Meanwhile, if you can help it, skip the laminates this year. While they’re way affordable than stone and are just as convenient to clean, they don’t have the same elegance that stones do.
Nevertheless, because you’re dealing with solid-surface materials, you may need to get help from a kitchen countertop replacement specialist.
2. More Cabinet Storage Is In, Open Layouts Are Out (For Now)
For a long time, the open-plan concept reigned supreme in most homes. This design gives the illusion of more space and harmony between the kitchen and the living room.
However, if there’s one thing the pandemic teaches us, it’s also beneficial to separate houses into sections to give everyone privacy and define the rooms’ uses properly.
For this reason, open layouts are out for now. Instead, homeowners are looking for more storage cabinets. In a recent survey, renovators of 2020 added four times more cabinets than in the previous year. They are also hoping for a bigger pantry, which is understandable. One of the pandemic’s lessons is preparedness is everything.
Note, though, that while open-plan kitchens are a dying trend inside the house, it’s a flourishing one outdoors. If you have plenty of yard space, you can convert that into a covered patio and include a full-fledged open kitchen for more casual entertainment.
3. Warmer Colors Are In, White Can Stay Out
White has always been one of the most favorite kitchen colors for years. However, experts believe that while it will still stay, it may be overshadowed by warmer tones. One can hypothesize the following reasons:
- White can expose flaws like dirt more easily.
- This color is more challenging to maintain.
- White, let’s face it, can look bland or boring.
- Using warmer and even bolder shades can add a pop of color to the home.
What are the probable kitchen shades this year? According to BHG, these can include orange, aqua, and a darker tone of beige. You may also opt for teal or green to remind you of nature or be inspired by Pantone’s colors of the year, yellow and gray.
4. More Sustainable Products Are In, Plastic and Less-efficient Ones Are Out
When it comes to kitchen decors and products, sustainability is the buzzword. After all, the kitchen produces the most number of wastes and uses resources like water extensively.
Some data suggest that this part of the house generates at least 200 pounds of trash a year and consumes 8 to 27 gallons of water a day. Dishwashers alone can consume up to 3 gallons per water cycle.
Some cool swaps include:
- Reusable or washable microfiber cloths instead of kitchen towels
- Beeswax wraps instead of Ziploc bags and aluminum foils
- Glassware instead of plastic containers
- Bamboo-made utensils instead of plastic
- Low-flow-rate faucets
- Natural cleaners instead of commercial chemicals
- Newer dishwashers as old ones can use up over 10 gallons of water per load
Renovating a kitchen needs careful thought and planning as it can be costly. HomeAdvisor revealed it could reach up to $34,000 depending on whether the project is average or luxury. You can use this guide to help you figure out how to make the design fresh without compromising its function.