Kitchen Design Trends

Wo-Built's Kitchen Design Trends Series
Kitchen Designer Trends

Kitchen Design Trends

When considering a kitchen renovation it’s important to be in the know about what the current trends are. In the following few weeks Wo-Built will look at some of the emerging trends this season so that your kitchen can be as fashionable as it is functional!

1. Kitchen Designer Trends

When remodeling a kitchen here is a list of the more popular must haves that people are now considering incorporating into their new kitchen design. A good designer can help you identify what your particular needs and wants are, and integrate the newest and trendiest must-have to make your kitchen as practical as well as pleasing to the eye.

1. Sinks with multiple function
2. Planning a kitchen for two cooks
3. Larger islands
4. Eco anything
5. Casual, light countertops
6. Dark colors, excluding black
7. Rustic mixed with contemporary
8. Open shelving
9. Lighting with style
10. Wide plank hardwood flooring
11. Bamboo countertops
12. Glass backsplash (in black)
13. Self closing drawers and doors
14. Exotic wood cabinetry
15. Brown metals

These are a few of the emerging trends for kitchens this season. Any one of these or all of these can help update your kitchen and make your dream kitchen come to life.

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Limited Offer: Get Your Free Kitchen Renovation Consultation

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Upcoming Kitchen Design Trends

Photo: HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo 2010
Seminar Kitchen & Bath Design Trends for 2011 - Sold Out
Dec 2, 2010 @ Olga Goubar, wobuilt.com

Kitchen Designs + Upcoming Trends

We all know that when renovating, a kitchen update adds some of the best value to a home especially when you're looking to put your home on the resale market. Even if you're not looking to add to the resale value of your home, a kitchen update will always help refresh a tired looking home.

Having just attended the Kitchen & Bathroom Update at the Homebuilder & Renovator Expo in the past week, we had the opportunity to see some of the latest trends coming out of Europe, and how they are influencing kitchen designs in the North American market. What we saw were kitchens that were very utilitarian; almost on the verge of an office space design. Some kitchen appliances such as fridges seemed to be conspicuously missing, but the fact was that they were now being hidden behind cabinets and walls which gave kitchens a very open look. Other design elements that were seen were floating shelves and lots of base cabinets which were in keeping with the open concept. Countertops and islands were sometimes stacked with other countertops of different thickness giving them an asymmetrical look. And the kitchen colors that were predominantly used were cream, white (it seemed to be everywhere) and gray. Stainless steel was still a big design element and was seen quite often in the designs.

In North America, where kitchens are somewhat larger and are more traditional in their styles, designers are doing what is called transitional styling. They are taking some of those modern European design elements and mixing them with our more traditional styling to come up with some very unique spaces. All in all it was a very inspiring seminar, and one which gave us lots of wonderful ideas to create kitchens with innovative design elements and still retain their functionality.

We at Wo-Built Inc. are excited about all the new trends that we saw at the seminar and are ready to apply some of these designs to create the kitchen of your dreams!

Lonya Miller,
Writer
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Information About Seminar
HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo, December 1-3, 2010
Metro Toronto Conventional Centre
Seminar: Kitchen & Bath Design Trends for 2011
Category: Design Trends for Residential Buildings
Code: T211
Description: Kitchen and bath design has been elevated to an art form, with infinite options and new technologies to maximize both comfort and space. See how both kitchen and bath aesthetics are evolving and influencing design, materials, finishes, and colors. How can the latest trends in cabinets, countertops, lighting, and fixtures be incorporated to create a functional and luxurious space?
Speaker: Margaret MacDonald, Senior Designer AYA Kitchens and Baths Ltd.
Credit: www.homebuilderexpo.com

Here are several photos from the construction expo floor:

Screenshot: HomeBuilder & Renovator Expo + Construct Canada
flickr.com: photos Toronto, Dec 2, 2010 @ Olga Goubar, wobuilt.com

links:
wobuilt.com: Kitchen Designs – Are We Missing the Boat?
wobuilt.com: Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!

Kitchen Style Trends

Kitchen Style Trends: Kitchen, Sun Room

Uploaded on flickr by Scott Hargis on March 13, 2008
© All rights reserved.

When considering a kitchen renovation it’s important to be in the know about what the current trends are. In the following few weeks Wo-Built will look at some of the emerging trends this season so that your kitchen can be as fashionable as it is functional!

3. Kitchen Style Trends

One of the trendiest styles for kitchen updates that has emerged this season is the banquette style. It’s a style that has gained in popularity because it can accommodate a larger number of people in a kitchen considerably. It can provide room for many individuals; therefore making it suitable for a larger family. At the same time it can create an intimate space by keeping it cozy so that smaller families can enjoy the character of a banquette style as well. This style of kitchen also has the capacity for more storage space which is something that always comes in handy. If you are thinking of ways to expand your existing kitchen space and this style appeals to you, Wo-Built can help. For a limited time period Wo-Built is offering a free assessment. Let us make your kitchen dreams come true!

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Limited Offer: Get Your Free Kitchen Renovation Consultation

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Kitchen Color Trends

Kitchen Colour Trends: Home in the kitchen
Uploaded on flickr by moline on 23 Nov 2007
© All rights reserved.

When considering a kitchen renovation it’s important to be in the know about what the current trends are. In the following few weeks Wo-Built will look at some of the emerging trends this season so that your kitchen can be as fashionable as it is functional!

2. Kitchen Colour Trends

This year there is an unusual colour palette for kitchens that has gained popularity as being the 'hot' colours of the season. Black is the top choice for kitchens this season, as well as a wide range of shades of grey. There are a variety of grays to choose from including warm grays, dark grays and even grey/brown. Black can make a wonderful backdrop for colour contrasts and can also be a great accent colour. This particular duo will make a dramatic statement in any kitchen!

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Limited Offer: Get Your Free Kitchen Renovation Consultation
Paint Colour Trends 2008... Are you making the most of your investment?
by Sylvia O’Brien
How many paint colours?!
by Sylvia O’Brien

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Kitchen Lighting Trends

Kitchen Lighting Trends: Kitchen

Uploaded on flickr by by Toni_V on March 1, 2008
© All rights reserved.

When considering a kitchen renovation it’s important to be in the know about what the current trends are. In the following few weeks Wo-Built will look at some of the emerging trends this season so that your kitchen can be as fashionable as it is functional!

4. Kitchen Lighting Trends

The proper lighting in your kitchen can also make a big statement. Recessed lighting is a good foundation for general lighting but a kitchen can require a lot more depending on its design. Under-cabinet lighting may be needed to increase its functionality. One might also consider some form of accent lighting or mood lighting. If your kitchen has the proper lighting it can set the tone of your kitchen by making the atmosphere more inviting. Should you choose to exhibit some artwork in the design of your kitchen, suitable lighting would be needed to display it in a favorable light (no pun intended). Being creative when designing your lighting plan can make a big impact on the overall design and mood of your kitchen.

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Limited Offer: Get Your Free Kitchen Renovation Consultation

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Top Five Design Ideas for Kitchens

Screenshot: Kitchen Gallery Webpage of Wo-Built Inc: the Vision Builder
From L to R: Kitchen renovation to give the kitchen a new lease on life with a completely new look.
New kitchen integrated into open-concept space matching existing furniture with new kitchen cabinets.
New open plan kitchen designed and built to fit into open-concept space and make the kitchen a focal point.
2013 @ wobuilt.com

Over the years we have asked ourselves what made some of the kitchen spaces more successful than others. Hence, we have come up with our list of top best design ideas for kitchens:

• 1. The kitchen is the heart of the house;
• 2. Make the kitchen bright and light;
• 3. Make the kitchen a multi-functional social space;
• 4. Explore natural textures and materials;
• 5. Bring nature into the space.

1. The kitchen is the heart of the house

The kitchen is the heart of the house; it becomes the center for living and entertaining, a social hub for the family and guests. So we found that by providing a semi or complete open concept between the kitchen and the living area enables a much better interaction and communication.Open concept also gives the illusion of more space and often facilitates having more light in the space, because more windows can contribute to the light level. Neutral light not bold trendy colours also help by having better light reflection, making the space look brighter. Which leads to the second top idea:

2. Make the kitchen bright and light: highlight surfaces and provide focal points

The kitchen designs were most successful if a lot of daylight could be provided and make the kitchen bright and light. This had to be enhanced by energy efficient task lighting and general lighting which highlight surfaces and provide focal points.

3. Make the kitchen a multi-functional social space for the family and guests

Technology such WiFi, homework nook, extra electrical outlets for computers, a place for a TV also contribute in making the kitchen a multi-functional social space.

4. Explore natural textures and materials: environmentally friendly sustainable kitchen

As our emphasis is always about green building and sustainability some of the ideas revolved around the choice of materials. In open concept spaces it is nicer to have the same floor treatment in the living area and the kitchen. Good choices are Bamboo and Cork (good because they grow fast, but have large transportation impacts). Natural materials for countertops are preferable. Unfortunately granite and marble have a large footprint as they have to be transported over large distances, but soapstone and concrete counters are alternatives.

5. Bring nature into the space and provide a stunning effect to your kitchen

And, of course, one design idea we can always recommend. Bringing nature into the space. Our next evolution in kitchen designs. Eco-systems that provide, air, food and well being. Stay tuned for updates.

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

links:
wobuilt.com:blog: Home Automation Trending at CES 2013
wobuilt.com/blog: Interior Design Show 2012 – Wo-Built’s WOW! Moments
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Design Tips: Why to Remodel
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Design Trends: Emerging Trends for Kitchens
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Designs – Are We Missing the Boat?
wobuilt.com/blog: Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!

Kitchen Upgrade – Plan Yours Today!

Collage: Kitchen renovation project: The kitchen before... and After
These kitchen cabinets were redesigned to give the kitchen
a more streamlined and contemporary ambiance.

We all know that a kitchen upgrade can add maximum value to your home, especially in the resale market.

In today’s tight economy, many people are on the lookout for relatively inexpensive updates for their homes. Aside from adding new and trendy paint colours (please follow the link to our article Colour for Your Home and Your Life for this years’ "in" colours) which is one of the least inexpensive ways to freshen up a kitchen, nothing else will renew a kitchen more than a new countertop.

Your countertops are one of the most outstanding features in your kitchen, and modernizing them is a smart and reasonably inexpensive way for an update. There are many materials used in the modernizing of countertops today ranging from inexpensive to costly. Some of the more widely used substances are: Granite, Marble, Plastic Laminate, Slab Plastic, Ceramic Tile, Slate and Soapstone just to name a few.

Nothing outdates a kitchen more than an old countertop and nothing will give your kitchen more oomph than a new one. A new kitchen counter is one feature that can add instant value to your home. We at Wo-Built Inc. specialize in kitchen upgrades of all kinds and can help you get the most value from your upgrade.

For more ideas call us today at 416-354-2555 or please go to our website www.wobuilt.com for more information. Whether you are thinking of just an upgrade or a major renovation we can help!

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built: Home Design Workshop: Get Your Smart Kitchen & Bathroom Design Ideas
Wo-Built: Kitchen Design Trends
Wo-Built: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built: Kitchen Style Trends
Wo-Built: Kitchen Color Trends
Wo-Built: Kitchen Lighting Trends
+
Wo-Built: Invest in Your Home Renovations and Be Eligible to Receive up to $1,350 in Tax Relief
The Home Renovation Tax Credit will provide a one-year, temporary 15% income tax credit on eligible home renovation expenditures for work performed, or goods acquired between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010. The credit may be claimed on eligible expenditures exceeding $1,000 but no more than $10,000.
Wo-Built: Home Renovation Tip: Donate Reusable Items to Non-For-Profit Organizations
Please consider donating your used items when renovating!

Wo-Built's New Design Column

Wo-Built's "Ask the Design Expert" Column

2008 @ wobuilt.com

Ask the Design Expert

As we have a great designer in Deborah McKenna, we are starting an "Ask the Design Expert" column. Please e-mail us (comments@wobuilt.com) with your design dilemmas and questions for the home and kitchen, and we will do our best to answer them. Your questions along with Deborah's response will be posted on our forum each week (no names of course).

Lonya is the staff writer for Wo-Built Inc.

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Renovation Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Trends

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Kitchen Designs – Are We Missing the Boat?

Collage: Where Is Innovation in Kitchen Design?

I was asked recently to write another piece for the Wo-Built forum about kitchens. But as soon as I sat down to write it – bang – writer’s block! What to write? In the past we have written about kitchens, kitchen renovations and kitchen design ideas (see previous articles) and in general the topics have not changed. There are still the same styles, design principles and overall colour schemes than before. There is a need for appliances, sinks, countertop areas and storage. Colours are generally personal choice and styles can be mixed and matched.

I was not happy to revisit any of these topics without sounding boring. Then it struck me what had been bothering me for months about contemporary kitchens: the lack of innovation on a large scale. We have innovation in appliances and in new materials, but not in the fundamentals: the way we store things and the way we consider work and counter space. Storage is mainly achieved via wall hung and floor mounted kitchen cabinets, with limiting factors of height and available wall space. Counter space is the space generally in between or by the side of the stove, sink and other appliances. Maybe there is an island with extra counter space.

I believe we need new ideas. Why not look at storage solutions that use rack technology, hence giving the opportunity to double up. If there is the height why not use lift technology. Why not have the storage unit act as a wall between the rooms, hence saving space. Why not have counter tops that are retractable, or foldable to increase working surface. Why not bring surfaces down from the ceiling when required. All this is possible and not new, but somehow not explored.

What I feel is missing is the spirit of design that was prevalent in the 60s. This era was a period of design exploration and experimentation and some wonderful ideas still survive until today or were the basis for a lot of design. Everything was possible and often tried out, the bad with the good. I am not advocating retro design, but what I would like to see is much more design experimentation.

Hence I believe until we do look at the fundamentals again we are missing the boat in kitchen design.

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc.

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Smart Kitchen Upgrade Tips: Interesting Reading

Screenshot: articlesbase.com: Kitchen Upgrades
For The Money Conscious by Maria Polidoro

Credit: articlesbase.com

In these recession ravaged times everyone is looking to squeeze a lot more from their dollars. Renovations are no exception. With the home renovation tax credit in place that is good for one year, more people will be looking to renovate their homes for either resale or just to take advantage of the tax credit while it is in effect. We just came across an interesting reading for anyone thinking about a kitchen renovation with a few tips to get you started. And remember – if you have a project in mind that is too big for DIY, Wo-Built Inc. can come to the rescue!

Kitchen Upgrades For The Money Conscious
Author: Maria Polidoro

Most experts agree that if you are only going to update one room in your home, the kitchen will give you the most bang for your buck when it comes to resale value. The return on any home renovation investment will vary depending on your location, market conditions and a host of other factors.

Whether you want to freshen up the look of your kitchen for yourself or to put your home on the market, these ideas can help you achieve an updated look without undertaking a costly renovation:

Tip #1: One word: Paint. Outdated wall colors and chipped paint will make any room look drab and unkempt. The great thing about painting a room is that it is an easy and inexpensive fix. A new coat of paint in an appealing color will give any kitchen an instant update and make a major impact even if it is the only change you make.

Tip #2: Refurbish instead of replacing cabinets. Brand new cabinets make a beautiful addition to any kitchen, but are also a costly investment. If your cabinets are in good condition, you may consider painting, refinishing or re-facing them with new doors and drawer fronts rather than replacing them. Any of these projects will require time and work, but will give your kitchen an updated look and feel. Finish up with new hardware on all cabinets and drawers, and your kitchen will emerge with a fresh new style for a fraction of the cost of new cabinets.

Tip #3: Replace an outdated sink and faucet. Replacing an outdated sink and faucet is a relatively simple upgrade that is also easy on the wallet. If your sink is in good shape, you can spend even less by only replacing the faucet. Be sure to coordinate a new sink and/or faucet with the rest of the fixtures in the kitchen such as light fixtures and cabinet hardware. Mismatched metals such as a brass light fixture and chrome hardware makes for a less cohesive look, and a streamlined appearance is a major goal of a minor kitchen remodel.

Tip #4: Patiently seek out great deals on appliances. Saving money on appliances can be tricky. Scratch and dent warehouses are a great place to begin your search for deals on kitchen appliances. While those with obvious damage should be avoided, these warehouses can be the perfect place to find appliances with minor blemishes.

Be a savvy shopper when looking for appliances. Major holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day are popular times for big sales, and may present opportunities to find discounts. Ask salespeople if there is room for negotiation and if any sales are coming up. Find out if there are any floor models or discontinued models from last year. Seeking out energy efficient appliances is a great way to save money for the long haul.

Consulting with a licensed real estate professional in your area prior to making changes that will affect the value of your home is always advisable.

About the Author:

Maria Polidoro is the Founder of Ace Tool Online. Ace Tool is an authorized distributor for virtually all major power tool manufacturers and houses a full power tool service center. Please visit Ace Tool Online for Milwaukee cordless tools, Amana router bits and saws, Festool saws, Occidental Leather tool belts and much more.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/kitchens-articles/kitchen-upgrades-for-the-money-conscious-779521.html

links:
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Tips
Wo-Built Inc.: Kitchen Design Trends
ezinearticles.com: Kitchen Upgrades For the Money Conscious

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