Kitchen Trends to Watch - And to Watch Out For

Since kitchen design is very subject to design trends, it's natural to wonder which elements are trendy and which ones are likely to stand the test of time. Trend-following can be fun, but it's also expensive to have to replace expensive aspects like appliances and countertops every time the winds of home design decide to shift. Therefore, many people prefer to choose at least some parts that will look as fresh in 20 years as they do now.

Countertops

Granite countertops are all the rage, and this naturally leads some to worry that the trend will turn out to be a fad. This was a well-founded concern a few years ago, when it wasn't clear whether or not the preference for stone would last. Now, however, it's fairly safe to say that it isn't going anywhere.

There are two main reasons granite is still being included in kitchen design in Sioux Falls: It looks great and it's very durable. The luxurious appearance of highly-polished granite immediately catches the eye, and anyone who sees it will think of it as a high-end accouterment. Its multiple warm tones mix together wonderfully, and all of the different shades give it detail that can't be matched by Formica imitations.

The durability of granite is another driving factor behind its continued popularity. While the finish does need some care in order to keep looking good, modern sealants ensure that it will do so with minor upkeep. Lesser substances, on the other hand, get dull and can't really be restored once that happens.

Appliances

Trends are more ambiguous when it comes to large appliances. Manufacturers often try to get people to buy ovens and refrigerators that are painted in bold, high-gloss colors, and this can make it seem as though a trend is starting. By the end of the year, though, the stores are back to the standards: White, black, cream, and stainless steel. White and cream go with everything, but they're boring choices. Black's okay, but only with certain decors. Stainless is trendy and expensive, and it gives the appearance of a commercial kitchen. That commercial look is part of its appeal; it suggests that the owner of the kitchen is a restaurant-quality chef.

One great way to get color trends into the kitchen without risking thousands of dollars is to put in bold small appliances like red blenders or orange toasters. That way, color trends can be acknowledged without making a big investment.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/65783775@N00/494253516">KBIS 2007 Thermador booth</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">(license)</a>