By Deanna Kane | Photography by Shanna Wolf
Whether you are undergoing a gut rehab or looking to update a few fixtures, keeping your kitchen current means taking a new spin on the classics. As we look into 2019, focus on timeless trends, and creating a home around livability, warmth, comfort and longevity.
If timeless trends seems counter intuitive, there is a reason particular design elements continue to be reinvented. “Trends can be timeless. It’s a matter of blending and being consistent with adjacent areas,” says Ericka Sprangers, interior designer at the Kohler Design Center.
SUBTLE, STAINED CABINETS
White cabinetry has become the gold standard of a brand-new kitchen. “White is safe, timeless and classic for any space,” says Sprangers.
While white cabinets are too classic to ever go out of style, stained cabinets are the new front-runner to warm up the space and make it more livable.
“Stained cabinets are easy to maintain,” says Eileen McGee Wetzel, interior designer with Story Hill Renovations. “You don’t notice the wood expanding and contracting, like in painted cabinets. Stained cabinets are also easier to conceal the typical wear-and-tear.”
The Classic: White cabinets
The New Take: Stained cabinets
FUNCTIONAL FAUCETS
Similar to kitchen sinks, up-and-coming faucets will have a focus on functionality.
“Consumers want style, but also functional faucets with features,” says Sprangers.
“I think we’re going to see more semi-professional style faucets instead of the traditional pull down faucets,” says McGee Wetzel. “The semi-professional faucets allow the nozzle to move around without the restraint of the gooseneck.”
The Classic: Pull-down faucets
The New Take: Semiprofessional faucets
SOLID FOOTING
When choosing a flooring material that will set the stage for your home’s overall aesthetic, stick to the classics. “Wood flooring is a lifetime floor,” says Jerry Schmidt, sales director with Dream House Dream Kitchens.
“Wood, wood, wood,” says McGee Wetzel. “The trend will be wider planks; this creates a higher-end look than the traditional three-inch plank.”
The Classic: Wood floors
The New Take: Wide plank floors
GRAY WILL STAY
If you thought gray was on its way out, it continues to reign as the leading paint color. This go-to shade has staying power.
“Gray is not going anywhere but we will see a wider palette, ranging from warmer grays to cooler bluegrays, says McGee Wetzel.
The Classic: Gray
The New Take: Expanded gray palette
PLAYING WITH PATTERN
While the bones of the kitchen will remain timeless, backsplashes are the perfect platform to incorporate pattern, color and different materials.
“Having fun with a pattern is a great way to express your personality. You can easily replace a backsplash in five years when the trend has gone away, but you can’t do that with counters and cabinets,” says McGee Wetzel.
If you’re ready to move beyond subway tile, this is your opportunity. Ceramic tiles will bring pattern into the kitchen and create a bold statement.
“I’m in love with all of the bold ceramic and cement tile patterns I’m seeing,” says McGee Wetzel. “They are a great way to add [interest] to a backsplash, whether it’s behind the range or all around the kitchen.”
Another way to add dimension to your kitchen backsplash is integrating metal into the design.
“Incorporating brushed brass within the tile is a way to make your backsplash stand out,” says Schmidt.
The Classic: Subway tile
The New Take: Handmade, ceramic subway tile
QUARTZ IS QUEEN
Quartz remains the countertop leader in function and style, but expect to see it expand beyond surface level.
“Quartz has so much variety in color and pattern—there’s an option available for everyone,” says McGee Wetzel. “I think we’re also going to see it used more as a backsplash and as waterfall edges to create a clean look.”
Also expect to see other materials incorporated into countertops, such as integrating walnut with quartz as the seating edge of a kitchen island, according to Schmidt.
The Classic: Quartz
The New Take: Quartz expanded beyond the countertops
FINISHING TOUCHES
When it comes to selecting finishes, this is the area to show your flair for the dramatic.
“Matte black will be a finish of choice,” says Sprangers.
“Matte black can be easily paired with any color, stain or finish; it’s a great complement to white counters and cabinets,” says McGee Wetzel.
If you’re looking to keep your finishes more traditional, matte gray with a no-fingerprint finish lends a timeless, beautiful glow to the room.
“Matte gray creates a sophisticated look to elevate your kitchen to a higher level,” says McGee Wetzel.
The Classic: Polished nickel
The New Take: Matte black
ARTFUL APRON FRONTS
Apron sinks remain a leading kitchen sink choice; however, look forward to seeing sleeker variations of this classic. This sink style is moving beyond the farmhouse look, and into more contemporary designs.
“Apron sinks are here to stay, but we’re going to see slimmer versions,” says McGee Wetzel. Kohler’s Strive Vault sink is an apron-front design, in sleek stainless steel. It makes a visual statement, while providing the easy clean functionality every kitchen needs.
The Classic: Apron sink
The New Take: Streamlined apron sink