Is remodeling at the top of your New Year’s resolution list? Have you been dreaming of a new kitchen for years? Is now the time to make it a reality?
The kitchen is the most renovated room in a home, and for a good reason. Most people consider the kitchen the heart of the home, where everyone gathers for daily activities, parties and get-togethers, and more.
People are willing to splurge to get the kitchen of their dreams, knowing the most popular room is also the space with the highest ROI if you decide to sell.
Now that a remodel is in your future, what items are on your ‘must-have” list? Wondering what the hottest design trends are in kitchen appliances? Read on, and you’ll find a few things you can’t live without in your new kitchen design.
Black and white appliances
Stainless steel has been a mainstay in kitchens for years. But design trends are changing. People are spending more time at home, but they don’t want to spend hours cleaning the kitchen. They’re returning to black and white appliances because they’re easier to clean and maintain. Savvy homeowners want a seamless look where appliances blend in with cabinets and countertops. They want functionality and beauty all wrapped up in one package. Still love color? While stainless steel may not top the wish list, that doesn’t mean your appliances shouldn’t make a grand statement. How about a bright color high-end range to be the focal point of the kitchen?
Induction ranges
From San Francisco to New York City, cities all across America are passing legislation to ban gas appliances in new home construction. That has homeowners turning to non-fossil fuel alternatives like induction ranges, which are increasing in popularity. You can even boil water in a minute, making it a fast and efficient way to cook. This does take some getting used to, so expect a learning curve the first few times you cook. You’ll need to shop for new pots and pans to take advantage of electromagnetic cooking, but it is the way of the future. And since you’re remodeling and upgrading your kitchen, now is the time to opt for this new technology.
Refrigeration zones
When was the last time you wished for more refrigeration or freezer space? Now you can have it at the touch of a button. With variable temperature compartments, some of the most sophisticated refrigeration systems available today let you decide when you need more of each space. It gives you the flexibility to adjust temperatures for your everyday needs, as well as expand space when you’re planning a party.
Column fridges and freezers
As you create more usable space in your kitchen, why not expand your cold storage too? Instead of having a refrigerator and freezer built into one unit, column appliances are two separate appliances, each with its own doors. You can place them in two distinct areas – the fridge in the kitchen and the freezer in the pantry – or keep them side by side for easy access. They are available in standard white or stainless steel or opt for panel-ready appliances to match your cabinetry.
Smart appliances
You’ll find a wide array of appliances with Bluetooth accessibility to help you change the way you maintain and cook food. Ranges, hoods, and microwaves can be accessed and synced using timer functions to start dinner on your way home from work. Many are smartphone-driven, meaning you can access them remotely and have complete control over them from your mobile device. Refrigerators can be synced to build shopping lists by tracking what’s inside. While technology might not thoroughly cook your meals yet, you’ll be surprised by how much easier the process is with smart appliances.
Colorful ranges
Serious chefs have long sought out luxury brands when installing a new range. Most offered one color: stainless steel. No more. If you want a pop of color to liven up your kitchen, you’ll now have access to dozens of colors. While it might feel safer to stick to black, white, and stainless steel, you’ll find vibrant colors like pink, yellow, green, or teal. This allows you to personalize your kitchen and make it shine with your personality.
Beverage and wine fridges
If you do a lot of entertaining, install a wine fridge to be ready whenever friends drop by. You’ll be wondering how you lived without one for so long. They come in various sizes to give you the flexibility to install them anywhere. Keep one in the kitchen, one in the basement, and another in your media room. You’ll never have to wait for a commercial to run and get drinks.
What’s your top choice?
These are just a few ideas you can incorporate into your next kitchen remodel. With just a small shift in mindset, you can incorporate convenience and fun into your next design. Even if you consider it a bit extravagant today, with today’s modern amenities, you’ll quickly wonder how you ever lived without them.