10 Items You Shouldn't Overlook for Your New Kitchen
A kitchen remodel doesn't come with a small price tag and there's a substantial amount of planning involved. As the saying goes, it's all in the details. In order to help ensure that all your new kitchen items are just perfect, here are some things to make sure you consider when planning a remodel.
1. Layout
It may not be the most exciting part of planning a modern kitchen, but the layout is extremely important. Consider your current one and how you would like the new one to be different, focusing on what your family primarily uses your kitchen for.
2. Storage
Deciding on kitchen cabinets is important, but don't forget to make sure you have enough functional storage space. Pay just as much attention to cabinets' interior organization system as to the exterior. Installing cabinets in your kitchen island is a great way to incorporate more storage without sacrificing any kitchen real estate.
3. Backsplash
A backsplash is a relatively small area of a kitchen, but it's actually rather important. Aside from providing aesthetic appeal, it also acts as a surface that's easy to clean and protects your walls from food and cooking messes caused by greasy or dirty utensils.
4. Flooring
Kitchen flooring should be both attractive and functional, and homeowners often focus on one aspect or the other. If you choose a material that looks nice but acts as a magnet for dirt and scratches, you'll spend time constantly trying to keep it clean. If you’re tired of walking on a cold kitchen floor, a remodel is the time to upgrade to heated flooring.
5. Appliances
Believe it or not, many people keep their old appliances when they remodel their kitchens, perhaps out of budget concerns. However, a new, modern kitchen will quickly look dated if your appliances aren't updated. Plus, with so many new gadgets for kitchen, you'll want to have at least one in your home.
6. Faucets and lighting
On the list of new kitchen items, you shouldn't overlook the accents. Faucets are functional of course, but can also provide nice decoration. Proper lighting can change the entire look and feel of the room, especially when you focus it to highlight your coolest new kitchen gadgets.
7. Orientation
Think about where you would like to face as you prep and cook meals. Do you want to face your family room, be able to watch television in another room, have a conversation with someone seated at the bar, or look out into your yard? Design your layout with this in mind.
8. Workflow
Have you ever been in a kitchen that simply doesn't make sense? You want to be able to flow naturally as you cook, without having to carry a pot of boiling water across the room. Create a sensible flow between your appliances, sink, and cooking equipment.
9. Electrical outlets
It's easy to take for granted your kitchen's outlets and switches because we're used to them just being there. However, as you design a new kitchen, think about where you want them placed. With so many new kitchen gadgets 2020, be sure that you also have enough outlets.
10. Matching the rest of the home
It makes sense to design a modern kitchen that matches the aesthetic in the rest of your home. There's nothing wrong with opting for a contrasting design, but if it's too different, it will simply look busy rather than complementary.
Takeaways
- There are many important considerations when remodeling a kitchen and several of them are not so obvious
- Details such as lighting, the placement of electrical outlets, and kitchen orientation can have a tremendous impact
Regardless of where you are in the kitchen remodeling process, RWC Windows, Doors & More is your one-stop shop in New Jersey. We're family-owned and operated and have been in the remodeling business for over 60 years. We pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled customer service and taking the stress out of home improvement. Give us a call at (973) 227-7123 or contact us today to make your home renovation dreams a reality!
Pros and Cons of a Double Island Kitchen
Introduction
Kitchen trends tend to come and go, evolving over time, but one trend that remains constant is the need for a functional space to prepare food. A double island kitchen design is a great way to improve how a space can be used. With the realization of how much more comfortable a larger kitchen is and the way guests tend to gather in the kitchen for at least part of their visit, many homes are beginning to incorporate a double island kitchen layout whether as a new house is being designed or when an older kitchen is being renovated.
Additional Counter Space
The most noticeable advantage of the modern double island kitchen is that of the additional counter space. A single cook will enjoy the extra space as different recipes can be prepared in different areas, or perhaps meats and produce can have their own place so as to not contaminate each other. If multiple people enjoy cooking together, the counters add extra work stations so each person can have their own space. Yet another application might that the second island provides friends a place to sit and keep the cook company without being in the way of food prep.
Designated Functions
Another aspect of the best double island kitchens is the islands have their own functions. One might serve as a place for casual dining and the other a place to set cooked food, or one can be for food prep and the other for presentation. The possibilities are endless according to each cook's style and how the kitchen is used. Regardless of what works best for any individual kitchen and the family who uses it, and the extra space allows the wall-mounted counters to remain organized with the regular cooking tools such as blenders, mixers, or toaster ovens which have to be moved around for every different dish to be prepared.
Improved Traffic Flow
Another aspect of the double island kitchen is it tends to maximize the floor space for foot traffic. A single island may help divide the kitchen into a working area and socializing space, two can make an even better distinction. When properly designed, the two islands will allow people to be getting drinks, have a snack, sit and chat, and be preparing food or cooking without being in each other's way as the islands will provide intuitive traffic patterns depending on why someone is in the room.
Further Considerations and Design Ideas
There are a few kitchen island ideas which someone who doesn't design and build kitchens on a regular basis might not think of. First, it doesn't have to be a large or oversized kitchen to have two islands, if they are properly sized and designed. An extra sink is always nice, but not every island has to be large enough to have a sink and workspace. Another idea is to use different counter surfaces. Such a design naturally separates the spaces according to their function, and give a sense of having two rooms in one according to the different ways kitchens are used and the purposes those spaces are expected to fill.
Takeaway
- The double island kitchen provides separate spaces for separate functions
- Traffic patterns are improved with a double island.
- There are creative ways to design and use a two island kitchen.
Whether designing a new house or remodeling an older one, contact us at RWC Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to have a courteous professional come by at your convenience to discuss the needs of your new kitchen or any other contractor jobs your home might need.
Kitchen Trends to Look for in 2020
With each new year, kitchen and bathroom designers will take advantage of new materials, new colors, and new interior styles that keep homes looking fresh and modern. The current 2019 kitchen trends include fixtures with a vintage vibe, open shelving, and contrasting textures to create layers of visual glamour. But the newest kitchen trends 2020 will feature a more unified look that is minimalist, tidy, and embraces clean-lines and muted tones.
Kitchen Color Trends 2020
The first step in laying out a kitchen renovation involves choosing a color palette that fits the family's style and supports the personality of the new interior. Your color schemes will encompass not just the floors and walls, but also your countertop material selection, cabinetry, backsplash, and window treatments. Current kitchen color trends are highlighting color pop or unexpected paint and color pairings.
The idea with color pop is to keep with the warmer colors for your kitchen finishes, but add an interesting color element such as painting your island base a deep blue or emerald green, choosing red appliances instead of stainless steel, or pairing white painted accents with wooden cabinetry. Hints of color can be added with brightly upholstered bar stools, a colorful backsplash, or a contrasting ceiling color.
White is a classic kitchen color, but adding color pop from the many tones and hues of green will be trending in 2020. Also consider shades of turquoise, avocado, or lemon.
2020 Kitchen Cabinet Trends
The best way to invigorate your kitchen is with a kitchen cabinet replacement project. If you have a tight kitchen renovation budget, you can always repaint dark brown cabinets and replace the hardware with hidden handles, handle cut-outs, or low-profile handles. For a minimalist look, and for homeowners that don't like an accumulation of stuff, glass cabinets are trending. This look increases a kitchen's simplicity and encourages order.
Current kitchen trends are also taking advantage of sustainable materials like bamboo or repurposed materials. Vintage plank timber are being used to create custom kitchen hutches and unique shelving solutions. But, it is bamboo that offers striking kitchen cabinet options for a fresh and contemporary kitchen. The material is moderately expensive, has a beautiful natural hue, and is a very durable and hard wood choice.
Warm and nuanced finishes like brushed gold, soapstone, and granite, are more popular for 2020 over dark or highly polished finishes.
The Double Island Takes Center Stage
Installing a kitchen island with a natural stone countertop is still one of the most popular kitchen trends that will last. Since kitchens are becoming larger and provide a gathering space for family and friends, the double island is a great way to use of floor real estate for a good use. Double kitchen islands can be of different shapes or sizes, space apart - or it can be two identical islands next to each other. Use your double island to cook large meals, entertain guests, or serve double-purpose for homework, office work, and game night.
Larders are Must-Have
Our final kitchen trend to look for in 2020 is homes that have created space to install a larder - a standalone cupboard that stays cooler to store staples and keep food fresher, for longer. Historically, basement areas would hold the homeowners excess canned and jarred goods. This transitioned into kitchen storage cabinets, and today homeowners are installing a full-height, larder to reduce kitchen cabinets without losing storage capacity.
Larger families may consider a walk-in larder, which is similar to a walk-in clothes closet. With the popularity of bulk grocery shopping to save money, a larder can be a great investment. Partner with a professional kitchen design and installation service to create your one-of-a-kind larder that can also be used to store wines, cheese, cookbooks, and oversized pots.
Take-Aways
Kitchen cabinet trends to avoid
- The white ‘shaker’-style door cabinets
- Highly polished and reflective surfaces
- Open shelving - choose glass cabinets instead
Kitchen cabinet trends that will last
- Muted, natural stone countertops
- Large kitchens for family and entertaining
- Pops of color with appliances, backsplash, or accent painting
For all your 2020 kitchen remodeling ideas, choose RWC Windows, Doors, and More as your one-stop solution serving West Caldwell NJ.
Functional Kitchen Layouts for Holiday Hosting
Introduction
Your kitchen is probably setup according to how you and your family use it throughout the year. Unfortunately, that might not be the best plan as the holidays approach if you plan to entertain guests. There are simple things you can do to prepare the kitchen for hosting friends or a dinner party as kitchen update ideas, but it's also a great time to conduct renovations you may have been postponing in order to have a functional kitchen for holidays which also serves your daily needs throughout the year.
Making a Kitchen Functional and Efficient
The first step toward making a kitchen functional when guests are coming is to remove the excess clutter. As an example, you might enjoy television when preparing food on a daily basis, but that TV is just going to take up space when friends come by. That space might be better used as a place for drinks and snacks so people don't have to get in the way of food preparation to refill their glass or get a plate of prepared hors d'oeuvres to take to everyone else. Depending on the layout of the kitchen and countertops, you might want to remove the kitchen table you eat at daily to allow for the heightened traffic, or you might want to add an extra table to provide more food prep areas.
Kitchen Renovations
Planning to host a holiday party or to have overnight guests during the season is a great reason to have certain renovations you've always wanted. You certainly don't want an “older but still working, barely” fridge, oven, or dishwasher to have a major failure while friends and family are there. Likewise, if you've always wanted new counter tops or a floor, why not have it done in time to impress your friends before you continue to enjoy it throughout the years?
You might also realize it's a good time for pricing on such renovations. Summer outdoor construction projects are winding down and contractors are finding their indoor winter work. Contractor employees want the work, so they can buy presents and prepare for their own holiday festivities, so you're actually helping them out by hiring their services at this time of year. It's a winning situation for everyone involved.
Kitchen Updates on a Budget
There's more than one way to upgrade kitchen for holiday entertaining; nobody would suggest you conduct a full kitchen renovation with new floors and cabinetry to entertain guests. As a matter of fact, you probably won't be a good host if you take on more than you can be expected to handle with a major construction project while planning a holiday party. There are fairly simple things you can do to update a kitchen, perhaps a new paint job and cabinet hardware, or perhaps adding some lighting, or changing out the faucets to look new and provide better performance.
Takeaways
- Consider how your kitchen functions for you and your family on a daily basis and how that might be different when hosting guests.
- Think about what kitchen renovations would make the area more pleasant and efficient to work in, both on a daily basis and when friends and family are visiting.
- Don't take on too much at a time. Be realistic about what upgrades you can make to your kitchen and still be ready to host guests.
Conclusion
If you need to upgrade your kitchen in preparation for the holiday season, give us a call at RWC: Windows, Doors, and More. We'll be happy to come talk to you about what renovations you want for your kitchen and how we can fill those needs. We understand the holidays can be hectic, so we're willing to work with your scheduling needs and get your kitchen in tip-top shop so you have one less thing to worry about.
How To Choose The Right Appliance for Your Kitchen [Infographic]
Have you been assessing your kitchen appliance budget recently? If you’re wondering how to choose kitchen appliances that are ideal for your home interior, you might feel stuck between price, brand, quality, and size. These four attributes can make a major difference when you’re choosing kitchen appliances, but some elements are more important than others. With this in mind, explore the best appliances in 2020 for your kitchen (and what you need to consider before you make a purchase) with our kitchen infographic below!
Fridge & Freezer
Do you keep a lot of groceries, or do you only buy food when you're ready to cook? This could be the determining factor for many different questions you'll need to answer when you're shopping for a refrigerator and freezer.
- Dual-compressor units are best for people who keep a lot of groceries. Although these units cost more, they're more likely to keep food fresh longer.
- Single-compressor units are the most affordable option.
- French-door models are a very popular styling decision, as are French-door refrigerators (on top) with freezers down below. Both of these modern kitchen ideas tend to be wider than refrigerator-freezers that only have one door for each unit. The most costly options have completely separate refrigerator and freezer areas. Be sure to measure your space before you go shopping! You don't want to fall in love with a model that won't fit in your space.
- Water & ice dispensing can come with or without water purification. The units that offer purification are more expensive than those that don't offer this feature, but they're also more in-line with what shoppers are looking for these days.
Dishwashers
If you're tired of doing your dishes by hand—or if you simply don't want to be forced into this habit—dishwashers can be a lifesaver.
- Doors versus drawers. Traditional dishwasher doors are still the most popular, but dishwasher drawers are becoming more common because they're more efficient and can handle smaller loads without wasting water or energy.
- Kitchen versus elsewhere. if you're installing a dishwasher in your kitchen, you'll probably want a full-size unit, up to the space you have in your kitchen, of course. In bars, basements, and other places where you might be doing dishes, consider installing an economy-sized dishwasher to handle your glassware.
- Size. As with all other major appliances, make sure you've measured your space before you go shopping. Dishwashers won't leave a lot of wiggle room once you get it home, so you want to make sure it fits right the first time.
Stoves & Ovens
Whether you cook all the time, or just a few times a year, your stove and oven will be your best friends in the kitchen—but only if you're choosing appliances wisely.
- Gas, electric, or induction? The choice is personal, but many people who cook on a regular basis prefer gas. That is, of course, if their homes or condos can accept gas hookups. Gas loses about 40% of the heat when it goes from the burner to the pan, however, which is something to take into consideration. Induction burners, on the other hand, lose the least amount of heat of all the options, making them the most efficient.
- Gas Ranges: BTUs. If you're shopping for gas ranges, talk to the salesperson about the BTUs of the ranges you're interested in. Chef-quality ranges start at around 9,200 BTUs and go up from there, but you may not need that much power if you're just cooking for your family.
- Gas Ranges: Flame. Ask how long you can maintain a simmer without the flame going out.
- Ovens: Conventional or Convection? Convection ovens circulate heat with a fan, enabling food to cook more evenly so you can get dinner on the table faster. They're not always great for baking, though. If you do a lot of baking, you might want to stick with a conventional oven. Pricier models will enable you to enjoy the best of both worlds, either side-by-side or stacked on top of one another.
Are you renovating or remodeling your home in New Jersey? If so, our team of modern kitchen remodeling experts at RWC Windows Doors & More will be happy to help you pick the best kitchen appliances for your money. Reach out to us so you can tap into our expertise and love for all things home-related, we have over 60 years of experience with kitchen remodeling in NJ!
Budget-Friendly Kitchen Cabinet Options For Your Dream Kitchen
Whether you need corner kitchen cabinet options, or you are looking at budget-friendly custom kitchen cabinet options, it's time to see what RWC Windows, Doors & More has to offer. We can help you choose from the best kitchen cabinet drawer options, giving you a great looking kitchen at a price you can afford.
Choosing Stock Cabinets for Your Kitchen
The easiest way to save money on your kitchen cabinets is to choose cabinets that are standard and pre-made. While the construction may not be as good as with custom kitchen cabinet options, they can fit into a tight budget. Choose white and you are going with some of the most basic cabinets available. You can go with stock cabinets, and then change out the hardware to give your cabinets a more unique look.
Reface Your Existing Cabinets
If you already have solid cabinets in your kitchen, refacing the cabinets is a great way to save money and recycle what is already there. You can use the existing cabinets and put on new cabinet doors, or even sand down and stain the current doors to a new shade. Use new hardware, and you will have updated kitchen cabinets without spending a lot of money. When the color of your existing cabinets is already the right choice, you can simply change out the handles and give your cabinets a fresh look.
Customizing Your Kitchen Cabinets
When you have a tight corner where you want to have a cabinet, you can get a customized kitchen cabinet for that area that matches the rest of your stock cabinets. If you prefer customized kitchen cabinets for your kitchen and you are on a tight budget, you are going to have to cut from other aspects of your kitchen design to meet your cabinet goals. Work on your kitchen design with your contractor, and you will be able to find the right kitchen cabinets that meet your budget and design goals.
Ready to Assemble, Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Kitchen Cabinets
Kitchen cabinets come in four ways, ready to assemble, stock, semi-custom, and custom. With stock cabinets, you have limited choices when it comes to the color and style of the kitchen cabinets available to you. If you choose to go with semi-custom kitchen cabinets, you'll have more choices as to the style of your kitchen cabinets, the colors, and the materials used in the construction. With custom kitchen cabinets, you'll spend the most money, but you will also get exactly what you want for your dream kitchen without having to make any compromises. If you are looking for the most budget friendly option, ready to assemble cabinets are generally the answer.
Standard cabinets are affordable, but come in limited designs and colors
- Reface your existing cabinets or simply change the hardware
- Custom cabinets are more expensive, but you may be able to save money in other areas
- Ready to assemble cabinets need to be put together, but can give you more choices when it comes to designing your kitchen on a budget.
To learn more about the best kitchen cabinet brands to renovate your kitchen, it's time to contact RWC Windows, Doors & More at 973-227-7123 and talk to one of our kitchen renovation specialists. We provide services to homeowners in West Caldwell, NJ and the surrounding area.
What to Consider Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving
From hanging and floating shelves over the main food prep area to freestanding shelves situated on the wall in place of cabinetry, open shelving in kitchen design has truly come alive in the last few years. Once implemented into kitchens as the bare beginnings of kitchen storage solutions, open shelving is more tied to farmhouse-style kitchens and minimalist design ideas these days. As attractive as these modern open-storage solutions may be, they are not a good fit for every kitchen or every kitchen user. Here are a few things to consider about open kitchen shelving and whether or not they are the best kitchen shelving option for you!
Closed Cabinetry Does Have Its Perks
Things evolved from crude shelving to closed cabinetry over the years for good reasons. With closed cabinets, you can tuck away all the clutter and keep the kitchen looking tidy. For the most part, regular cabinets are a logical shelving concept. Before you start thinking about how to style open kitchen shelves in your kitchen layout, it's best to consider if you really want to eliminate all your cabinets or just a few.
Open Shelves Require a Bit of Forethought
You know how you currently unload the dishwasher quickly and slap everything in the cabinets? If you are going to be using open shelves for something like storing dishes, some old habits will have to change. Everything that you place on your open shelves will have to be carefully considered and organized. Otherwise, your kitchen wall shelving could end up with a mess of clutter that makes your entire kitchen look messy. Some people like the idea of using open shelves to display things like pasta and ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and spices. This can look nice, but, again, you'll have to be careful with what you choose to have on open display.
Open Shelving Must Be Properly Installed
This is a huge thing to consider. If you have picked up a DIY kit and are wondering how to install open shelving in kitchen areas, you may want to reach out to a professional to get the job done right. There are all kinds of ways shelving can be installed, but the shelving has to be completely stable, anchored securely, and capable of holding heavy weight. Consider just how many pounds a shelf full of glasses would weigh and now think about how easy it will be for such weight to strip a good screw right out of the wall. With this in mind, installing shelves is better left to the experts.
You Must Pick the Best Location
Houzz provides a good list of open shelving kitchen idea locations, but the real good options are going to change according to your kitchen layout or design. For example, open shelving over the sink may be nice for some homes, but a lot of kitchens have a window over the sink, so this placement might not work.
Takeaways to Remember Before Installing Open Kitchen Shelving
- Closed cabinetry will always have its perks; a collaboration of open & closed shelving is always a good mix.
- Open shelving installation is usually not a DIY task.
- Picking the best location will make all the difference in how happy you are with the end result.
- Once installed, your open shelving becomes a design element of the space, along with everything on the shelf.
Open Shelving Installation in NJ
Many people are perfectly happy with the unique open shelves they have installed in their kitchen, but this is a major change to make and should be carefully considered. For more help with how to pick open shelving or cabinetry for your kitchen remodel, reach out to us at RWC Windows, Doors & More.
Is It Time to Renovate Your Kitchen? A Diagnostic Assessment
It's one of the most functional rooms in the house, so a complete kitchen renovation is a huge undertaking for any residence. It's easy to put off a kitchen remodel project until it simply cannot be avoided, even though the costs of a renovation can be recouped by as much as 69 percent if you sell your home. But there are certain signs that should tell you when to remodel your kitchen.
You can get by with a few little annoying quirks in an outdated kitchen space. But if you can go through this list of pain points and find more than half of them to be issues you completely understand, it is a good sign now is the best time to remodel kitchen fixtures, features, and layouts. Let’s go through some of the biggest indicators that it’s time to get started.
1. You don't have enough space for storage or food prep
This is one of the biggest signs your kitchen needs some upgrading. If you are constantly fighting to make enough counter space to cook, have to strategically place things in your cabinets to make them fit or practically climb over furniture to get around, your kitchen needs more space. Another sign indicates you are constantly fighting to keep clutter at bay so the room doesn't look messy.
2. There is no logical traffic flow path through your kitchen.
Having enough room around the primary work surfaces for prime traffic flow in the kitchen is key. According to HGTV, the modern kitchen should have a work aisle between appliances, and counters or other work surfaces should be around 42 inches wide. If there is often more than one cook in the kitchen, you're going to need about four feet of space.
3. Your outdated kitchen does not line up with the rest of the house
You've made improvements to the rest of the house, but walking into your kitchen is a bit like taking a step back in time. The kitchen is the heart of the home. If it's out of line with the body of the house, the entire house can feel off-kilter. A renovation can ensure your home stays up-to-date.
4. Your kitchen is not as efficient as it could be
Outdated appliances could easily drive up the costs of using your kitchen. For example, an old dishwasher that uses too much water will have you doing dishes by hand, or an outdated fridge could be costing you more on your power bill. If the kitchen is not at all efficient, upgrades and a facelift can work wonders for how you feel about the space.
5. The kitchen is not safe
There are a few pretty good reasons to renovate your kitchen if it’s outdated, but one of the main ones is that your kitchen may not be all that safe. Things like in-island ranges and low-situated wall ovens can be a real safety hazard if you have children. If there are faulty things about your kitchen that pose a safety risk, it may be time to seriously consider a renovation.
6. Your lifestyle and your kitchen don't match
You love to cook. You dream of being able to entertain. But your kitchen is so tiny and cramped or difficult to maneuver that you rarely ever do either of these things. Your kitchen should match how you want to use your kitchen space. If it doesn't, it's a good reason to renovate.
7. You prefer to get takeout instead of cooking in your kitchen.
Do you find yourself avoiding cooking in your kitchen? If the idea of spending time in your kitchen has you looking up local takeout menus, it is definitely a good indication the space needs some work.
Key Takeaways to Remember About a Kitchen Remodel Timeline
- A kitchen renovation is easily neglected because it is a big job, but it is one of the most important for the home's value
- Your kitchen should be comfortable enough and roomy enough to cater to the size of your family or your intended kitchen uses
- An inefficient kitchen is an expensive kitchen and should be remodeled
If you checked over at least half of the items on this list, kitchen renovation should be penciled into your future plans. Contact RWC Windows, Doors & More to find out about how we can help.
Kitchen Trends Over the Last 60 Years [Infographic]
Today's modern and highly efficient kitchens have moved far from what our great-grandmothers would have experienced. A 1920s kitchen did enjoy the benefit of being connected to a municipal water system and natural gas lines, but most homes didn't have a refrigerator or closed cabinetry. An insulated ice box for perishables and pantry shelves for staples were the norm. Here, we will examine a timeline of industrial age innovations by viewing kitchens through time.
Before we take a look at kitchen trends over the last 60 years, here are some kitchen trends to avoid 2019, according to design experts:
- Too much white is out - while colorful backsplashes are back in.
- Instead of marble or granite countertops, opt for concrete or quartz.
- Stainless steel appliances are too hard to keep clean, while black stainless is trending.
- Instead of open spaces, blend the kitchen with the home using glass door panels.
Now, let's dive into the kitchen trends of the past!
The Colorful 1960s Kitchen
The 60s were a time of freedom and liberation. Women wanted brighter kitchens in fun shades of green, yellow, or blue. Floral wallpaper in the kitchen was considered suburban-chic and open space for entertaining friends in the kitchen became popular. A side-by-side refrigerator inset into the cabinets and an electric countertop mixer would have topped the wishlist of a 1960s homemaker.
A Relaxed 1970s Kitchen
The 1970s saw well-planned kitchens that were sleeker and more relaxed than the 60s - with white walls and neutral flooring. Warm woods replaced painted steel as the material of the day. A modern, high-end 1970s kitchen would have the oven built-into the wall, the countertops would be laminated, and the avocado green or harvest yellow appliances would add flair and distinction to the kitchen decor.
1980s The Cook's Kitchen
This was not only the age of Rock-and-Roll, but also of European contemporary styled kitchens in American homes. A 1980s kitchen would be efficient with oversized seating nooks and hanging pot racks integrated with the light fixtures. Creatively decorated backsplash tile would highlight the heavy wood cabinets, but the trend of watching celebrity TV cooking shows demanded a variety of kitchen gadgets, cookbook shelves, wine racks, and Cuisinearts.
Spacious Kitchens of the 1990s
With the rise of the Internet, the 1990s saw kitchen styles double as entertainment centers with massive, open-spaces and oversized island benches. This was also the time when double door refrigerators and other state-of-the-art appliances were especially popular. Colored Formica countertops were paired with oak cabinetry, while vinyl flooring made kitchen clean-up fast. You could expect to see a bread maker, a George Forman Grille, and a halogen countertop cooker grace the kitchens of a 1990s family.
2000s and the Modern Kitchen
The turn-of-the century kitchens benefited from a widest range of new materials, new products, and new ideas more than any other decade. Cooks enjoyed countertop Sous Vide machines, electric steamers and juicers that were inexpensive as well as decorative. We saw the introduction of the polished concrete floor, a variety of architectural materials including marble, wood, copper, brass, and stone, along with skylights, large picture windows in the kitchen, and creative tile backsplash options.
Kitchen Trends 2019
Today, kitchen trends run the gamut of contemporary, modern, and traditional design styles that include gutting out the existing kitchen and replacing it with the gourmet kitchen of your dreams. Darker stone countertops are replacing the highly polished or creme color options, walls of vertical storage allow a place for everything, and today's appliances are often beautiful statement pieces that are integrated with the home's smart automation systems. Other 2019 kitchen trends include linear lighting (pendant hanging), antique fixtures manufactured with gunmetal, pewter, or brass patina. Finally, homeowners today are more open to mixing styles, like adding a touch of vintage furnishings in a contemporary setting, or a throw-back color scheme from the 1960s brightening an ultra-modern or industrial look.
Kitchen Trend Take-Aways
- A 1960s kitchen is cheerful with cabinets brightly painted and appliances that matched.
- Natural wood was plentiful in a 1970s kitchen, but the trend was to use non-matching colors and patterns.
- In the 1980s, it was all about competitive cooking in the kitchen with the latest electric countertop appliances.
- The 1990s introduced the kitchen as an entertainment area with lots of open space and plenty of seating
- The 2000s saw induction cooktops and high-speed ovens introduce a new level of kitchen efficiency.
- Today's contemporary kitchens are refreshing, minimalist - but packed with design style and innovative materials.
Rigid kitchen styles and steadfast design rules are no longer the norm. Contact the RWC kitchen design and installation experts to add a bit of retro class from any decade of kitchen interior design style.
Greige, Copper Accents, & Two-Toned Cabinets: Trendy Kitchen Designs To Consider
Before you start your kitchen renovation this year, consider trendy kitchen designs that bring style, class, and creativity using modern materials and amazing color combinations. From two-toned kitchen cabinets to vintage vibe fixtures, here we explore innovative, new design styles take can take your kitchen remodel to new levels.
Copper Accents in the Kitchen
You have a few options when it comes to accenting your kitchen decor by altering the metal fixtures and backsplash. You can stick with the traditional chrome fixtures but select a sleek and modern design - or go with a new fixture material such as antique brass, pewter, or go true vintage with worn copper faucet fixtures. When you pair these new copper accents with the right selection of a tin backsplash with repeating patterns and beautifully embossed, metal ceiling tiles - the aesthetics can be dramatic, yet still warm and inviting.
Other ways to include brass and copper accents or other metals like tin and polished steel in the kitchen include:
- Pendant lighting above sink or kitchen island
- Vintage-style brass knobs on cabinetry
- Bar stools with copper or brass details
- Metal appliances - brass mixer, copper teapot, tin backsplash
Two-Toned Kitchen Cabinets
Transform your kitchen space by using two colors for your kitchen cabinets and ditch the traditional uniformity of one kitchen cabinet wood species or color. Painting the cabinet doors and stripping the cabinet frames down to their natural, nude wood grain is trending. Other ideas include:
- Mixing white painted cabinets with a light wood countertops
- Choose different wood overhead cabinets from under-the-counter cabinets
- Black cabinets at center island and white cabinets around kitchen perimeter
Check out 2019 kitchen cabinet color trends that complement the walls of beautiful and functional storage with contrasting floors, walls, countertops, ceiling treatments, and appliances.
Griege is the New Grey
When choosing Modern Grey Kitchen Cabinets, griege is the new grey - a beautifully muted beige and grey color that is warm and unique. Greige is a 2019 kitchen trend that allows homeowners a neutral color choice that is easier to work with when compared to grey. It can be used to create a very stylish color palette in the kitchen, especially when combined with blues, white shades, or a range of cool colors that have been softened - even violets and greens.
Greige paint is an excellent choice for kitchen walls when used strategically. It is best to layer the color with other neutrals - but as stated before, greige can be used as a backdrop tone for splashes of more vibrant colors in your appliances, flooring, and countertops. The more texture you can add to a kitchen that is painted griege, the better.
A brick wall, wood floor planks, weathered patina fixtures or distressed woods, beadboard panels, glazed finishes, and tiled backsplashes are some ways to add texture in the kitchen.
Select a Dazzling Backsplash
It is truly remarkable what a unique backsplash style or pattern can do for your kitchen. But, you must be careful not to have the backsplash be so visually creative that it overpowers the rest of your kitchen decor. 2019 Kitchen trends include backsplashes that may feature the following in design and style:
- shimmering stainless steel or foil materials
- salvaged, antique wood mosaic tiles
- Carrara marble backsplash
- reflective or mirrored finish
Trendy Kitchen Design Takeaways
- When using Greige in the kitchen, mixing finishes can increase visual appeal
- Modern grey kitchen cabinets are all the rage right now
- Consider polished, copper fixtures or antique brass, pewter, or go true vintage worn copper
- Choose different wood overhead cabinets from under-the-counter cabinets
Visit the showroom of RWC Windows, Doors, and More, serving New Jersey and surrounding communities with quality window, door, kitchen, and bathroom installations.