Ready to Remodel? Top Kitchen Trends for 2020

Is your modern lifestyle at odds with your home’s design?

It’s time to remodel your kitchen.

In the past, homes were built to be divided by task. Every room had a dedicated purpose- You cooked in the kitchen. You ate in the dining room.

But today? How we use our homes has changed. The formalness of having single-function rooms just doesn’t work for our modern, busy lifestyles. When we come home, we want to relax- to connect with our family and friends without the stuffiness of setting the china. 

The purpose of our kitchen has changed more than any other public area of our home. 

We crave open concept spaces with room for the whole family. Breakfast nooks where we work together on homework after practice. A cozy atmosphere where we can gather while packing lunch and prepping dinner. A place to catch up over a glass of wine in the evening. 

It’s no wonder everyone wants to put their personal touch on the kitchen! It’s become the heart of the home, the place where we enjoy the people and the things we love the most. 

So let me ask you this…

Does your kitchen reflect your family’s style? 

Have you been dreaming of a refresh that will give your home’s most important room the attention it deserves? 

Here’s the good news: Even if your kitchen is small, there are great ways to make your kitchen perfect for the many roles it plays in your daily life. 

Here are 5 Top 2020 Trends to Inspire Your Kitchen Remodel.

#1: Use Lighting to Create Warmth

Kitchens are a place of connection and conversation…and no one wants to meet in a space that feels dark and gloomy! 

Create a space that invites people to come together by rethinking your lighting.

How do you know if your kitchen needs a lighting overhaul? Older homes traditionally have a single ceiling light in the center of the ceiling. That’s it. It leaves no way to adjust the feel of your kitchen depending on its function.  

In the kitchen, great lighting means two things:

• Task Lighting to keep meal prep clean and safe, and..
• Ambience Lighting to create the energy you’re looking for when your kitchen is the stage for entertaining or gathering.

Some lighting types can serve both purposes. For instance, track lighting can brighten dark corners and help draw attention to your kitchen’s focal points. The same with pendant lamps. When hung over counters, they can wash work areas in even light for meal prep- but they can also be great accent pieces over bar top and breakfast nooks. 

Pro-Tip: Think “Three” When Designing Your Kitchen Lighting

The best way to design great lighting that makes your kitchen both a functional and a social room is to think in threes. If possible, install three types of lighting so you can adjust the layering to fit the task at hand. 

Here’s how:

• Can Lights installed evenly across the room will create an even spread of light. They are perfect for adding a little extra brightness to rainy or grey days.
• Track Lighting or “Eyeball Cans”, lighting that can be pointed at or over a specific area, is great for drawing attention to art or giving you a boost to ‘active’ work spaces (countertops, sinks) of the kitchen
• Pendant Lights, Chandeliers, Uplighting, add drama and personality to your space. These pieces set the stage for your design, and are easier to change in and out with trends than flooring or cabinets. Don’t hold back!

 

Pro tip: Use caution when choosing bulbs for your new fixture. Too bright of bulbs can make your kitchen feel sterile. Choose a soft white for a more natural and warm glow. 

For even more versatility? Install dimmer switches to easily change moods between food preparation and weekend entertaining. 

#2: Backsplashes with Big “WOW!” Factor

Looking to make a style change in your kitchen without spending tens of thousands of dollars on a complete remodel?

Revamp your look with the biggest focal point: Your backsplash. 

The backsplash is the first thing your eye is drawn to when you walk into a kitchen. And, with less “space” to cover than your floor or counter, updating your backsplash is an easy way to make a big impact on a small budget.

Need ideas?

First, consider this: Matte Vs. Gloss

Kitchens are a messy place, and your backsplash will bear the brunt of spills and splashes. When you’re cooking, the last thing you want to worry about is staining your backsplash. 

Of the two tiling styles, matte is a lot more difficult to clean and is not as durable as gloss. 

Plus, gloss is in. Glossy surfaces reflect light, making spaces appear more open and adding elegance, drama, or a bold focus depending on tile choice. Gloss tile backsplashes easily transitions between style choices.

For example, this farmhouse style kitchen:

 

This minimalist beauty:

And this new-retro design:

 

Just take our advice and call a pro to help. 

Could you DIY your own backsplash? Sure. You could also try and overhaul your engine. But you wouldn’t want to! Tile mistakes are easy to make- and difficult to fix. 

Looking for a contractor who can help you install an amazing backsplash..and more? Schedule a call with our team here and let’s get started on your dream kitchen!

#3- Beautiful- and Durable- Countertops

Looking for a way to make your small kitchen feel spacious? Wanting a sleek and elegant design? Granite does all that…and more. 

Changing your countertops is a great way to refresh your home in style, durability, and long-term value. However, many homeowners shy away from granite due to its high cost. 

Think about the expenses of buying a car.  It’s not something you want to only invest the minimum in…you want a safe and reliable vehicle that will only last for years to come. 

Countertops are the same way.

Just like you wouldn’t buy a cheap car and expect it to run well for 200k miles, you shouldn’t buy cheap countertops and expect them not to wear.

Granite is expensive, but with proper care, it won’t need to be replaced. Granite countertops have great heat resistance, are virtually scratch-proof, and are a timeless material that will hold its value for decades to come. Plus, you have the benefit of dozens of colors and styles. There’s guaranteed to be a standout option perfect for your remodel. 

Choose granite, but don’t leave the installation up to chance. Granite countertops are not suitable for DIY or inexperienced contractors. If you’re going to spend money on great counters, don’t make the rooky mistake of not following through with professional execution. 

#4- Timeless Flooring

It’s time to rip up that laminate flooring you’ve had since first buying your home and start fresh. 

Flooring is often neglected when remodeling but can make the biggest difference in your kitchen. If you’re looking to make a one-time investment in your kitchen, something that will last for decades, we recommend going with tile. 

Like the look of hardwood in the kitchen, but want something that will stand up to years of foot traffic and spills? Consider this hardwood style of ceramic to get that durability without trading in a relaxed, rustic style. 

#5- Keeping It Clean With Maximum Storage

Do you own a historic home with a small kitchen?

I feel you! Working in a small kitchen is tricky! It’s time to make the most of every inch by maximizing the space you do have. First step? Keeping clutter out of sight. 

When faced with clutter, most homeowners are quick to install a kitchen island in an effort to keep appliances and tools out of sight. In theory this sounds like a great idea, but…in smaller kitchens? It can cause more problems! 

Kitchen islands take up space and break up the flow of the kitchen- making them feel tight and unwelcoming. 

Instead of an island, it’s time to revisit your cabinets and make sure they are really pulling their weight. One great trend? Choosing ceiling-height cabinets. Not only does this maximize space, it adds height to small spaces. 

Additional shelving can also be a life-saver in a tight kitchen. Try adding a shelf above the oven for large soup pots and pans.

Organizing your kitchen is no different than the rest of your house! Feel free to personalize your cabinetry layout and shelving to fit your family’s needs. And have fun with it!

Not sure what options work for your lifestyle? Talk to us! We can help you choose a layout that makes even tiny kitchens function with effortless ease. 

Ready to Remodel?

We’d love to help! Check out our kitchen remodeling services here to learn more.