Home Building Articles

Four Hot Kitchen Trends of 2016

Source: Builder

kitchen

Open and dynamic kitchens that seamlessly blend with the rest of the home are at the top of homeowners' wish lists for 2016, according to the latest Zillow Digs Home Trend forecast.

The analysis of popular photos on the real estate listing website and opinions of interior design experts revealed tuxedo or two-toned painted cabinets in complementary colors, hidden appliances, mixed hardware finishes, and wood paneling, like shiplap, are the biggest kitchen trends for 2016.

Homeowners are starting to take bigger risks in kitchen design. The first trend to go? Matching cabinetry and hardware finishes. Owners now have their sights set on tuxedo cabinets, or two-toned painted cabinets where the top and bottom doors are painted in complimentary colors (such as navy blue and soft gray). Homeowners are also opting to mix hardware finishes for a more eclectic look in the kitchen. Mixed and matched beautiful hardware accents "look like jewelry for the kitchen," said design expert Jamie Beckwith of Beckwith Interiors in a news release.

Hidden appliances are also on the rise. Stainless steel is still popular, but for a streamlined, less industrial look more owners will choose to hide refrigerators and microwaves behind cabinet finishes. Wood paneling will also be in style thanks to the growing popularity of the farmhouse kitchen.

Meanwhile, three other design aesthetics have gone out of style. To make room for the new trends, homeowners will be trading in their speckled granite, short cabinets, and dark wood and paint colors.