ON THE LEVEL: 12 Popular Kitchen Trends for 2011
Here are some popular kitchen trends for new or remodeled kitchens this year, from our friends at Hibbard Construction.
Popular Trends to Consider
Maximize food prep and dining space. Dual islands, tiered islands and island/peninsula combinations provide space for preparing meals, dining and storage. Pull-out cutting boards and tables can also help to extend food prep space.
Plan functional storage space. Kitchen storage details are important. Add pull-outs to ease organization of your dishes, pots, pans and bake wear. Pull-out pantry units organize cans and dry goods. Drawer storage is the key for keeping utensils in their place.
Use cabinets to create interest in the kitchen. A trend that we’re seeing more in homes is the use of two tone cabinetry in the kitchen. For example, white cabinetry may be installed around the perimeter of a kitchen and dark wood-stain cabinets are used for an island or peninsula. Add glass door cabinets to quickly spot items stored and for display. Open-shelving can be added to your cabinet configuration for both display and storage.
Add under-counter appliances for convenience. Microwave ovens, wine coolers, small refrigerators for beverages and additional cold storage and drawer dishwashers add function to a kitchen. Think about “universal design” when installing appliances for convenience, and place appliances where they can be accessed by all users.
Think “Green”. A simple way of helping the environment is to purchase Energy Star appliances. If you’re interested in a “green kitchen” consider using sustainable products like bamboo flooring, concrete counters, recycled glass back splash areas and recycled wood.
Add a backsplash. Glass tiles, especially those made from recycled glass, are being used more in kitchens for an easy to clean aesthetic backsplash behind sink and stove areas. Backsplashes are also made of solid surface materials, porcelain tiles, laminate and metal. Plan your backsplash to accentuate your style – modern, traditional, cottage, country, Tuscan, or eclectic.
Consider crown molding. Adding crown molding to a kitchen provides a “finished” look to cabinetry. Also, it adds architectural interest to the space.
Combine your kitchen and dining room areas. A dining room is often one of the least used rooms in a home. If your floor plan permits, tear down a wall that separates a kitchen from a dining room. This will open up the space and add function to your home. The expanded space may allow you to add more storage to the kitchen or even an office area.
Trends in Decorating Your Kitchen
Kitchen Lighting. The latest lighting trends this year will include statement lighting and hidden lighting fixtures. Your new kitchen should receive enough natural light during the daytime. You might want to consider the installation of additional windows or perhaps a skylight to make this part of your home sunnier and inviting. Artificial lighting will continue to be hot this year as recessed lights and track lighting fixtures over sinks and cabinets create that soothing glow. Statement lighting fixtures will also make it big this year. Pendant lighting items or chandeliers in wrought bronze, iron and other deco styles will make for a brighter kitchen and, at the same time, add a touch of elegance and glamour. Lampshades are also getting into the kitchen scene this year. Select lampshades with bold colors or graphic prints to make this lighting centerpiece stand out from the rest. This works best for white or neutral colored kitchens.
Kitchen Décor Gets More Natural This Year.
The use of natural materials such as granite, bamboo, or hardwood, is the materials of choice this year. More and more homeowners are shifting away from synthetic materials and stainless steel. From their lighting fixtures, cabinets, kitchen counters, and other accessories, natural materials are the preference. These natural materials not only create a warmer and more inviting space, but they are also more sustainable and durable.
Glass is also slowly making its way into many kitchens this 2011. Glass tiled backsplashes and glass cook tops are expected to dominate this year’s market. Glass tiles are easier to clean, replace and come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Moreover, glass containers, glass spice jars and glass water containers, will also remain in the trend as they more durable and airtight.
Color Trends Will Turn Up the Heat.
This year’s color trends will be bold and spicy. Think faded copper, burnt oranges, mottled reds, rich coffee, buttery yellows, warm cinnamon, punchy apricots, and other rich tones. These fiery yet subtle hues will add comfort and depth into your kitchen area. Warm colors also help stimulate appetites. If you are not that into red hues, then try to go for plumy purples, soft greens and even soft pinks.
Contrast is also a big thing for kitchen colors this year.
Welcome to our Home…at Christmas
Especially during Christmas, our hearts long for the simpler days when a holiday was antipated not so highly for the piles of gifts, but simply for the chance to spend time with friends and loved ones.
Historians often tell of a bygone era, when Christmas was a day to receive visitors into our homes. Hosts would “lay out” an abundance of sweets and savories, ready to welcome their guests, and Townsfolk would promenade from house to house, greeting one and all, enjoying the food and the companionship of their friends and neighbors.
We’ve come a long way since those days. And while we’re a bit sad about the passing of such a warm tradition, we wondered if you might enjoy a tour of our home at Christmas?
We would offer you a cookie or a warm cup of Christmas Cheer if we could, but we do hope you’ll find yourself “at home” in our photo tour – as well as in our hearts – this holiday season.
Welcome to our home. May the blessings of this Christmas Season be yours!
Crafty Ideas for Winter Curb Appeal: Home & Design: REALTOR® Magazine
We can’t help it! It’s December 6 and Christmas is in the air!
Randy and Christy spent most of yesterday afternoon “sprucing” up some holiday pine swags (pun intended!) to deliver to clients who just purchased new homes.
Since we’re in full Decorating Swing for the holidays, we thought we’d just pass along a few tips we learned yesterday afternoon.
It’s E-A-S-Y to make your own holiday swag, especially in our part of the world. In fact, you may have all the materials you need in and around your home already.
Of course, this time of year, real (or “genuine imitation”) pine boughs, wreaths and swags are available almost anywhere – even in some grocery stores. We suggest that you may save some $ by looking in your own yard. Perhaps you have a tree or evergreen that could use a bit of trimming anyway!
Same goes for pine cones. After you find them on your property, decorate with spray glitter or flocking material or maybe even a light dusting of white or metallic spray paint.
Next, raid your holiday wrapping center for ribbon, raffia, or bows, themed “picks” & ornaments to adorn your handiwork. Get creative! Use your imagination and ingenuity to give your wreath or swag your personal touch.
We suggest using green florist’s wire to secure the pine boughs together into a pleasing arrangement. Wired ribbon makes for quick and beautiful bows. Other “mechanics” include use of glue guns and ornament hooks.
Keep in mind that decorating with evergreens is perfect any time of year. If you’re careful with theme and colors, your handiwork could serve your outdoor decor needs well past the holiday season.
In the real estate business, we call furnishings and decor “staging”. We all like to “stage” our homes for those ideal Christmas and New Year parties, for sure. But have you thought about how to best stage your property to make it attractive for potential buyers?
As an Accredited Staging Professional, Christy Oetken can help you make the most of your home’s floor plan, color scheme, furnishings, and decor. Put her to work for you today!
For other ideas on maximizing your property’s Curb Appeal during the Holidays and beyond, visit
Crafty Ideas for Winter Curb Appeal: Home & Design: REALTOR® Magazine.
Happy Decorating!
Randy, Christy & “Browser”
p.s. This picture of Christy and “Browser” was taken at our Coeur d’Alene home, above Coeur d’Alene’s Bennett Bay.