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JOURNAL TRIBUNE Spring Home Improvement BrandPoint s a reflection of the ever-changing American lifestyle, kitchens have evolved over the past 100 years from a space that was once viewed as a utilitarian work-room in the back of the house, to become the centerpiece of the home. While trends come and go, history has made its mark on kitchen design. Transitional style kitchens are now the most popular, as evident in research such as the 2016 Design Trends Survey conducted by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Today’s designers and homeowners are incorporating elements of past, present and future to create designs that are timeless, yet personalized to their needs. To create the timeless kitchen of your dreams, consider these staple design-elements from the most significant decades in kitchen evolution.
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1920s and ‘30s:
In the early part of the 20th century, the luxury marble look began to emerge in the American kitchen, usually appearing in smaller spaces like the pantry. With marble once again making a comeback in today’s designs, incorporating the look for a pantry or island will take any kitchen from drab to fab, without the investment of a full marble makeover. To get the same look of marble in a non-porous product, look to engineered materials.
1950s:
Fast forward to the 1950s, which was the start of a new era - kitchens were getting fancier, with homeowners focusing more on design, rather than simple functionality. During this decade, eve-
Timeless kitchen design tips through the decades
1980s:
Oak cabinets and polished brass were all the rage during the 1980s. Brass accents are making their way back into the heart of the home once again. To get the look with a hint of retro ‘80s glam, update worn nobs and faucets with understated brass.
1990s:
Watch any home improvement show, and it is more than likely the prospective buyer will have a kitchen island on their “must-have” list. We have the ‘90s to thank for that, when kitchen islands grew in popularity, allowing the host to mingle with guests while preparing the meal. When planning for a renovation, find space for an island or a peninsula for extra seating, storage space or to create a focal point.
2000s:
rything from kitchen appliances to wallpaper was bursting with color. Take a cue from the 1950s color trend by starting small. If you are not ready to commit to a bold new range or refrigerator, elevate your kitchen color with a toaster oven or hand mixer in a trendy hue.
1960s:
The 1960s forever changed the modern kitchen by introducing
the kitchen triangle - a model used to determine efficient kitchen layout. If you are in the process of renovating your kitchen, make sure to ask your designer about the kitchen triangle to best maximize the space.
1970s:
Contrary to the bold colors of the previous decades, the 1970s welcomed muted earth
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tones to the kitchen, particularly browns and avocado greens, for a calm, grounding space. Give a nod to the ‘70s - without the bellbottoms - by updating countertops with a tobacco brown tone with white and golden veins etched throughout the slab.
The 21st century ushered in stainless steel appliances and granite countertops as the epitome of the modern kitchen. While the look of stainless is not going away anytime soon, newer alternatives to granite countertops, like a sintered compact surfacing, are gaining ground. The goal for today’s kitchen is form and function, with sleek, orderly and multi-purpose living spaces. By borrowing select trends from previous decades that speak to your personality and needs, you can be rest assured you will have a timeless kitchen for years to come.
Squeeze extra storage in your bathroom
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BrandPoint hampoo bottles, makeup tools, lotions, linens and laundry - the bathroom is one of the most frequented rooms in the home and clutter can collect quickly. Stop the chaos before it gets out of control by implementing some smart storage solutions. With these simple ideas, your bathroom will be the most functional and fashionable room in the house.
STREAMLINE SHOWER SHELVING
It’s time to say goodbye to hanging racks from shower heads and precarious corner shelving. The new Store+ shower from Sterling has customizable storage accessories, minimizing clutter and ensuring everything you need is close at hand. Sturdy shelves and accessories are easily snapped into any of eight pre-molded locations within the shower - no tools necessary. A fully accessorized wall includes four rimmed shelf/soap dishes, two 4-inch deep storage bins, and soap dishes with towel bar and two shower hooks. Plus, the back wall has molded foot ledges on either side, providing a safe, handy shaving ledge. To clean up your shower clutter for good, visit sterlingplumbing.com.
DARE TO GO VERTICAL
Expand the storage potential of a small bathroom by using vertical storage options. Floor space may be limited, but by installing shelving and other smart storage options on walls,
you dramatically increase space for necessities. For example, floating shelves are an elegant and space-saving option that are easy to install over the toilet or between a mirror and a pedestal sink. That small space above the door? Perfect for a shelf to store mason jars full of supplies or those beautiful perfume bottles. Need extra space to store linens and washcloths? Install stacked towel racks on the back of your door or hang baskets on the wall and then place folded linens inside for a tidy look that keeps fluffy towels within easy reach.
VAMP UP THE VANITY
From shaving and combing to primping and curling, the vanity is center stage for your daily routines. That means clutter can easily take over the countertops and drawers if you’re not careful. A few thoughtful steps will help you organize and maximize your vanity space. To start, dispose or donate of any products or tools you don’t use. Then purchase some drawer organizers or reuse small plastic containers to get items in order. On the inside of doors, install small pieces of PVC pipe vertically to store hair tools and cords. You can also repurpose spice racks on doors to hold a slew of personal products. For hair accessories or other small metal objects, a magnetic strip on the inside of a door or drawer is amazingly effective. With these simple storage ideas, you’ll cut clutter, keep spaces clean and never trip over a random bottle or towel on the floor again.