INTERIOR DESIGN

THE TOP 5 FACTORS What's New in Kitchen Design?

The kitchen is the heart of the home.

It’s where you gather with family and friends, and it’s the room you’ll likely to invest the most in if you’re remodeling.

Since there are numerous decisions to make and countless options to consider, we walked through the latest in kitchen design with Geri Higgins, owner of Portfolio Kitchen & Home in Kansas City.

“The kitchen is working harder for us than ever before,” she says.

ORGANIZATION TO THE MAX

Yes, the Marie Kondo method is affecting kitchen design – big time.

“In your home, especially your kitchen, all that we touch should have meaning or purpose,” Higgins says. It means paring down on the paring knives but keeping your favorite coffee mugs.

“An edited kitchen is becoming the norm,” Higgins says. “Space, no matter what the size, should be utilized fully and purposefully.”

“Our design team has a specific outfitting meeting with each client. It’s very important to inventory all your items and assign them priority by use and function. Everything has a place of its own.”

Out: Underutilized space, cavernous cabinets without organization or function.

In: Specialty inserts designed to capture and utilize space for everything including dishes, linens, and gadgets; inserts that elevate zones for tasks such as baking and prepping.

STRATEGIC STORAGE

While a more open floor plan for the home is still going strong, using large furniture pieces, placed strategically, offers privacy, interest, and storage.

Out: Seeing the kitchen sink as soon as you walk in the front door; wall-towall upper cabinets that do not offer specific and useful storage.

In: Monoliths and butlers’ pantries to support the kitchen.

INTEGRATED AND MULTIFUNCTIONAL

Organization, varied work zones, and integrated appliances are the trifecta of style and function.

Refrigerators and dishwashers are concealed behind cabinetry that open with a simple tap. Hospitality zones have built-in coffee makers, wine dispensers, and even warming drawers that are great for appetizers or mugs.

Some design elements will pull double duty. For example, sinks that allow you to wash dishes but that are also complete chef centers, with colanders, knife storage, and more. Pro ranges can now be personalized with items such as a sous vide, steam oven, or warming drawer.

Out: Obtrusive appliances.

In: Seamless convenience.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTFOLIO

COUNTERTOP ALTERNATIVES

While natural-stone countertops such as granite and marble are beautiful, they require upkeep and tend to stain. Also, there has been conversation that since they are porous, they can be more susceptible to bacteria.

Quartz countertops, which are a solid surface, are nonporous. So they resist staining. They are also stylish and come in an ever-expanding array of options – some resemble marble and other natural materials.

Out: High maintenance.

In: Low-maintenance, high style.

CLASSIC WITH A TWIST

Gray-and-white kitchens with subway tile have been on trend and can be seen in many design magazines.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but your kitchen should be your personal canvas to express your signature style. It should connect Quartz countertops, which are a solid surface, are nonporous. So they resist staining. They are also stylish and come in an ever-expanding array of options – some resemble marble and other natural materials.

Confidence found.

“People might not like something small about the way they look. You change those small things and they are suddenly bursting with confidence. They just seem brighter, happier. It’s something that could be unnoticeable to someone else. It’s about the way they feel personally about themselves and the way they project themselves. That’s the part of it I like the most — changing their self-confidence, changing their attitude through good work.”

DR. JOSEPH V. CANNOVA

PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

A BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON, PROVIDING A FULL SPECTRUM OF PLASTIC SURGERY SERVICES, FOCUSING LARGELY ON COSMETIC PROCEDURES—BODY, BREAST AND FACELIFTS.

and elevate the character and architecture of the rest of your home.

Another way to inject your own personal style is by mixing materials, such as using unusual tile for a statement backsplash. Express yourself further with texture, ceramics, and great art.

“The best kitchens are a reflection of the people, their rituals, and their personal style,” Higgins says. . . “both in how they live and what they love.”

Out: A trend-driven kitchen that does not embrace your style or life rituals.

In: Personalization, organization, functionality.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stacy Downs writes about all things design and is a partner at MAD Creative, a branding and communications firm in Kansas City.

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