Concealed kitchens: Appliances are being concealed or integrated because houses are being built with more open spaces.
Beverage stations: Coffee pots and beverage coolers are being located together for easier access. Prep sinks can be located near or in the beverage center. These centers are also being located in the master bathrooms to ease the morning rush.
Scaling of Elements: Fixtures, shapes, implied and actual textures, shapes are being used to create a balanced scale. This scale can be achieved whether it is using a tin ceiling, pebbled wall tiles, wood grains or distinctive wall coverings.
Color with energy: Bright, bold blues, purples, greens and yellows that exude energy!
Soft geometry: Rounded organic shapes can be seen in the edge of a counter or island top, an arch over an entryway or cooking hearth, the curved lines of a light fixture, and well-placed, space-defining soffits. They help to soften the traditionally angular, straight edges usually found in kitchens and baths.
Space subtleties: Floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets lend a spacious feel to a bathroom, while appliances can be stacked and positioned within islands to bring tasks into the same area of the kitchen.
Design Framing: Designers are bringing artistic details to new heights. A seemingly simple detail, such as the use of a soffit along the ceiling or a width of wall space surrounding inset cabinetry, can call out the item being framed as a focal point while also providing visual balance to the room. The thickness of a counter top edge outlined by a higher counter top acts to highlight a unique material used in the surface. Balance in design is achieved not only by the use of simply symmetry. Portions of a room can be treated as a piece of art, with a frame indicating its presence
Varying Heights: Greater family interaction can be achieved by varying the heights of island tops, counter tops, and partial walls to be specific to the users. Taller eating bar counter tops, and dishwasher areas, lower prep areas, as well as desk areas are specific to the different tasks being performed on them.
Japanese Influences: Clean lines, open spaces, and a neutral color pallet. Sometimes a bold color thrown into the design for impact.
Art Integration: Design revolving around/from a favorite piece of artwork to personalize the space.
Okay, are you thoroughly confused? If you have any questions please be sure to contact me. These trends are specific to the kitchen and bath design competition, but usually are indicative of what is new or improved in the design industry.
Now for my remodel update: the roof is complete with the new ridge vents that run along the entire peak to better vent the roof in the attic space. They cost a little extra to install, but are supposed to be far better than the traditional 8” square or round vents that you see on most houses. The fireplace is being framed now, with attention to all of the details…like the 2” rock reveal, size of the speakers for surround sound, wiring for the TV, and gas fireplace. The front door has been installed: it is awesome! We spent a fair amount on the door, but researched ahead of time and know that the cost will be offset with one of the energy tax credits! YES!!! Pictures to follow… The first picture is of the new fireplace in progress. The 2nd picture(middle, top row) is of the old front entry, the last 2 are of the new front door. The bottom picture is with the new columns-they will have a natural rock base.
Design Quote of the week: “Crossing too many t’s and dotting too many i’s make a room look overdone and tiresome. One should create something that fires the imagination without overemphasis.” Nancy Lancaster
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