The Modern Kitchen

—Ferguson Bath, Kitchen and Lighting Gallery details the latest kitchen trends for the new year.

Every year, new trends make their way into the hearts and homes of people around the world looking to keep up with what’s exciting. Kitchens tend to be one of the more popular spaces subject to the whims of changing design trends, and for good reason. They’re more than just a space for food—they’re a space for family gatherings and entertaining guests. Additionally, kitchens are often a deciding factor in home sales. To maximize your personal appreciation and the value of your home, it’s important to consider current trends when renovating old kitchens or designing new ones from scratch. 

Au Naturale

Interestingly, while smart appliances are becoming more and more popular, so too are more natural touches and materials. Rustic, reclaimed woods are being used as kitchen backsplashes or countertops. Expect to see more and more butcher block countertops, as well as islands, tables and other finishes with “live” wood edges. Raw materials such as stone are also increasingly popular for backsplashes, sinks, countertops and other decorative touches. Part of the popularity surrounding natural materials is the interest in sustainability and, for some, the desire to get closer to nature without actually living in a forest.  

Artisanal Intelligence

Last year saw the rise of the machines—or at least the rise of the smart home, with appliances and accessories all connected through Wi-Fi, controlled by the touch of a finger or the sound of your voice. This year, technology maintains its center-stage focus in kitchens everywhere, with ovens that can be preheated on your way home from work, refrigerators that can share grocery lists and show you a real-time feed of what’s inside, and crock-pots that let you control temperature and cook-time from your phone. Thanks to smart appliances, keeping your kitchen stocked has never been easier.

Matte Work

By now you’re likely aware of the popularity of matte black. While matte black appliances and accessories are still very much in play this year, the spectrum has been opened up to a wide variety of matte finishes. This year you can expect to see plenty of gray, beige and a host of pastels in matte finishes. Black is bold, but everything doesn’t have to be so dramatic. If you’re looking to make your kitchen’s atmosphere lighter and brighter, take a step out of your comfort zone and add a dash of color.

In Plain Sight

Remember when vent hoods used to be statement pieces? Stainless steel protruding from the ceiling to whisk away the scent and smoke of your dinner? Forget it. This year, try integrating your hood into the rest of your kitchen by hiding it behind cabinets or the same material your backsplash is made of. Hiding the hood won’t take away from its effectiveness, but it will allow your other (smart, matte) appliances to take center stage. One popular option? Use reclaimed wood or shiplap to encase the vent, and suddenly you’ve crossed two kitchen trends off the list.

The Minimalist

Integration is all the rage. Flush-mount, undercounter and built-in appliances are more popular than ever because they contribute to a cleaner looking, more efficient kitchen. To go along with that trend, there has been a spike in the popularity of handleless cabinets and drawers–with people opting for finger pulls instead. This trend is perfect for minimalist kitchens, as they create a more streamlined environment to eat and entertain in. 

*Visit your local Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery to find out how you can implement these fabulous trends in your kitchen or visit fergusonshowrooms.com for more information.