Concrete countertops
Perhaps due to the influence of Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, who favor the material for kitchens, concrete is growing in popularity for countertops.
"Blame Pinterest, blame Joanna Gaines, blame marble madness overload - but concrete countertops have taken over farmhouses in the past few years,"
They caution, however, that concrete counters can stain, scratch, and crack. They're also not quite as low-maintenance as you might think. While you can DIY this project, beware: it's not as easy as it looks. If you want to try it anyway, diy Network has a
Antibacterial materials
Your solid-surface countertop may soon get an exciting upgrade, with antibacterial properties and also the ability to eliminate "chemicals that come into contact with it, as well as (purifying) the surrounding air," said Houzz. "Imagine a countertop that helps take care of that salmonella bacteria for you after preparing chicken for dinner. That's the idea behind several materials presented at the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings (CERSAIE) in Italy back in September. The new K-Life technology incorporated into Porcelanosa's Krion solid surface uses a process called "photocatalysis, which uses a semiconductor in the surface to enhance a reaction to light, killing bacteria and breaking up pollutants."
Disappearing vent hoods
The statement hood has been a focal point of the kitchen for the last several years, but as a more minimalist approach to kitchen design peeks in, vent hoods may be a casualty of new trends.
Statement ranges
Statement hoods may be replaced by bold ranges that bring in a burst of color. "So what is the new kitchen focal point? Look to the statement stove to keep the interest simmering," said House & Home. "In fun colors, high-end purveyors such as Aga and Lacanche are more than willing to grab all the glory, and prove they are worth every penny."
houseandhome.com
Flat-panel cabinets
Is this the end of the shaker cabinet? Flat-front cabinets have been showing up in modern kitchens for years, but they're growing in prominence. According to Inman's look at what's hot and what's not in kitchens for 2018, "Fifty-seven percent of homeowners chose shaker-style cabinets, followed by flat-panel (18 percent) and raised-panel (17 percent) cabinets," but look for those numbers to start changing this year.
Wood cabinets
As for finishes, look for wood cabinets to make a comeback, giving white a run for its money. "The return of wood cabinets was almost inevitable, but, instead of the heavy, figured doors of the 1990s, today's wood cabinets are either very modern, or in basic rustic styles…which feel authentic and organic - as if they were born there," said Apartment Therapy.
apartmenttherapy.com
Mix-and-match finishes
It may be time to ditch the idea of a one-color space. "The days of monochromatic kitchens are far behind us, Sue Wadden, the director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, told
Fixtures have been moving out of silvery finishes and into gold tones, but black is another option that is gaining heat. "Black is classic in the fact that it will always work with just about every style and color palette that you have going on," said Emily Henderson.
stylebyemilyhenderson.com
Nancy M. Alexander - Stone Harbor and Avalon NJ Real Estate NancyAlexander.com
