Countertops: For the past several years Granite was the most popular counter top. This year it’s still well-liked but you’ll want large veining throughout the slab instead of speckled patterns. Quartz has the look of stone without the maintenance which is why it’s the new “go-to” counter top. It comes in so many different colors and should be easy to find the perfect match. Marble is and will always be timeless but don’t forget it stains easily. Last on the list this year is Butcher Block; probably because of the farmhouse fad but certainly for its durability, ease of repair and warmth in stain choices.
Cabinets: There are two trends right now. First is the light and bright. People want less of the dark stained wood cabinets and are seeking out painted cabinets in soft colors like white, gray, blue, and even green. A nice change is making the upper cabinets a different color than the bottom cabinets which brings us to the second trend. Some buyers are going with the dark statement making paint choices. Like navy, teal, black and darker earthy tones. Just make sure you have proper lighting so it doesn’t seem like a cave.
Appliances: Even though stainless steel has been “it” for years and works nicely in all types of kitchen designs, owners are opting for hidden appliances now – paneled refrigerators, dishwashers and appliance garages. But on the rise is the colored stainless. Such as black and even brown stainless.
Lastly, don’t forget the jewelry. Hardware is getting the mix up too. Brushed gold/brushed brass, copper, matte black, and pewter are all on the list this year. It’s now perfectly fine to have different drawer pulls on your cabinets than the faucets and light fixtures. 😉
So if you are planning an update or just want a refresh, choose from the list above. And remember that unlike fashion where the trends are short lived, home trends usually last about 7 years and those trends are something completely different than fads. Fads are like Livestrong wristbands, Flash Mobs and My Space. Trends are like turtlenecks, McMansions and Keep Calm and Enough Already!