Guest Blogger: Kitchen Design Trends for 2012

Guest Blogger #299, Entry #839, December 16, 2011

If you think dark-wood cabinetry and nude floors and countertops are where it’s at when it comes to kitchen design, you need to rethink your strategy.  That look is so two years ago!  Heading into 2012, kitchen design is all about clean lines, bright colors, modular storage, and an unexpected design element that really pops.  So if you’re looking to remodel and you want a space that will suit your family, impress your guests, and appeal to buyers as the housing market begins to rebound, here are just a few tips to help you get the trendy, modern kitchen you’ve been dreaming of.

See what kitchen trends are coming for 2012

Flooring

Linoleum has virtually gone the way of the dodo and even stone tiles are a bit outdated.  Carpeting is definitely out (ugh!).  And while you can never go wrong with a nice laminate, the flooring of the future is something you never would have imagined: concrete.  Okay, so you might not like the idea of a drab, gray floor.  But thanks to customization options you can now get this uber-eco-friendly building material in a variety of colors, patterns, and even textures (to mimic the look of other flooring, for example).

What flooring ideas will you bring into your home in 2012?

Image via: Cococozy

Countertops

The ho-hum granite that dominated the last decade has been replaced by some gorgeous (and eco-friendly) options.  Silestone, made from crushed and polished quartz, is one great option.  Although the company relies on stone quarries, they restore these sites after use and they utilize green practices in their manufacturing, as well.  They also have a wide array of surfaces in colors both muted and dazzlingly bright and gem-like.  If you want a counter the color of an orange peel or your favorite red nail polish, you can get it.  Or if you like the retro look of Formica, recycled glass countertops are like an updated version.  And think about running it all the way down to the floor on any exposed sides of cabinetry for an uber-trendy approach to your design.

Appliances

It’s energy-star all the way when it comes to your appliances.  And while brushed nickel is still enjoying a lot of popularity, you really need to match your appliances to your overall kitchen look.  Don’t forget to double up; a modern kitchen needs two ovens and potentially even two dishwashers.

Lighting

Forget the fluorescents (so unflattering).  A kitchen that is “now” needs to sport many lighting options, so think about including recessed lights on the ceiling for a bright wash, under-cabinet lighting for countertop work, and of course, pendant lights over the island/bar (on a dimmer switch for a softer mood).  You can add a pop of color with your pendants or keep it chic with bright white shades.

Dramatic pendant lighting enhances any kitchen

Image via: Interior Groupie

Cabinets

If you’d like to make your space bright and airy, you could do worse than to install white kitchen cabinets.  This classic look pairs well with the bright-colored walls, backsplashes, countertops, or other accents that define a modern kitchen.  But if you’re really keen to incorporate some Technicolor into your space (in the lemony yellows, lime greens, or bubble gum pinks that seem to be trending at the moment) then consider leaving the cabinets white but going for doors with an eye-searing splash of color. It’s a bit more committed than paint but a lot less risky than countertops.  And if you’re replacing the whole works, go with cabinets that are modular and provide plenty of compartmentalization.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.