Because a new kitchen is a big-ticket item, most homeowners want a design with staying power. They seek a fresh look that won’t quickly become dated or hard to live with. To strike a balance between timeless and trendy, try these design moves.
The Creamy Kitchen
While white will always be a classic choice for cabinetry, slightly warmer tones are moving to the fore, particularly in the luxury market. Cream-colored kitchen cabinets offer the same timeless appeal as their snowy counterparts yet convey a soft sophistication that appeals to affluent customers. Today’s creams are much lighter, however, than the yellowy hues of 20 years ago. For a clean, updated look, paint the walls to match the cabinetry but distinguish the two with different sheens (perhaps satin for the cabinets and matte for the walls).
Warmer tones also complement and bring out the natural beauty of wood, which has returned to the kitchen. Creamy peripheral cabinets paired with a mid- or dark-tone wood island is a look that will stand the test of time. The combination can veer traditional or more modern-organic, depending on your overall design.
Marble: The Real Deal
Marble countertops are a popular choice right now for luxury kitchens. They somehow manage to look both timeless and fresh at the same time. Authentic marble offers an enduring elegance that just can’t be matched by busy granite and engineered quartz.
The best type of marble to use depends, of course, on the desired aesthetic. Carrara, with its soft white background and subtle gray veining, has graced grand European homes for centuries. It conveys quiet luxury like no other. For a bit more warmth, consider Calacatta, with its slightly more prominent veining and hints or gold or brown. Or embrace the current trend and opt for a dramatically veined marble, such as Arabescato.
Backsplash Appeal
One kitchen trend that doesn’t seem to be fading: slab backsplashes. Carrying your countertop material onto the wall creates a seamless look that feels clean and current. The choice of marble will determine if the approach reads more traditional or on-trend. To create a stunning, of-the-moment focal point, take the concept of continuity one step further and cover the hood in marble as well. And forget the floating glass and wood shelves of yesteryear; install a long marble shelf instead.
Zellige tile remains another popular backsplash option. Originating in Morocco, the handcrafted tiles date back to the 10th Century, so they certainly can’t be classified as trendy. They bring a distinctive, artisanal quality to kitchens and offer more texture and dimension than classic subway tile. Zellige tiles are available in a multitude of colors; the cream/beige variations create a versatile backdrop.
These kitchen design moves beautifully straddle the timeless versus trendy divide. Selecting the right appliances plays a part in achieving the right balance too. When you and your client reach that stage, stop by Friedman’s, where our appliance experts can help guide the process.