Technology in the Showroom
September 17, 2013AIA Home Tour: October 26 & 27
October 1, 2013Some of the hottest trends in home design and renovation right now are happening in the kitchen. Kitchens are a traditional gathering place, but today’s technology is taking the kitchen to innovative new heights. In fact, our kitchens (along with our bathrooms) are where our family traditions are most informed—and transformed—by technology and innovation.
Water Stations
You know that old saying, “Everything but the kitchen sink”? Well, today’s kitchen innovations include everything including the kitchen sink! Homeowners are thinking about the shape, material, and function of their kitchen sinks more than ever. Touch technology has transformed the faucet into a highly-sensitive tool that responds to a touch or wave of the hand; natural stone is gaining popularity with its easy-to-care-for durability; sinks are becoming workspaces on their own merit, through the incorporation of fitted cutting boards, and draining and prepping capability.
Clean Lines
Clean and modern, but also comfortable and timeless; both designers and homeowners strive for balance in overall kitchen design. Whether your aesthetic is sleek and über-modern, or classic Italian Country, the final product should always look purposeful and elegant. Working with a kitchen designer is a great way to focus your budget and your personal style; they are the “wide angle lens,” and a designer’s job is to help give you the perspective you need to get the kitchen of your dreams.
Sustainable Materials
Each year, more and more homeowners come to a renovation project with the desire to keep both the process and the end product “greener.” Choosing sustainable materials has introduced us to renewable, recyclable, environmentally-safe, and energy-efficient products for our kitchens.
- Bamboo: From countertops to flooring, bamboo is one of the hottest materials being used in home remodeling at the moment—and not just in the kitchen!
- Appliances: Water-saving dishwashers, energy-efficient refrigerators, “touchless” faucets—all designs that help cooks conserve in the kitchen.
- Accessories: Eco-friendly paints, reclaimed décor, and decorating with sustainable materials (like bamboo, which is also used for napkins and tablecloths) are all ways to make your kitchen “greener.”
Inspired to update your kitchen? Let us help! Stop in to Cabinets & Designs to talk with a designer today!