Kitchens have long served as the quintessential gathering space in the home, but kitchen design has evolved as day-to-day life has changed in the wake of the pandemic. Now more than ever, versatility and functionality are vital components of kitchen design.
This year’s home design trends have revealed that open floor plans need some remastering, Architecture Designer Paige Foss said. And this includes the classic kitchen; homebuyers have become increasingly interested in outfitting this space to achieve greater livability. But functionality doesn’t have to be boring. Drees homeowners are designing kitchens with textured backsplashes, bold cabinet colors and unique island designs.
Kitchens are not just for cooking anymore
The modern kitchen is versatile because it must fit our lifestyles. Homebuyers aren’t just designing kitchens perfect for cooking and dining — they’re designing kitchens where they can cook and eat and meal prep and work from home. Today’s kitchen must be able to do it all.
The pocket office
Drees homeowners who work from home are optimizing their kitchen space by adding a nearby pocket office. Often tucked off the kitchen, pocket offices are designed to provide a seamless transition from work to play, offering the unique ability to knock out work while still maintaining a pulse on the rest of the house.
The working pantry
When a traditional pantry just isn’t enough! The working pantry is a walk-in pantry that features ample countertop space and cabinets for storage. The working pantry eliminates the need to store pressure cookers, crockpots and toasters – just leave them on the counter and they’ll be ready to use. The spaces keep appliances accessible while also eliminating clutter in the hub of the home.
Out with the classic and in with the bold
Homebuyers are moving away from the classic kitchen look. Since cooking and eating at home is top of mind these days, it’s imperative that the kitchen is as interesting and inspiring as it is functional.
Cabinets: No more neutral
Bold colors are dominating kitchen design, especially when it comes to cabinets. In lieu of the traditional natural or white colored cabinets, homebuyers are going with colors like grey and blue.
Subway tile isn’t the only backsplash option
Cabinet colors aren’t the only thing changing; homebuyers are gravitating toward unique shapes, textures and patterns when selecting a backsplash.
Backsplashes with patterned tile have a lot of range. Neutral colors give off a more subtle look, while striking colors like black and white transform the backsplash into a focal point.
Range hoods with … shiplap?
For range hoods, the signature stainless steel look isn’t the only option anymore. A shiplap application on a range hood provides clean lines and a modern feel.
Islands, islands, islands
Islands are no longer a wish list item – they’re a must-have. These extra pops of counter space, which usually house a sink, are perfect for prepping, serving and eating. So talk about versatility, right? Islands are perfect for the day-to-day and for hosting parties. You can prep meals on this extra stretch of counter space on a Monday and display beautiful spreads of fruit and veggie trays, charcuterie boards and all of the fixings on a Friday.
And when one island isn’t enough, just add another! Use one island for cooking and the second for dining.
When it comes to island design, homebuyers are going big. Waterfall islands, islands with quartz or granite that extend down the sides, bring a touch of glam to the kitchen.
Although kitchen design is shifting, the kitchen will always evoke certain emotions. It’s where we sit down with our spouse to share a meal after a long day. It’s where we feel comfort – where we smell savory soups simmering on the stove on an autumn afternoon. It’s where family gathers during the holidays, sipping and munching between the laughs and the stories. It’s where memories are made.
No matter if you want to keep your kitchen more traditional, or if you want to go bold and modern, we’re committed to making your kitchen beautiful and functional, so that you can focus on making it a space full of love, comfort and (of course) good eatin’.
Start designing your dream kitchen today!
From Instagram inspiration and Pinterest pins to your final floor plan, Drees makes it easy to bring it all together. We know your home is more than a dwelling. It’s an expression of who you are and what you value. Designing a custom home is a very personal endeavor, and we want to be here to help you every step of the way. To learn more about building your dream home, visit, dreeshomes.com.
