Thinking about remodeling your kitchen or bathroom and feeling a bit paralyzed by all of the choices out there? Worried that you will pick something that isn’t current with today’s styles or worse yet, won’t be tomorrow? These are common concerns that we address daily and while many times they are valid, sometimes they are not as big of a deal as people make them out to be.
One of the first questions that we ask when discussing a potential remodeling project, is “How long do you plan staying in the house?” If the answer is anything less than 5-6 years, we generally advise a little more conservative approach to spending and to design choices that might be a little outside the current styles and/or trends.
If the answer is a minimum of 6-8 years or more, than we have more leeway in both what we would advise a client to spend as well as what we would recommend they do with styles and colors. First, they’re going to be living in and enjoying the space longer, so spend enough to get what you want and feel comfortable. Don’t try to save and have to settle for something that wasn’t perfect for you. Way too many people wait until it’s time to put the house up for sale and THEN do a “budget” remodel when they could have spent a little more and enjoyed their space for several years. Second, who knows what styles and trend will be 8 years out. More than likely whomever buys your home will want to redo it anyways so do what you like.
So what are the trends that you should be looking at while planning a new project you ask? For 2016 we will continue to see simple, straight-lined designs. (Staggered heights, bump outs, ornate mouldings have all but vanished from today’s designs.) Contemporary or modern designs fit this theme and are increasing dramatically but traditional looks will still work great as well. Simple “shaker” doors are still very popular but we are doing more with slight bevels as opposed to the sharp edges of traditional shaker designs. Mixing in simple recessed panel designs with a little detail (once considered mostly traditional) with wider framed doors or even slab doors are becoming increasingly popular.
Regarding color, whites will still be king as we do over 70% of our projects with some form of white (more to the cooler/brighter whites than the once popular creamy whites) but also continue to mix in the grays and charcoals. We should however see an influx of more dramatic colors as accents. The Pantone Color Institute predicts a vibrant palette of colors for the spring led by colors such as Rose Quartz, Snorkel Blue, and Peach Echo. So while the cabinetry may stay simple, dashes of color mixed in with fluid geometric shapes for lighting, backsplashes and showers will add all the pop you need.
Also big will be the use of natural textures and raw materials, organic shapes and sustainably made goods and products. We continue to see a mix of reclaimed and contemporary bringing new and old together for a perfect mix. Metals are also strong, particularly those with gold undertones but chrome is very popular as well and polished steel seems to be trending up over stainless. Today’s styles are allowing some flexibility and designers are taking advantage by adding a little “bling” to their designs.
To find out how you can work these trends, or any that might better suit your personal style, please visit our brand new showroom and design center opening November 9th. One of our design team members will be happy to discuss your project ideas and help bring them to life!
Haile Kitchen & Bath, LLC
2725 SW 91st Street
Suite 130
Gainesville FL 32608
www.HaileKitchen.com
Geometric Tile – Yin & Yang by Crossville Tile
Geometric Light – Aerial by Currey & Company
Crystal Cabinets –Somewhat traditional door style but in a more contemporary design