Kitchen Designs | What's Trending in 2022

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One of the most important investments you can make to your home’s value is within your kitchen. The first thing that homeowners and home seekers look at when purchasing their ‘dream home,’ is the overall feel and design of the kitchen, as it is often the busiest place within the house where people gather. This is why it’s important to know what’s trending, what’s not, and to consider the overall function of your space catered to your family and lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at what’s trending in Kitchen Design this year— though these design attributes are also timeless, and will last for years to come. Here are our picks beautiful, timeless kitchen designs sure to knock anyone’s socks off!

Blue, Green & Mid Tone Wood Kitchens – Get earthy with mid-tone blue or green kitchens, which are on trend and I love it! Mid tone wood cabinets in rift cut or sawn white oak are also what’s haute in the design world. These color palettes create a warm and inviting space; a look that’s both classic and sophisticated. This palette works beautifully for both traditional and contemporary spaces.

Curved Corners – Curves add softness to the room and we are seeing this trend not only in kitchen cabinets but also in furniture! There is something very elegant about drawing the eye into a design, and allowing it to flow throughout your space with a balance of traditional corners, and curved.

Two Tone Kitchens – This trend has been popular for several years and incorporating wood cabinets or features brings in the natural element to the space. One rule of thumb is to keep the upper cabinets lighter than the lower if you’re looking to make the space feel airier and lighter in feel. Having two-toned cabinets gives your kitchen a custom look; one of having high quality furniture as opposed to basic cabinetry- giving your kitchen that extra luxe look.

Seamless Backsplashes– Seamless backsplashes with the same countertop material or glass provide continuity to the area and are easy to maintain. Also electrical outlets are hidden in cabinetry instead of the backsplash. Gone are all the grout lines of subway tiles! Get the chic feel of luxury with the seamless design, drawing your eye throughout, without any visual interruptions.

Paneled or Hidden Kitchens – With so many open floor plans and with our recent lockdowns, paneled or hidden kitchens provide the flexibility for multipurpose living, while providing a contemporary, clean, sophisticated look. Paneled kitchen are timeless, versatile, and incredibly popular, particularly as mid-century modern is re-entering the trends in home design.

Rustic or Antique Elements – Natural wood elements provide that connection to nature and can be incorporated with a live edge countertop, antique table or shelving. This is a look that never dates itself; homes with elements of organic and rustic accents tend to stay on trend timelessly— subtle focal points make for a true classic look.

Glass Doors or Dividers – Kitchen pantries are still the rage and metal glass doors or partitions give you the sense of intrigue and contrast. Due to the lock downs with so many working from home, we are also seeing the need for spaces to be divided instead of the open plan living. Depending on your style, you can incorporate beautiful modern pane-less glass doors, or traditional rustic ones to truly complete the space and add extra elegance.

Are you considering a remodel on your kitchen? Or, are you in the midst of building your dream home? Contact Kathy for a consultation! In the meantime, please see some past Authentic Home kitchen projects to get inspired!

The Perfect Entertaining Kitchen Space

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My client’s custom built a stunning contemporary home on the beautiful coast of the Puget Sound in West Seattle after living in the area for over the past two decades.  They both always wanted to live on the water and finally moved into their two building compound after a two a half year construction. The architect design4r the home to take advantage of the water views and the home has over forty windows so to experience every aspect of each day.

They love to entertain so the main floor has a large kitchen and living room area with access out to a water front balcony.  I wanted to keep the coloring of all the furnishings in the spaces neutral yet with some interest and to not detract from the beautiful scenery.  My clients travel a great deal and their artwork and sculptures also were part of the overall design of the spaces.  The custom bar stools by Trica and dining table and chairs by Old Biscayne Designs provide enough sitting for all of their gatherings. 

KITCHEN BEFORE

Bright and Airy Kitchen Remodel

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The original kitchen had blue painted cabinets and simply needed a refresh.  New cabinets and appliances were installed and a wider peninsula island was created for the cooktop placed and to have ample room for bar stools across from it.  The back splash mosaic tile, a new center island and new lighting make this a modern kitchen. Adjacent to the cook area is now a built in desk space and extra storage.  The custom window seats were made to fit in the corner dining area and now this comfortable space is where the family starts the day. I created a custom paint color for the walls and Champagne on Ice was used on all the ceilings and trim throughout the house.

BEFORES & AFTERS



Kathy's Recent Project- Kitchen Before & After!

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My client purchased this 100 year old Craftsman style home when she was raising her family and was excited to update and personalize it to reflect her personal style.

The initial undertaking was the flooring since it was original to the home and has some holes in it that couldn’t be repaired.  DuChateau luxury vinyl tile, LVT, was the final flooring choice since my client was considering renting out the house once her youngest was out of high school and LVT is very durable and waterproof.  The light grey color tones of the LVT works well with the Authentic Home Dove Grey paint color that is throughout the main floor, both bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen cabinet doors were resurfaced and quartz Grey Savoie countertops and backsplash and new Top Knobs hardware bring the space much needed lightness while adding a bit of a feminine touch. A new side counter top was added during the remodel for additional storage and to have the flexibility of sitting on bar stools.  The clean white modern table and clear acrylic chairs finish the space with a light and airy feel suitable for any gathering. And the new range and hood along with the farm house white porcelain sink make this a wonderful kitchen to create meals and entertain in.




Classic Kitchen

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The spectacular and classic Calcutta Gold marble is the highlight of this kitchen and makes a definite statement on the 12 foot long island due to size and beautiful veining and colors.  Due to the uniqueness and expense of such a beautiful marble we worked the color palette around it and lighten up the cabinetry using the Authentic Home Champagne on Ice paint color.

A new stainless sink and faucet and glass bell jar lantern pendent lights brighten up the entire kitchen space.  The upholstered two tone bar stools, an under counter microwave, the Calcutta Gold subway tile back splash and decorative cabinet brushed steel hardware are the finishing touches that transformed this tired kitchen into a beautiful kitchen that everyone wants to linger in all day long.

Kitchen Before

Kitchen After

Casually Elegant Kitchen Design

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The homeowners of a 1938 Georgian Colonial home were ready to remodel their 10-year old kitchen for a casually elegant design with a more functional layout. The outdated oak cabinets, tile countertops and dark colors didn’t reflect the family’s outgoing personality and they were desperate for a change. The client’s most important requests included a larger island and additional seating for their family of four. New linen colored custom alder cabinets were installed in the new kitchen. The island base was made from the same material and stained a dark brown/black color. Structurally, the dropped ceiling was raised and custom oak beams were mounted on the new ceiling to provide a more casual appearance. An enclosed sunroom was the only addition to the home’s east facing kitchen wall, which created a much needed larger dining area. Authentic Home COLOR Paint™ in Glacier and Champagne was used on the walls and ceilings to continue the comfortable, cool feel.

Before & After

Kitchen with a View of the Sound

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The couple of this 1930’s split level home wanted a more contemporary feel to their entire home especially since the wife recently retired. Tom Fine of Fine Construction headed up the project while Kathy provided aesthetic guidance with the selection of the interior materials for the kitchen and living rooms including the furnishings. The scope of work consisted of removing a main wall between the living room and the kitchen and dining room and the removal of several windows so to take advantage of the beautiful sound views. Authentic Home COLOR Paint in Grey Stone,Lemongrass, Ocean Mist and Champagne on Ice were used throughout the home.

Rustic Vacation Home Kitchen

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The homeowners of this new vacation home wanted a rustic, comfortable feel to their home and kitchen.  Adorned with Tech Lighting pendants separates the kitchen from the living room. Custom made cherry cabinets with Uba Tuba granite countertops, dual islands and a custom built in hutch brings a warm, earthy feel to this functional kitchen. The hutch was glazed to give it a rustic feel and the creative homeowner hand-made four stained glass insets for each of the four door panels. The stain glass design represents both the natural beauty of area and the family’s many hobbies.

Open Kitchen Transformation

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The cabinet divider between the kitchen and eat in dining area was simply in the way between the two spaces. With the removal of these cabinets and the removal of the dining room sliding doors that led to the backyard, this homeowner has an open floor plan and a great deal more countertop space to spread out when cooking. We repositioned the stove and microwave to create a nice flow between the refrigerator, sink and stove areas. A pull out pantry, Lazy Susan for access into a corner cabinet, and a custom bookcase, all provide ample storage in this beautiful, new open kitchen.

PNW Kitchen Refresh

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The Authentic Home Lemongrass color, natural walnut hardwood floors and honed Uba Tuba granite on the kitchen and island countertops create an earthy rustic feel for this lodge like interiors located just 30 minutes from Seattle.  The stacked slate backsplash by Pental, oversized island perfect for entertaining and the high end appliances make this a kitchen that any chef would want to cook in. We love all the natural wood details in this room!

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After: Rustic Elegance