Kitchen updates that are worth mentioning & can make all the difference in your homes aesthetics. Contrast is fundamental and key when choosing cabinets/ countertops/ and flooring. To make a statement, they have to stand out; that is what makes them all the more appealing to look at! The dark and light tiling (picture to the left) brings out the deep color of the cabinets, all the while tying in the light speckles within the granite.
The kitchen isn't all about the countertops and cabinets, the lighting can also make or break the room (e.g no one enjoys fluorescents or ducking under low hanging lights). Keep it simple, elegant, and maybe even antique-like. The drop-down lights are a magnificent feature that can make the ceiling look higher and more spacious. In the picture to the right, the light cabinetry really opens up the room as the light truly reflects off of them and the light colors throughout the room. The granite is a touch darker to really draw your eye to it; definitely a classy look. The glass display cabinets add a unique touch to the room, as long as you have something organized and neat to display behind them, of course! I would have gone for a deeper toned tile to capture the darker coloring within the granite, but this tiling does accent the cabinets well. (Tidbit of advice for sellers: cluttered kitchens distract from the counter space available and the room in entirety, you don't want to draw attention away from the main features of the kitchen; e.g making sure the refrigerator is cleared of magnets, pictures, etc).
This has to be one of my favorite looks: as it is modern, tasteful, and obviously clean. The butcher block countertops are extremely durable and easily maintained with the use of mineral oil. The mint green accents add a sense of charm and "homey-ness", creating an eye-popping touch to the room. They have also wisely put to use the glass display cabinets while not overdoing it, it allows for just the right amount of decoration to the space. As you can tell, the mint door draws your eye through the space and compliments that rich, medium hardwood flooring. The hardwoods and butcher block are very well matched based on their tone, the warmth it creates really livens up the room even though it is surrounded by white. The light bounces and reflects off of the white surfaces, brightening up the room, keeping it from feeling dark and dingy. This is definitely a kitchen where I would want to spend most of my time; even though I don't cook, it surely would make for a good excuse to use such a masterpiece of a kitchen.
Now for a true definitive contrast kitchen... The deep, dark cabinetry draws you in, then takes your eye straight to the intricate backsplash of grey's and white's that tie into the countertop. These colors make for a truly balanced space. The rich cabinets also make the crown molding pop right out at you, as it screams sophistication and elegance. The flooring could go either way, a darker hardwood or light oak hardwood would make for a good addition to stay with a more cooler tone palette but the current hardwoods are complimentary in their own way.
They grey speckles in the granite are very obviously accented, to the T, in the backsplash. Matching color tones: whether they are warm or cool, can make any room or break it. The light tiling does bring out the natural lighting in the room. The recessed lighting visually adds height to the room and makes for a more open feeling when you enter the kitchen. A nice touch would be 2-3 drop down lights over the island, something with an industrial touch or more modern and clean appearance could escalate the rooms vibrancy and originality. BUT, I will caution you to not go too wild or taste-specific to your own-likings if you plan on selling your home with that light fixture. Certain pieces can take away from the overall appeal of your home if they are too personal.
Another trending look in today's marketplace is the concrete countertop. With their natural, organic, and unique look, no wonder buyers are starting to include this into their design. Unlike most countertops, the concrete is made per order and is made especially for your home. For the more environmentally friendly, they can be made from recycled materials. They also come in a variety of shades and finishes to make it all your own- unlike the usual granite you will find in most homes- it definitely gives you an edge. If sealed correctly, they prove to be just as easy to clean as a normal laminated surface or you can use a pH-neutral natural cleaner, to be safe. There is an undeniable rustic charm created from the concrete countertop that is unmatched by any other material out there. With the original hardwood flooring, this kitchen has character all it's own.
Even a touch of colors in the cabinets can be elegant and soothing in appearance. The moss green, with a grey hint/tone, is modern, stylish, and is admiringly different. The marbled backsplash brings out more of the grey in the cabinetry and reflects the lighting around the room- keeping it bright and airy. It is a sheik, clean look; especially with the white quartz countertops. In a market where everyone seemingly has the same kitchen, it pays to stand out with these contemporary styles, and it certainly makes your home feel like your own, special escape. New builds are popping-up homes everyday with very similar kitchen designs, losing originality, and character; therefore, in my opinion, spicing up your home with a unique countertop, or trendy glass display cabinets, and even a trendy light fixture can take your home from drab to something wonderful! A rich, deep hardwood flooring would make an excellent touch to this room, but with the way it is now- there really is no downfall.
You can't go wrong with any of these looks, as these are trends that are going to be around for quite some time...
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