
Home has become an ever-evolving design project that has found its resting place in a home that works for you and your family, and trends are showing that it begins in the kitchen, a space that is not only multi-functional but sustainable in our current environment. Remodeling is IN right now, an almost natural course of events forced upon us as we adjust to working, educating, exercising and food prepping from home. Making informed design decisions are at the top of the list as we consider design trends and choices that will live with us for many years and hopefully enhance our day-to-day living. Here are a few important trends that should be at the top of your list.

Green Construction Designed to be environmentally sustainable by focusing on the efficient use of resources, along with more efficient energy and water use, recycled building materials are playing a larger part in the design and construction for home and business, according to Central Pacific Construction. So think green when you have the opportunity to remodel, upgrade appliances and choosing building materials.
Butler’s Pantry Now that home has officially trending as the “most multi-functional room” in the home, storage is the buzz-word for the remodeled/updated kitchen. Spending more time in the home naturally reveals the need for “highly-customized and well organized storage solutions [that] will increase the efficiency of a kitchen,” according to Geeta Kewalramani, a certified master kitchen and bath designer with Kimaya Designs. Butler’s pantries can range from a utility room to tall pantries, drawers and cabinets optimized for maximum storage capacity.

Smart Kitchens It’s all about convenience when updating your kitchen, according to Leo Lantz, a remodeler in Glen Allen, Virginia. Smart appliances that perform more than one function are what people want. For example, a smart refrigerator that also lets you control smart lighting or monitor the front door adds to the flexibility in designing spaces. Gas and induction cooking methods are nearly equal in popularity, with induction set to replace traditional glass electric cooktops, according to NKBA.
Kitchen Cabinets Although white cabinets will always have a classic hold on kitchens, homeowners are embracing colors such as greens, blues and even warm wood tones that are popping up everywhere according to Michelle Berwick of Michelle Berwick Design. Warm natural finishes that remind us of nature are also popular color trends that include grays and browns.

Home Spas Those seeking wellness that encourages relaxation are not only open to designing a multi-functional kitchen but are incorporating spa-like bathrooms with soaking tubs, serene color palettes and modern, sleek fixtures.

Personalization Bringing character and personality to your space has been a surging trend and I believe is here to stay. It can be accomplished by mixing materials and finishes into your design. From plumbing and lighting fixtures to decorative hardware and layers of texture, all of which allow you to set the tone of your individual style.
Wherever you land in making design decisions for your next renovation project, you have the luxury of choosing well for the future of your home and its ability to enhance your lifestyle by incorporating the current design trends!
Photography: Emily Followill, Michael J. Lee