Market Trends for Kitchen Design

Here is all the latest on what buyers are looking for from our friends at Bon Vivant, Caymans leading cutting-edge kitchen consultants. Visit them at Camana Bay when you start your kitchen planning!

Kitchen design is looking very exciting for 2013 as several design philosophies are converging and mixing, resulting in kitchens that are highly personal; focusing on form and function.

Upcoming kitchen designs reflect a change in the way we spend our time at home. Trends now focus on a more social layout, as families begin to entertain and dine in more frequently. With so many changes coming up in the year ahead, here are some of the more notable.

The last few design trends have traditionally favored darker colours, but in 2013 designers predict a change to lighter, more neutral colours, with dark counter tops in marble and stone to create an elegant, natural look. Granite remains the top choice for counter-tops, still used by 87% of kitchen designers and 71% of bathroom designers, but quartz and stone projects are narrowing the gap, particularly in high-end and contemporary homes.

Pale solid wood flooring remains popular, in particular bamboo, as designers strive to use more renewable materials.

The growing demand for simple, minimalist kitchen designs has sparked a recent interest in appliance integration. Most of our appliances are now hidden inside cabinets, while under-counter refrigerators are now being used more frequently to accomplish an even counter-top surface. The range, often the statement piece of the kitchen, predominantly appears in classic stainless steel but is also available in colours. Brand names like Bosch or Thermador are still significant in design consideration, as always, while European brands like Miele and Gaggeneau support the minimalist look.

This image captures well the new integrated look - clean and simple.

This integrated cooking station has a built-in griddle and insert for boiling pasta.

Not your grandmother's kitchen!

As important as style remains, function is more important than ever before. Professional quality appliances lead to professional quality results. From gas to induction, the variety of cooking options can be virtually endless. For example, Thermador has offered a new twist on the conventional round gas burner with their trademark ‘Star Burner’ which evenly distributes the flame for better heat distribution on their cook-tops and ranges.

Wine storage is also popular with many people these days. There are models for those who enjoy their wine at the perfect temperature and for those investors who want to preserve the integrity of their wine stored over a longer period of time.

U-line is just one of many brands that offer a large selection of Energy Star rated under-counter refrigeration and wine storage units. (Not to mention icemakers!)

This unit has multiple zones for whites, reds ready to drink and long-term storage.

Appliances are not just for the kitchen and laundry room any more. Small refrigerators in the bedroom ensure chilled beverages or storage for medications and remove the necessity to go back to the kitchen.

Compact laundry systems like Bosch are also available that require no venting – perfect for the rear of a walk-in closet. Talk about convenient!

Now that is what we call progress!

Let’s not forget the notion of bringing your indoors to the outdoors! Now there is outdoor cooking convenience like never before. High performance grills, using either propane or charcoal, are now available to the outdoor cook. Whether you are an occasional home chef who would enjoy a compact surface area like that of a Coyote Grill for example or whether a full set of modern outdoor appliances from companies like Fire Magic is your preference, there are a host of outdoor options. Outdoor refrigeration ensures freshness and storage convenience. Warming drawers keep everything at serving temperature. Draft systems ensure the cook is well hydrated too!

For the man who has everything, there is always this.

Appearance, convenience and functionality are the keys to today’s modern kitchen. Go forth and be inspired. Bon Vivant!!!