3 Ways to Tell if These Kitchen Remodeling Trends Are a Fit for Your Family’s Lifestyle

Not all trends are created equal and we often wish we had a crystal ball to know which ones will stick around and which ones will be a flash in the pan. Finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality is always one of the challenges of a great kitchen design. As you look at those pretty photos on Pinterest, it can be hard to know which ones will work well in your home. To explore the possibilities and help you decide, let’s use three basic tests to evaluate some of today’s trends and see which ones fit your home and lifestyle.  

Here’s our three tests we’ll use to help out:

1. You may like a specific trend, but does it fit and support your overall design style? Though you may see a trend and love it, it may not always flow with the overall style you’re drawn to. To achieve those Houzz and Pinterest worthy homes, each element of design must play together nicely in every detail. 
2. Second, does the trend impact the safe and convenient use of your home for you and your family. If you have little ones or elderly relatives that live with you, or visit often, some trends may not be a good fit for everyday use. 
3. Third, will the trend negatively impact your resale value? This is where that crystal ball would come in handy. 

Let’s jump in and see if we can help you decide if three of the popular kitchen remodeling trends are right for you.

Navy Blue and Other Dark Cabinetry Colors

    There’s been a surge of dark-colored cabinetry on the scene lately that is certainly eye catching. Beginning in late 2017 navy blues have been showing up in kitchen designs in greater numbers. These darker colors are a huge contrast to the white cabinetry trend that has been around for some time. At first glance, this might seem too dramatic, but in the right setting it can create a very elegant and stunning affect when complimented by the overall design. Let’s use our three criteria to see if this trend is right for you. 

1.     Does it support your overall design style? Depending on your style it may or may not, and an excellent way to decide is to log onto Houzz and look at some photos of dark-colored cabinets. This look is somewhat distinctive and you’ll want to see if it shows up in spaces that have an overall feel that you love, or if it’s the only thing you like about the kitchens you see it in.  
2.     Does this trend create a safe and convenient space for your family? Dark cabinetry combined with a light countertop can create a distinct edge that will be easier to see for older adults and children. This can give them a better perspective on where the countertop starts and ends making it safer lean on or work at the counter. Sounds like a win to us.  
3.     Will dark cabinetry affect your ability to resell your home? With any trend, if done correctly, it isn’t likely to change the resale value of your home. If you want to dip your toe into this trend it can be a dramatic addition to your home, just be sure that it supports the overall design style throughout your kitchen and you will not likely run into any resale issues. 

Looking for unique lighting ideas for your kitchen remodel? Check out our blog: 4 Unique Kitchen Lighting Fixture Ideas To Spark Inspiration

Matte Black Finishes

    You’ll see this trend a lot in farmhouse style homes, and it adds a beautiful contrast to the all-white trend that has been popular for the last 7 years. By adding this pop of black to a space, you open the door for more bold statements. You may even venture into non-white cabinets! 

    Matte black finishes also hide water spots and fingerprints very well and therefore will require less cleaning. You’ll see this finish on everything from faucets to cabinet hardware and lighting fixtures. Wherever this finish is applied it will definitely make a statement. 

    Let’s see if it passes the tests. 

1. Do matte black finishes support your overall style? If high contrast or bold designs aren’t your thing, this might not be the trend for you. And if you’re going for a more traditional look this trend may be harder to pull off. However, if you’re looking for something to spice up your mostly monochromatic kitchen this might just be what you’re looking for. 
2.     Are matte black finishes safe for you and your family? In and of themselves they are neither less nor more safe than any other finish on any fixture. In most cases this is strictly an aesthetic choice, so there’s no need to worry about safety when it comes to this trend. On the other hand, when used to create contrast between the fixture or hardware and the surface it is mounted on, black can actually improve the safe use of things like cabinetry and faucets. 
3.     Is this trend going to hinder reselling your home? It can be a bold design decision, but just like with dark cabinetry, if the rest of the kitchen design is bold in its design it should not hurt the resale value.

Want to make your bathroom more like a spa? Check out this blog: 4 Spoil Me Options That Are A Great Addition To Any Accessible Bathroom

Quartz Over Granite

    Recently, many homeowners are choosing quartz over granite in their kitchen remodels. Though there are many reasons for this, the most common is that quartz is a lower maintenance material and comes in many beautiful shades and patterns. There isn’t much of a cost difference between the two, and quartz’s ability to look like marble without the headache of sealing and continually worrying about stains makes it almost a no-brainer. So how does it stand up to our tests?  

Interested in learning more about Granite vs. Quartz check out our blog: Granite Vs. Quartz Countertops: What’s The Right Top For Your Home?

1.     With so many options when it comes to colors and patterns, there’s sure to be a choice that will fit just about any design style. The biggest problem here may be narrowing your choices.  
2.     Is quartz safe? Quartz tops are a man-made product and are more durable than granite or marble. You’re less likely to get chips and cracks on the edges that can be dangerous when your hand runs along the counter. It also is more flexible than granite and is less likely to break when being installed. One word of note, quartz is not as resistant to heat as granite, so if you like to set hot pans on your top, right out of the oven, you’ll want to keep this in mind.
3.     Is quartz going to affect your resale value? No. Quartz is a popular trend in almost all styles and price ranges because of its durability and maintenance free characteristics. This is one choice that will likely add to your resale value.

    In the end, we always encourage you to make your home fit your taste and lifestyle, not someone else’s. If you love those beautiful navy cabinets, go for it! You may just want to talk with our design team to make sure you pull off the complete picture. Then others will be liking your kitchen on Houzz. 

SMART PEOPLE MAKE SMART CHOICES

Our goal with these pieces is to help you get the information you need to make educated choices for your home and family. If you’ve found this helpful, share it with others. If you have questions or would like to request other topics to be covered, please use the comment section below and we’ll make sure you get you the answers you need.

Looking for help designing your next kitchen remodel? Download our Kitchen Design Guide. You’ll find helpful information for every step of the remodeling process and learn how to achieve the kitchen of your dreams!