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Take it to the top. For a sleek and modern look, optimize your storage and display areas by taking the cabinets right up to the ceiling. Full-height cabinets create a more streamlined look and offer a place for those less-frequently used items to live. Add interest with glazed doors, as the owners of this Shaker-style kitchen have done.
Mix up materials. You don’t have to have the same finish or style for your upper and lower cabinets. In this kitchen, the rough-hewn wood of the lower cabinets ties in beautifully with the classic and dramatic units above. The softness and warmth of the wood are the perfect foil to the high contrast of the dark gray and white.
Melamine. Would you be able to tell that this millwork isn’t actually made from a dark, rich wood? Instead it’s made from melamine. Today it’s almost impossible to decipher a good-quality textured melamine from actual wood. The technology that’s used now is very different from what was used 30-plus years ago. Melamine costs about half of what wood costs.
Electric fireplaces. This is another product that has come a long way from what it used to be. In fact, these days it’s getting harder and harder to distinguish an electric fireplace from a gas model. Opting for electric can save you upward of $5,000 since all you need is a plug. There are no code requirements, no gas line, no chimney and it’s better for the environment.
6. Paint. By painting your walls, baseboards and ceilings the same color, you blur the lines of where your walls end and where your ceilings begin. If you think your wall color is too dark for the ceiling, then dilute the wall color with 50 percent white and try that on the ceiling instead.Daybed: Holly Hunt
Another option is using two-tone combinations to add a little bit of drama and contrast. When incorporating a two-tone color design, always be sure to anchor the kitchen by using the darker color on the bottom cabinet and lighter on top.Pro tip. I’ve used paint colors like Benjamin Moore’s North Sea on the bottom portion of the cabinets and then Meadow Mist on top, or Sherwin-Williams’ Cityscape below and Alabaster above. 8 Great Kitchen Cabinet Color Palettes | Find cabinets pros near you
Paint Color ConsiderationsKitchens are the gathering place in the home, so you want to be sure the overall design is welcoming and reflects the aesthetic of the house. For cabinets, many times I find that neutral paint, such as white, beige and gray, will give your kitchen a welcoming and clean look.White Cabinets Remain at the Top of Kitchen Wish Lists
Should You Repaint or Replace Your Kitchen Cabinets?Before you begin repainting, first analyze the “bones” of your existing cabinets to make sure they are in stable enough condition to repaint. Chipping or cracked wood or water damage are warning signs that they might need to be replaced, not just repainted. Additionally, if the cabinetry does not function well enough for you and your family to use, you may want to also consider replacement. If you determine your cabinets are in good condition but simply need a refresh, you are a prime candidate for cabinet repainting.Cabinets 101: How to Get the Storage You Want
Double BowlThe most popular style of kitchen sink, the double bowl, is a good choice for those who wash their dishes by hand or who need to be able to perform more than one task at the sink at one time. For instance, one person can be standing at the sink washing up while another cook drains the pasta.
Awning windows are a favorite of architects and designers trying to achieve a wall of large glass sheets with a minimum frame and where fresh air venting is desired or required. A classically contemporary setup is the large fixed glass panel set above an awning window that is kept low in the wall. This setup allows for expansive, unobstructed views to the outside while making sure that it's possible to get fresh air into the room.Cost. Awning windows will be much the same price point as casement windows. Depending on size, features and materials, expect to pay about $300 to $500 for an awning window.
Casement windowsA casement window is a very common window type and can be found in designs from traditional to contemporary. The window is a single sash that's attached to a frame on one side. Hinges, or a hinge, is used to make the attachment, allowing the window to swing exactly like a door. But a casement window invariably only swings out. This makes it important to place a casement window away from traffic. No one wants to be banged in the head by an open casement window when taking groceries into the kitchen.When to use them. Because the casement window is one sash, casement windows can be grouped together so that all of the panes of glass are in one plane. This gives a cleaner and more contemporary look to these windows, even when styled with traditional trim and pane patterns.Other important visual aspects of casement windows include the screen location on the inside and the hardware. Because the screen is on the inside, it becomes a visually important element when looking through the windows from inside the house. If looking through the screens all of the time bothers you, investing in screening material that visually disappears or a retractable screen system would b...
I find two- and three-panel doors particularly appealing, as they aren't all fussy and colonial but have a more modern and clean aesthetic. These doors can be made quite plain with just a single flat panel or dressed up a bit with two panels and some interesting sticking. While not quite as modern as the flat-slab door, a two- or three-panel door adds visual interest without becoming the focal point.
Glass DoorsChoices in glass doors are vast. You will likely want these as focal points or located in special places, such as where added light is needed.
Six-Panel DoorsOne of the most common door styles is the six-panel configuration. You should be able to find this door with a less-expensive hollow core as well as in solid wood.
Want to make it a little more convenient? Try having an electrician connect a wall switch to the outlet where the LED rope lighting is plugged in. It'll make turning the lighting on much more convenient and allow you to hide cords and outlets.
1. Consider ceiling height. Knowing your ceiling height is important when selecting hanging light fixtures. Some lights come with adjustable cables or rods, but others don’t. Don’t get stuck with a light that hangs too low or too high. As a rule of thumb, the bottom of a light should hang about 12 to 20 inches below a standard 8-foot ceiling. For each additional foot of ceiling height, add 3 inches.
The Palette: White and Gray with NeutralsWhite Shaker cabinets are not seen in every transitional kitchen, but they are certainly a popular pick. This is likely because the freshness of white instantly makes any space feel more spacious.Again, transitional kitchens are not strictly minimalist either, so the white is usually mixed with grays, woods, enticing metallics and other neutrals and textural elements for a friendly palette.
1. Blue beauty that does it all. This stately blue island adds contrast to the room, standing out against the white cabinets, walls and backsplash tiles. It immediately grabs your attention and begs you to pull up a barstool.It’s not just a place for sitting, though. The couple who live here with their two children also needed their remodeled kitchen to do a lot of work. That’s why, in addition to seating for three, Gilday Renovations helped the couple design an island with a stainless steel sink, two dishwashers and a polished marble top.Island color: Web Gray, Sherwin-WilliamsSee more of this kitchen
You can use the lights as an opportunity to introduce a new accent material or color, such as a hint of red or copper, or match them to another finish in the space. These cone pendants pair nicely with the base of the stools.
Humble schoolhouse, dome or cone shapes are popular, as are glass globes or lantern-style fixtures. Like most of the other elements described here, they carry a subtle, traditional air without being fussy or too ornate.
Splurge: Statement PendantsYour lighting is a great place to splurge, as it always makes for a natural center of attention. In transitional style, it’s very common to see sizable lights in a simple material and shape, relying on the drama of their size to catch your eye without being so bold as to overwhelm your field of vision when you sit down to snack.
Essential: Stainless SteelStainless steel appliances are highly coveted but especially so in transitional kitchens, where they bring a chef’s-kitchen appeal and help integrate modern features into a somewhat traditional setting. Plus, adding some strong elements of crisp metal offsets the organic character of wood floors and stone counters. If you don’t currently have the budget (or the desire) to use stainless steel appliances throughout, consider using this finish for just one appliance like the range or through other accents like cabinet hardware.
Mosaic BacksplashesIf you prefer the look of a mosaic backsplash, consider choosing one in a neutral palette in a rich, classic pattern rather than one in a trendy accent color. This is another great place to consider a herringbone installation or a tile with an interesting shape such as fish-scale or hexagon. This will suit the transitional style and help you avoid passing color trends in an area that’s not easy to update.
Essential: Sparkling StoneFor quite a time, dark granite was widely seen as the top choice for countertops. But for a coveted transitional style, a lightly flecked or veined marble or quartz brings a mature sensibility without looking heavy. It’s just rich enough to suit the more traditional elements, but crisp enough to also work with contemporary accents. It’s great for all of the counters, or with a contrast stone or butcher block on an island for pleasing contrast.
22. Fewer white or stainless-steel sinks. White and stainless steel sinks have had their day, says designer Ott. Expect more concrete, stone, copper and granite composite sinks in darker hues of gray, bronze or black.Your turn: What’s big on your design list this year? Have you spotted the next big trend of 2018? Give us your predictions in the Comments!See last year’s design predictionsBrowse the most popular photos on Houzz right now
17. Fish-scale pattern backsplash. If you’ve grown bored of subway tile but still want something simple and classic, check out a scalloped or fish-scale pattern. The look offers more movement, and a bit more interest, than rectangular tile but is still versatile enough to work with almost any kitchen style.See more photos of fish-scale tile in design
7. Glass insert for tub-shower combos. Many still love their shower curtains, but partial glass dividers are coming on strong. Glass shower panels keep compact spaces airy and open, allowing a clear view to a statement shower tile or more natural light. See our guide on getting a glass insert
3. More color in kitchens. White will always be a classic palette for kitchens, as the annual Houzz kitchen trends study continues to show. But its increased popularity means there’s going to be some all-white-kitchen fatigue as homeowners look for ways to personalize their space. So while white kitchens aren’t even close to going away, expect to see a rise in color for the kitchen, especially other neutrals like gray and blue. Plus, warm wood tones are becoming a popular replacement for painted cabinets, leading to sophisticated, rich palettes.3 Modern Kitchens That Rock Warm Wood Cabinets
1. Dedicated chopping and baking stations. Regular countertop height is fine for those casual weekly meals. But for larger, more involved recipes that require a lot of chopping, rolling or other strenuous maneuvers, a lower countertop is more ideal. That’s why some avid home cooks are gravitating toward dedicated chopping and baking stations that are often a continuation of a larger, standard-height island. See how to create a dedicated baking station
This kitchen in Hood River, Oregon, has a variety of built-in storage options, including cookie sheet organizers and pullout shelves.
This kitchen in Providence, Rhode Island, has access to outdoor space through a single door.Some crave more access to the outdoors. About 18 percent of renovating homeowners said they were opening their kitchens more to outdoor spaces. The most popular way to do so was with double doors or a row of doors. A single door was the second-most popular choice.
2. Microwave drawer. The knife and pantry storage in this photo may have caught your eye, but the true gem is the microwave drawer, which slides out and is accessed from the top. I use one in almost all my small projects these days because it keeps the microwave off the counter or wall and is ergonomic for everyone in the family to use.
Light personal features in your home. Accent lighting is all about picking out those features that matter to you. Great accent lighting can be almost hidden in full view, making your eye focus on the feature brought to life by the light. LED offers great opportunities for accent lighting with remarkably small in-wall, uplight, downlight and linear fittings available for the tightest of spaces.
The more integrated and seamless the base, the easier the surface will be to wipe down and the more modern the look will be. A simple shape like this softly rounded toilet will work in ultramodern or more lively contemporary bathrooms without drawing attention, so if you can spend a little more, this can be a nice upgrade.
One-piece toilets tend to be a little more high-end and expensive, although prices and quality vary widely, as with two-piece toilets. This style is seamless, providing a modern look and one less place for soil and germs to hide.
Save Energy and MoneyLED bulbs are your best bet for saving dollars and energy. Though more of an investment upfront, they typically last about 13 years — even longer when used infrequently — and use fewer watts than incandescent, halogen or CFL bulbs. “High-definition LEDs use one-sixth of the energy of incandescent bulbs, and 25 percent less energy compared to halogen bulbs,” Vick says. While the savings on CFLs is slimmer, they don’t need warmup time or veer too blue or too yellow. Lightbulbs have the power to transform your home, elevating a space’s atmosphere and details. Select them by room, mood and purpose to delight in your lights.More: For more information on finding the right lightbulbs, visit GE Lighting’s website. This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Aid Precise WorkSome tasks require lighting that reveals true colors: blending your blush or achieving the perfect shave, beautifully plating a dinner entree or successfully pairing black socks and navy socks with their mates. Layer in pure, clean light in rooms where precision matters, such as kitchens (above work areas), closets, bathrooms and craft rooms. The bathroom seen here uses this type of bulb in the vanity sconces, ideal for avoiding makeup fiascoes.
9. Two-tone cabinets. Throughout this article you can find many examples of two-tone cabinets, which feature upper and lower cabinets in different colors. Here’s a twist that takes the idea to another level: using two-tone doors on individual cabinets. For example, this breezy kitchen uses a single row of wood drawer fronts on otherwise white cabinets to get just a little touch of natural interest and a fun personality.
Metal mesh inserts are a great middle ground, giving a slight peek at what’s inside the cabinet but without putting your stored goods on full display.I’ve used mesh inserts instead of glass on many recent projects. It works beautifully in both traditional homes and contemporary designs with some transitional flair, bringing a slight sense of old-world charm.Consider using mesh inserts on the “upper-upper” cabinets in a tall space on a full pantry wall …
Lighting Solutions6. Uplighting. Not all cabinetry goes to the ceiling. In the past, it was common to add a soffit to close the gap. But not everyone likes the look of a soffit. Uplighting creates a source of ambient lighting when the space above the cabinetry is left open. One caveat: The light reflects best off the ceiling when there’s a minimum space of 12 inches; otherwise it will create a halo effect above the cabinets.
5. Move the warming drawer up. There was a time when the warming drawer was routinely located beneath the double oven stack. In many ways this made functional sense, since it was near the ovens. But over time, many people ceased to use them since they were so low, making accessibility a challenge. These days it’s all about function. Place your warming drawer at counter level and close to your cooking appliance.
2. Install undercabinet plug molding. One option for a clutter-free backsplash is to install plug molding beneath the wall cabinets.3. Mix outlet styles. I always ask clients if a toaster or a coffee maker will live on their counter. If so, I add a wall outlet behind that appliance since it will always be plugged in. Otherwise, the electrical cord will be visible as it dangles from the plug molding above. Remember to combine a mixture of outlets and plug molding into your design.
10. Deep drawers. This is nothing new, but that doesn’t keep it from being in my dream kitchen. Trading out the usual lower cabinets for deep drawers (one or two per traditional cabinet box) gives you easy reach-in access for anything from a large pot to stacks of dinnerware.
9. Pro-style gas range. Steam-convection ovens may be high-tech, but when it comes to the range-top, nothing beats the look and power of chef’s-kitchen-style burners. Classic red knobs give a punch of color, and the exposed burners on this style of gas range say “ready to cook.”
3. It can have too much variation. Natural stone is unpredictable. There’s a good chance your backsplash installation will look a tad different from the sample piece you saw at your local retailer. Variation usually isn’t a problem, and most homeowners choose natural stone for a diversified look. But sometimes you’ll notice colors and patterns that you don’t really care for — and you have to either live with them or start from scratch.MoreHow to Add a Kitchen BacksplashCountertop and Backsplash: Making the Perfect Match
3. It doesn’t cost a fortune. Natural stone is budget-friendly. Travertine, for example, comes in many forms (subway tile, 4 by 4, mosaic), all relatively affordable. Most styles will run between $4 and $8 per square foot (not including installation). That’s a bargain in the world of backsplashes.
2. No two stone backsplashes are the same. The beauty of natural stone is that it won’t ever look exactly like your neighbor’s. Variation is an inherent property of stone, even within two pieces of the same color. All of the veins and swirls will belong uniquely to your kitchen. If you’re looking for something to call your own, go with natural stone.
The Case for Natural Stone1. It has universal appeal. If you’re remodeling with future resale in mind, a natural stone backsplash should be at the top of your list. Not only are travertine and marble — to name two — timeless, but they’re also well-liked, which gives them top-notch staying power. They will appeal to a large buying audience, whether you’re selling in five, 10 or 15 years.
As the heart of the home, kitchens experience a fair share of foot traffic too. If your cooking space is your home’s social hub and a common gathering place for your family and guests, porcelain is the best option.
Scenario 1: You’re installing tile in a room with high moisture content.The best pick: PorcelainRemember, the TCNA defines porcelain as tile that absorbs less than 0.5 percent of moisture. Why doesn’t porcelain absorb much moisture? According to the TCNA, porcelain is naturally dense, which means it’s harder to penetrate. In other words, it’s nearly waterproof. This property makes porcelain a no-brainer for bathroom installations, as well as other areas of your home that are exposed to moisture. This doesn’t necessarily mean that ceramic is a bad choice for bathrooms. In fact, many homeowners install ceramic in their showers and on their bathroom floors. However, porcelain’s impermeability will ensure you have the best protection against moisture.
Employ the rule of three. For accessories such as vases or canisters, display them in odd numbers, in particular three, for maximum style and impact. This simple design trick can elevate your kitchen from ho-hum to hello.The owner of this kitchen used a trio of large silver canisters above the range for a clean look. Or you could create a mini collection of harmonizing accessories, such as three blue vases in different shapes or heights. Simpler still, steal another trick from this kitchen by buying attractively packaged beverage bottles in threes and putting them on display.Tell us: What styling tricks do you use in your kitchen? Share your ideas in the Comments.MoreShop Houzz: Innovative Kitchen Helpers and Accessories
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