This week’s Real Estate cover story looks at new trends in kitchen design. We all have heard that renovating your kitchen is one of the best investments a home owner can make, in terms of return when a home has sold.
But given today’s housing climate where homes are not appreciating as much as they used to, kitchen design trends have moved in a direction to reflect our more economically conscious times.
Don’t get me wrong. Kitchen design is still beautiful.
But as reporter Deborah Dietsch found, less is more. Kitchens are streamlined, and functionality is emphasized. Gone are the days when people would add two dishwashers and expensive wood flourishes over the range hood. Even granite countertops are not necessarily the must-have.
Yes, that’s right. Home owners these days are looking beyond granite.
Story: New kitchen trends
Here’s our in/out list for kitchen design, circa 2012:
IN: Remodeling existing space
OUT: Building an addition
IN: Under-counter refrigeration
OUT: Side-by-side refrigerator
IN: Induction cooktop
(Sarah L. Voisin - The Washington Post)
OUT: Gas range
General Electric Adora 30-inch gas convection range.
(The Home Depot)
IN: Super-big metal sinks
OUT: Divided metal sinks
IN: Open shelving
(Sarah L. Voisin - The Washington Post)
OUT: Ornate cabinets
IN: Quartz countertops
Mike Smith and Diane Renfroe recently renovated their home in the Harbor Square development.
(Sarah L. Voisin - The Washington Post)
OUT: Granite countertops
granite countertop in kitchen
(bigstock)
IN: Chrome hardware
OUT: Nickel hardware
IN: Wooden floor
(Oliver Bunic - Bloombert)
OUT: Tiled floor
IN: LED lighting
(Mark Duncan - Associated Press)
OUT: Halogen lighting
IN: Island workspace
OUT: Built-in desk
IN: Contemporary, simple lines
OUT: Traditional, ornate details
(Sarah L. Voisin - The Washington Post)
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