Company News|Kitchen Design

Story by Preston Guyton There are certain aspects of kitchen design that tend to remain the same from one year to the next. However, there are always slight changes that could really improve the look, feel, or use of today’s modern kitchen. These kitchen trends for 2018 emphasize a sleek appearance, with an uncomplicated design that is nevertheless incredibly luxurious and should be viewed as a great example of home improvements with high ROI. Bench Seating People who think that bench seating is only for barbecues and big families would be wise to think again. Built-in benches that run along walls minimize the space needed to create effective dining space for the whole family. Putting benches on two sides of a table eliminates the boxy feel that a square or rectangular table surrounded by chairs often creates. Instead, it feels open and fresh, ready for everyone to sit down for a meal. Concrete for Countertops and Backsplashes Although natural stone countertops have stood as king of the kitchen mountain for many years, there are other surfaces poised to make a summit attempt. Concrete is a surprisingly practical and useful countertop material, available in a nearly endless variety of styles and colors. With proper sealing, concrete may be easier to maintain than a granite slab. Homeowners can have the concrete poured at their homes, or precast and then installed onto their cabinetry. The effect may be elegant, industrial, or even chic. Smart Upgrades These days, everyone wants a kitchen that will help them make their lives easier. Refrigerators come with built-in screens to help people cook, find out about the weather or traffic, or just listen to music while they prepare food. Smart appliances can connect to a user’s app through Wi-Fi to identify progress of cooking or energy use. Integration of the entire kitchen may allow homeowners to set their lighting, music, and ventilation all on the same system. Fixtures in Striking Colors Although the brushed or satin nickel finish of many kitchen fixtures remain popular, many homeowners are starting to branch out into color choices that range from classy to brassy. The prevailing interest in white quartz, concrete, or marble countertops, with white kitchen cabinets indicates that people have to find some color in the kitchen space. This means that kitchens are bursting to life with faucets in black, rose gold, gold, brass, and copper. Maximizing Useful Cabinet Space A kitchen with tons of cabinet space may not be laid out in a particularly effective way. At present, people are beginning to realize that the cabinet shelves at the very top are not exceptionally useful for them. As such, trends push toward the removal of some of the upper cabinetry, in favor of shelving and pull-out drawers to maximize the space of lower cabinets. This concept opens up the kitchen, increases the amount of viable counter space, and minimizes the wall space occupied by cabinets. Built-In Cabinetry for Appliances The idea of the centuries-old farmhouse with its scrubbed wooden table and rustic cabinetry has an almost timeless appeal. Put a stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher in there, and it spoils the entire effect. For people who are willing to pay a certain premium, they can have their appliances built into their kitchen cabinetry, for a seamless look that loses nothing over any other modern kitchen. Cabinets can also accommodate space for small appliances, which declutters the countertops and helps to keep things tidy. Building the perfect kitchen is often based on trends that are popular for the year. In 2018, the countertops become functional, and let colorful fixtures take the limelight. Seating and cabinetry go simple, while the appliances stay at the top of the smart home game. Preston Guyton REALTOR® Broker in Charge/Managing Partner, CRG Companies, Inc. 7717 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29572 Construction, Real Estate and Green. www.crgcompaniesinc.com

Some San Diego designers got a chance to visit the Waterstone factory and get a up close experience on how American kitchen faucets are made. Thanks to Suzi Mullins of European Bath for organizing the trip. Suzi Mullins – European Bath Valerie Ochoa – European Bath Jeanette Chevalier-Antt – Chevalier Interiors Dana Arapage – Phillips Houston Design Anne Mason – Anne Mason Design Becky Ayres – Beki Designs Doro Pirino – Doro Porino interiors Nena Aziz – Nena Aziz Interiors Ronda Glaser – Talon Ventures Vicki Jansma – VS Jansma