A3 thoughts Blog

My husband and I are in the process of updating/remodeling our Kitchen, so I have been taking advantage of this opportunity to educate myself on current and upcoming Kitchen design trends. As residential interior designers, we select and specify many of the fixed finishes, appliances, and plumbing selections that go into a home, but we usually aren’t as involved in the design of the Kitchen. It is such an involved and specialized area of expertise that most of our clients choose to work with separate Kitchen designers to determine the cabinetry layout and overall design. I was recently involved on a project where we were able to meet with the Kitchen designers and review the shop drawings; it was a fun and educational experience! It also made me aware of how many design possibilities and creative ideas are involved in Kitchen design. From TVs that lift up from underneath the countertop and spice racks hidden behind a stone slab backsplash, to pot filler and sink faucet options, there are an overwhelming number of possibilities to consider.

One area that has stood out to me has been the metal finishes used in a Kitchen. Stainless steel is a great option, but I’ve become so tired of hearing the same old thing – “stainless steel appliances and granite countertops”! There has to be more out there! So, I’ve been interested in learning what the next new, trendy finish is going to be.

One word that has been popping up over and over in my research has been WARM. Moving into 2015, the trend for metal is moving away from stainless steel and chrome, and towards warmer finishes such as oil rubbed bronze, copper and gold. I am all for this trend! I have always been a fan of warmer color palettes. One of the great things about this trend is that people can update their Kitchens with warm metal finishes relatively easily – by replacing chrome, stainless steel, or nickel faucets, cabinet hardware, and other accessories.

There are also some new finish options for appliances that I am excited about. GE has introduced a new “Slate” finish that is beautiful, functional, and easy to incorporate into existing color pallets. It is similar to stainless steel but slightly warmer and darker, and it is more of a matte finish which means … NO FINGERPRINTS!

Kitchen design using GE’s Slate appliances by Young’s Appliances

Whirlpool also has a new finish option – White Ice. The collection features white, mirrored-glass with silver accents (a similar look to Apple products) and looks sophisticated and clean, especially when used alongside white cabinets. They also have a Black Ice option (black mirrored-glass with silver accents).

I’m personally leaning towards the Slate finish, but I am very excited to see what debuts next and to hopefully have a break from hearing “stainless steel appliances and granite countertops” every time I turn on HGTV.

— Rachel Hoback