ReadJennifer Gilmer recommendations on hottest trends in Appliances:  Though some kitchen design trends come and go, other elements become instant classics. Take stainless steel, for example. Once found only in  commercial kitchens, stainless appliances and counters now work in almost any home kitchen. Discover the hot items to have, what’s on the way out, and what’s here to stay.

Trend #1: Integrated Refrigerator

One current must-have is a built-in or integrated refrigerator. You have the option of wood panels matching surrounding cabinetry to make the fridge look like a piece of furniture, or you opt for stainless steel as a shining accent in your kitchen. Also trendy are retro-style refrigerators for traditional or whimsical kitchens. These refrigerators look great paired with an old-fashioned style range like an Aga, La Cornue, or Bertazzoni, all of which come in fun colors to match the refrigerators.

Trend #2: Side-By-Side Single Ovens

Although tried-and-true double ovens can be very functional, two single ovens, in a side-by-side installation, are proving to be even better. Side-by-side ovens put both units at a comfortable height, and if one breaks, it can be replaced without having to address the entire unit. Side-by-side ovens are a perfect solution if you want the appliances to be unobtrusive in your overall kitchen design.

Trend #3: Multi-Function Ovens

Many people like a 36”-inch range because it has a very large oven. With a range oven, it’s wise to have a second oven that’s also a microwave. The Miele speed oven is both a convection oven and a microwave. Another option is to use a steam oven, which heats food with steam but can also be used as a convection oven. These two appliances look great next to a built-in coffee machine—another appliance that’s becoming popular.

Trend #4: Hidden Appliances

Another way to hide appliances is to put them behind bi-fold doors that slide open on a track or simply fold back. The doors then stay open while the unit is in use, then cleverly keep appliances out of sight when they’re not needed. For a kitchen that opens onto a family room, this helps the kitchen feel like part of the living area rather than a cooking prep space.

Trend #5: Built-In Beverage Centers

Wine coolers are an innovation that is here to stay! But now you can opt for a beverage center holding not only wine, but also beer, sodas, and mixers. Warming drawers, on the other hand, are waning in popularity as people realize that microwaves or steam ovens can serve the same purpose.

On The Way Out

Trash compactors and instant hot-water fixtures are also becoming less requested. With recycling commonplace, trash compactors aren’t as useful as they were in the past. Instant hot fixtures are energy hogs that require another spout at the sink—which can make the countertop look cluttered.  Moreover, these two appliances also have a reputation for breaking down on a regular basis.

Take-Home Message

New trends emphasize practical use and attractive form, as well as the changing trends in cooking and entertaining. Choose what works best for you and your lifestyle among all the appealing, convenient options available.

Photo By: Eric Roth; Designed By: Sandra Vitzthum

Cabinetry is costly—no way around it. In fact, it’s the most expensive item by a wide margin in any new or remodeled kitchen, and most homeowners have to balance what they want with what they can realistically afford. Here are ten ways Scott Stulz recommends to make the most of your cabinet budget—and preserve your kitchen wishes without breaking the bank.

Budget Tip #1: Stick With Basic Finishes

Specialty finishes can add as much as 40 percent to the cost of your cabinetry, and glazing, hand distressing, or polishing are all expensive extras. Simple stains or standard traditional paint keep costs under control.

Budget Tip #2: Use Fewer, But Larger, Cabinets

You might sacrifice some convenience features in doing so, but one large cabinet in a given space costs less than two smaller more specialized cabinets.

Budget Tip #3: Use a Worktable as an Island

Custom-built or ready-made, open counter-height worktables can function as islands at a lower cost than closed cabinetry. Some even have shelves or baskets near the floor for frequently used large items or produce.

Budget Tip #4: Think Simple

Avoid curves, angles, changes in depth, and height, or anything that requires more components or custom fabrication for your cabinets.

Budget Tip #5: Choose Cabinets That Look Good Without Moldings

This is usually best accomplished with clean, contemporary styles. Moldings—and the labor to cut, fit, and install them— are expensive.

Budget Tip #6: Go Light On Internal Accessories

Rollout shelves, drawer dividers, and spice racks are convenient, but they add to the cost of your basic storage system.

Budget Tip #7: Designate One Focal Area

A room full of plain and relatively inexpensive cabinets with one elevation that is more detailed or elaborate can make a strong statement on a budget.

Budget Tip #8: Decide On a Budget and Stick To It

You’ll have to do a little research to be realistic about the categories of cost and how much cabinetry you’ll need, but decide what your budget is and let your contractor or kitchen designer know that you’re serious about it.

Budget Tip #9: Buy Used

Try scouring the classifieds, perhaps placing an ad, and see if there is a used cabinet supplier that serves your locale. There are plenty of companies out there that buy good used cabinetry from homeowners who are doing complete remodels. Some even offer limited design services.

Budget Tip #10: Hire a Competent Designer

You have to pay design fees, but a really experienced and resourceful designer can provide you with a wonderful, budget-minded solution while saving you the headaches associated with doing a complicated project as a novice. You’ll want to find someone who is not only creative, but who also has a broad understanding of fabrication, available products, and all aspects of contracting.

Parting Advice

Don’t take on a “do it yourself” strategy to save money unless you are completely clear on what you’re getting into. For most homeowners, working with the right professional is really the best way to get what you want, as long as you’re up front about your budget and other requirements. With these suggestions in mind, you can keep the cost of cabinetry within your budget while still creating a kitchen that will suit your lifestyle and needs.

If you would like to support me in this community project by donating a new toy, please contact me today! f.saidi@comcast.net.

1. Think diagonal views. Stand in one corner and arrange a clear view to the other corner. Place floor tiles on the diagonal. It makes the space seem larger, pushing the walls out.

2. Lighting will open up space. To give your house an airy feel, use simple window dressings to bring in natural light and steal space from the outdoors.

3. Accessorize. The bigger a piece of artwork is, the bigger the feeling of space. A wall filled with many small pictures seems cluttered and space appears smaller.

4. Let there be height. Use at least one tall element in a room to draw the eye upward, towards the ceiling. Not only does this maximize the vertical space in the room, but it also draws the eye up to the less crowded ceiling space above.

5. Play with the furniture. Try to move furniture away from the walls if space allows. It will give a feeling of openness when a sofa isn’t butted against a wall. If buying new pieces, purchase items on legs versus feet. The higher a piece sits from the floor the more visual space is present.