Much like bathrooms, kitchens have been moving away from rooms that were built for work and utility and growing into the "heart of the home." Gone are the days of kitchens whose countertops proudly displayed all of the electric appliances and whose centerpieces were stoves that stood out. These have been replaced with kitchens that are open and uncluttered, appliances that blend into the cabinetry and countertops. Center islands and breakfast bars make the kitchens of today a place where family gathers as food is prepared and can spend time socializing in an environment that lends itself to being part of the living room.If you are selling your Charlottesville home, remodeling your kitchen, looking to buy a home in Charlottesville, or just plain love seeing what the new trends are, here are some trends to watch for in 2013.
1. Modern Style
Kitchens are becoming increasingly modern in their styling. Lines are becoming simplified and offer up large open spaces that flow naturally into the living areas without walls or doorways to block sight or access. Less of a utilitarian room and more of an "annex" to the living room, they are gathering places that just call out for entertaining family and guests.
2. Tucked-away Appliances
Appliance design has caught the trend and manufacturers are creating sleek models that blend into the rest of the kitchen, matching the finishes of the cabinetry and the countertops. Many appliances have moved to under the counter tucked away versions - like coffee pots or microwaves - and just about everything except the cooktop goes under the counter. This includes having appliances located under the center island such as trash compactors or mini refrigerators.
3. LOTS and LOTS of light
Lighting has really stepped up its game in the modern kitchen. Gone are the days of a single, UFO sized panel of fluorescents over the center of the kitchen. This has been replaced with a mix of task lighting that focuses light on the areas where food prep is going to happen alongside more muted light such as under the cabinetry or canned lighting with dimmer switches so that the kitchen can remain a gathering spot without the harshness of direct fluorescents.
4. Super-Sized Islands
"2013 kitchen design trends are moving away from dining rooms and towards eating, drinking and interacting in the kitchen itself, and a large kitchen island complete with bar stools is the perfect way to make this happen," according to HomeThangs.com. Islands have grown to meet the demands of style, socializing and function with electrical outlets being placed on the sides and lots of storage underneath.
5. More style overall, neutral paint schemes and high gloss finishes
If you look at any featured kitchen, you will find a mix of high-end countertops, neutral or white paint schemes and back splashes that range from recycled glass to mosaic tiles giving it just a touch of decoration. The overall effect is to allow the kitchen space to stand alone when not in use, with clean and uncluttered countertops and aesthetic touches being added by back splashes that are also easy to clean.
No matter what your particular tastes are, this room in the house is certainly a selling point for your home and a gathering place for your family. Construction and design experts have realized this and certainly, if you are a modern family with busy schedules and children you have known this for years. Nice of everyone else to catch up to the idea!
Are you looking to sell your Charlottesville Home?
Call me for a free market analysis of what your home is worth.Looking at homes for sale in Charlottesville?
Let me help you find one that you love!
For any questions, please call me, I want to help!
Quinton Beckham
Keller Williams Realty
434.242.6212
www.buyorsellhomescharlottesville.com
For the full article, go to: http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2013/01/07/8-kitchen-trends-to-watch-in-2013/?om_rid=AAJ8zx&om_mid=_BQ7aJSB8wPnkIL&om_ntype=RMODaily
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