Kitchen Design Trend Spotting from the Jenn-Air Design Advisory Council
Recently, the Jenn-Air brand tapped members of its Design Advisory Council (DAC) to gain insights into current design trends being incorporated in their kitchen designs. Several members of this accomplished group of design professionals from across the country shared thoughts on what ideas their clients are responding favorably to, requesting, and in some cases demanding, for this essential space.
According to members of the Jenn-Air Design Advisory Council, some of the latest kitchen design trends include functional items like kitchen islands designed to look more like furniture pieces and open shelving for displaying favorite items. Glass cabinets that allow for the display of beautiful items while also being beautiful themselves are back with a vengeance.
Panelists noticed a growing interest and demand for connected technology in the kitchen. Consumers also seem to be interested in investing in great interior storage accessories and the best appliances they can afford.
The new kitchen will have less stainless steel, and the new designs will incorporate more interior elements to make more of family room/ kitchen design concept. In the kitchen of the future, the traditional appliances will be more separated and more hidden.
The most prominent trend in kitchens is the increasing personalization of the appliances. Stainless steel is still popular, but many clients prefer to integrate it into the environment with custom cabinetry to hide the appliances. “My clients are still torn between gas and induction cooktops, and those with large kitchens and budgets often put in both. Double-ovens are giving way to two separate ovens, with at least one of these ovens being a combi-steam or a speed cook oven. Smaller appliances are being bought—whether for a second appliance, smaller spaces, or outside kitchen uses,” said designer Julia Johnston.
With the strengthening of the economy, consumers seem to be taking more risks with color. Although white cabinetry continues to be strong, because its timelessness is an absolutely safe choice, more consumers are interested in doing something a little bit different — a navy blue so dark as to be easily mistaken for black.
Consumers are asking for more black, more white, more lacquer, less finished wood. The very thin ceramics that look like precious marbles are trending. There are also many new quartzites available, and design clients are selecting statement pieces with very graphic and colorful patterns.
