I’m used to writing about what’s “in” and “out” in the world of fashion, but I’ve decided to apply the same concept here in the HOME blog. I was inspired to do so after visiting a friend’s home and hearing her ask me if I thought her new granite countertops would ever “go out of style.” (Never mind that she and her husband just forked over more than $40,000 to upgrade their entire kitchen, which included the installation of the shiny granite countertops, new fixtures, and custom made cabinets.) My reply: “If they do, you can send them my way.”
Stainless steel appliances, open cabinets, plasma TVs, and bowl-shaped sinks, which will homeowners still be clamoring for five years from now? I suppose only time will tell. But, in the meantime I can speculate at some trends that may die sooner than your son’s gerbil.
ABOVE-COUNTER SINKS
What’s OUT: They’re called above-counter sinks or vessels sinks, and they are so popular that many high-end hotels are installing them in guest bathrooms. I first saw one years ago at an upscale restaurant in Chicago. They look like bowls on a counter—–a stark contrast from the traditional sunken models. My brother and sister-in-law just added one to their powder room. It looks great—when no one is using it. At least that’s what my sister-in-law maintains. Apparently, the sassy sink has its downsides: The glass ones that look like mixing bowls seem to illuminate toothpaste, hair and water spots. Also, shallow models tend to splash water. The bottom line: if practicality is your goal, don’t buy a vessel sink.
What’s IN: According to designers at Kohler the next “hot” item will be the “wet surface” sink, where water runs over a plate-like object (the company sells them for about $2,000). Farm-style sinks–rectangular box-like structures that fit into your counter—are also growing in popularity. (Martha Stewart has a few.)
KITCHEN CABINETS
What’s OUT: Glass door cabinets. If you watch Oprah or ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” then you know how popular glass cabinet doors have become. There’s no question they look fabulous in contemporary kitchens, and are especially effective if you have pretty china and other decorations to display. However, they are also very high-maintenance (think fingerprints) and may not be practical if all you have to display are mismatched place settings and sippy cups. According to a recent survey, the percentage of homeowners looking to install glass doors on cabinets has fallen to about 50 percent, down from about 70 percent a year ago.
What’s IN: New trends in kitchen cabinets include smoother surfaces and darker woods. Design stores are offering more lacquered colors, in glossy, matte or satin surfaces, including red, and blue. Mahogany is also a popular choice.
What’s OUT: Flat-panels have come down in price, which has helped make them accessible to an increasing amount of homeowners. However, installing them on your wall may be a costly mistake. Some homeowners hire contractors and electricians to reconstruct drywall and reroute wiring (cha-ching!), but later find that the TVs are mounted in the wrong position. Some homeowners who position their TVs over a fireplace as artwork later find that it is too high for comfortable viewing. Also, with a television stuck on the wall, it can be hard to rearrange your room.
What’s IN: Set your television on a piece of furniture to minimize the high cost of installation and wires.
Related Articles:
Remodeling On A Budget—The Kitchen
Decorating Your Child’s Bathroom