Just because something isn’t trending doesn't mean it doesn't have value. In the ever-evolving world of home design and remodeling, trends come and go faster than seasons.
So, what do you do when you’re faced with a kitchen remodel? This isn’t something that will change with the trends each year; it’s a long-term commitment. Your kitchen is a space that will be used every day for years to come, and it likely won’t need another remodel for upwards of 15-20 years. How do you decide on the design? How do you choose the right elements for the remodel?
In this blog, we’ll explore why going against the grain can be a refreshing choice, and the importance of personalization in creating a space that truly feels like yours.
Embrace Unique Charm: Go Beyond the Trends
Trends can be a sea of sameness. How many kitchens have you stepped into and found it to be almost a carbon copy of a Pinterest board? While no one can argue that this approach is stylish, attractive and popular among many people, it lacks that individual touch that makes a house feel like home. There are tons of ways to liven up your space and make it ‘you-nique'. Keep reading to learn more about how defying what’s popular will have your house guests wanting to do the same!
Thrifting and Thriving 
Thrift stores, garage sales, flea markets, etc. are perfect, fun places to find furniture-style pieces for your kitchen. While the more permanent parts of your kitchen may be less bold and more neutral, accent furniture can brighten up the space and breathe life into it. Bar stools, small appliances, flower vases, kitchen towels, placemats and wall decorations are the perfect way to add pops of color and show your style.
Sustainable Materials
While we all wish sustainable, eco-friendly materials were the more popular option in home remodeling, this isn’t the case. That’s exactly why we want to talk about how you can make your kitchen more environmentally friendly!
One way to accomplish this is by refacing your cabinetry instead of getting entirely new cabinets. By reusing your original cabinet boxes, landfill waste is reduced significantly, sometimes up to 75%.
Researching eco-friendly countertops is also a great way to be more conservative with your remodel. Materials like solid surface (Corian) and wood, even quartz surfaces with a high percentage of recycled content are great for the environmentally conscious homeowner.
One of the best ways to upcycle materials is to hunt down some of kitchen supplies and cookware you need for your kitchen at yard sales and secondhand stores. Make sustainability mainstream!
Inspired by Nature
Biophilic design has been on the rise over the last few years, even more so in recent months, but this doesn’t mean that a ton of people are adopting this style.
This captivating approach integrates elements of nature into the heart of the home, fostering a harmonious and rejuvenating environment. By incorporating natural materials such as wood and stone, along with an abundance of natural light, kitchens become more inviting and soothing spaces. The introduction of indoor plants not only adds aesthetic appeal but also improves air quality and connects you with the outdoors. The best part about including this in your kitchen design, especially if you enjoy cooking, is that you can grow fresh herbs right inside your home.
Industrial Chic
An industrial kitchen can oftentimes be misconstrued. While you can remodel your entire kitchen in this style, it is also important to note that you may not need to go all in, rather incorporate elements and materials found in kitchens such as different types of metal (stainless steel), exposed brick, exposed beams, and wood. All of these choices are distinctive traits of an industrial style kitchen.
Adding elements like pendant lighting with an antique finish will create a warm and inviting ambiance amidst the stark metal surfaces. Incorporating open shelving made from reclaimed wood can provide a rustic contrast to the industrial elements, offering both functionality and visual appeal. Don't forget to introduce pops of color throughout the space using accessories and décor which will soften the overall look, making it a space that balances functionality with aesthetics.
Mix Up Your Materials 
Incorporating a diverse range of materials such as glass, wood, metal, marble, and stone into your kitchen design requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Begin by establishing a cohesive color palette that complements your chosen materials, ensuring that they harmonize with one another.
Consider using glass as sleek cabinet doors or backsplash accents to introduce transparency and light. Implement wood for cabinetry, flooring, or even a statement kitchen island, infusing warmth and organic character. Metal can find its place in appliances, fixtures, and hardware, adding a modern edge. Marble, often reserved for countertops and backsplashes, exudes luxury and sophistication. Lastly, use stone for textural contrasts, perhaps in exposed brick walls or as a focal point for a fireplace.
By carefully balancing these materials and their respective placements, you can achieve a kitchen design that seamlessly combines aesthetics and functionality, creating a space that's both visually stunning and highly practical.
Contrasting Island
This bold design choice not only adds a touch of personality but also becomes a conversation piece in its own right. To make the kitchen island truly stand out, one can play with a striking color palette, opting for a vibrant hue that complements or contrasts the surrounding cabinetry.
Unique countertop materials, such as a rich quartz veined with intricate patterns or a rustic reclaimed wood, can also elevate the island's aesthetic.
Adding open shelving, unique pendant lighting, or even a few unique pieces of décor can transform this island into a functional work of art that makes a powerful statement within the space.
Statement Range Hood
A statement range hood in a kitchen can be a bold and captivating focal point that defies the trends of modern kitchen design. While contemporary kitchens often lean towards sleek, minimalist aesthetics, a statement range hood rebels against the grain with its striking presence. Whether it has intricate detailing, vibrant colors, or unique materials, a unique hood commands attention and serves as a functional work of art. this statement piece allows homeowners to infuse their kitchen spaces with personality, creating a space that reflects their distinct style. In doing so, a statement range hood stands as a testament to the enduring allure of bold, standout design choices in the heart of the home.
A Final Thought
Remember, the key to a unique kitchen design is to blend elements that resonate with your personal style while pushing boundaries to create something distinctive and memorable. Mix and match these ideas to create a space that's truly one-of-a-kind. When you are thinking about the elements you want to include to make your kitchen truly unique, consider these different ways to add personality without having to remodel the entire space.
While simple, transitional colors are a safe and classic option to create a timeless look, playing with color, mixed materials, and other individualistic décor and designs is a great way to make a space your own and transcend the ‘everywhere’ trends that are found in what seems like every kitchen these days.
If you’re looking for more ways to achieve a bold, unique kitchen, give us a call (866) 525-0012 or subscribe to our blog, The Kitchen Table.
