Photo by Regis Vogt
Homeowners are eating at home much more these days — and that means the heart of the home has been getting a workout.
With the pandemic-induced zeal for sourdough bread and big holiday meals, an increasing number of homeowners are starting to look at how to improve their kitchen. Among the top reasons for a kitchen remodel are the desire for more functional space and better organization, according to according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).
In 2020, the percentage of homeowners actively working on home remodeling projects increased from 19 percent in the first quarter, before the pandemic hit, to 36 percent by the end of the second quarter. In addition to wanting to spruce up the spaces where they're spending more time, some homeowners are redirecting dollars saved from canceled vacation travel other planned expenses into home improvement projects.
If you’re considering a kitchen remodel or even new kitchen cabinets, here are a few ideas and tips:
When planning a kitchen renovation, it’s critical to take a step back and think about what you need in your new kitchen. For a successful remodel, take inventory of what currently works in your kitchen, where you could use more storage and what areas of your kitchen could use improvement, said Nadia Wall of Braemar Cabinetry in Old Town Alexandria.
“Before you embark on a kitchen remodel, it is helpful to take inventory of the items you don’t have enough storage for now and share those with your kitchen designer. This will ensure your designer clearly understands your needs and incorporates solutions into your design,” Wall said.
Kitchens have always been the heart of the home, but their role as a gathering place has really been cemented by the current pandemic.
According to NKBA’s annual Market Outlook study:
- 55 percent of respondents are spending more time cooking and eating at home
- 45 percent are spending more time in the kitchen
- 30 percent are buying and storing more groceries in bulk quantities
- 13 percent are using the kitchen for remote work and learning.
That means that a family’s lifestyle will play a role in a new kitchen design, Wall explained. “‘Do they have kids? Are they enthusiastic bakers? Do they have an extensive wine collection? Finding out how clients use their space is key to meeting their needs through design.”
Photo by Regis Vogt
Even through kitchens are being used for more than cooking, you likely won’t find mom, dad or the kids sitting at a traditional desk in newer kitchens.
“Even though more people are working from home and home-schooling, built-in desks have fallen by the wayside,” said Wall. “People are more mobile now. Facing a wall is not appealing anymore. People would rather gather around the island or a kitchen table.”
As more people shift to using their kitchen counter as a makeshift desk, the need to be able to put away everyday kitchen items in concealed spaces is becoming more desirable.
“Today, the options are really endless as to how to create stylish storage with your kitchen cabinets. Custom cabinetry allows clients to tailor every single cabinet in their kitchen to serve a specific purpose,” Wall said.
LIGHTING
Lighting has always been important when designing a successful kitchen, as it can affect both mood and functionality of the space, said Danielle Steele of Marks-Woods Construction Services. Good kitchen lighting should include more than just decorative fixtures over the island; task lighting, recessed lighting, in-cabinet lighting and more can come together to make a kitchen both more attractive and easier to use.
APPLIANCES
Kitchen appliances are growing in priority and size — but getting new appliances may be tricky. The pandemic created major supply chain disruptions in the first half of 2020, and the high demand for new appliances means homeowners may need to wait a little while for their appliances of choice to be available.
In recent years, people seem to be willing to spend a larger amount of their renovation budget on appliances, Steele said. As they become visual focal points and statement pieces in their own right, high-end hoods and custom color appliances are a sought-after feature.
Another appliance trend: People are looking for healthy options when cooking and asking for steam ovens, Wall said. “It used to be a rarely-requested item, but that is making its way into a higher percentage of our projects.” With steam ovens, you can cook a variety of foods at the same time, such as a tray of fish, broccoli and rice.
While stainless steel appliances are still very popular, a growing trend for appliances is to highlight them, Wall said. “Appliances are becoming a popular choice for clients who want to show off their individual flair. Custom color appliances and mixed metals allow clients to take appliances from solely functional to unique and decorative. Bright color ranges and mixed metal appliances are looking to be a big trend in 2021.”
Photo by Regis Vogt
If people want to make a statement in their kitchen, it might be with the range. Ranges and hoods used to be utilitarian but now, “It’s where clients want to splash out,” Wall said. “There are so many appliance brands that let you customize the color or add brass bezels, fun colors or gold accents. It’s a showpiece.”
The national average cost for a kitchen remodel is more than $25,000, according to HomeAdvisor.com. Save up (or consider a home equity loan, since kitchen renovations can help the value of a home) and plan before you dive in this year.
Not ready for a full reno? Plan a kitchen refresh instead.
You don’t have to gut-renovate your kitchen or buy all new appliances to make your kitchen more functional and organized. Organized Living, a business partner of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing, offers these tips:
- Carve out “zones” in your pantry for snacks and drinks.
- Browse storage solutions such as adjustable shelving.
- Keep frequently-used items accessible.
- Top shelf storage is where you can put things like punch bowls that don’t see a lot of use.
NKBA Kitchen Design Trends for 2021
- Pantry storage with custom organization features are in demand as people are staying home more and stocking up on supplies.
- Steam ovens are the next big thing when it comes to high-end appliances. They make healthy eating less time consuming.
- Marble inspired quartz countertops continue to be a favorite design choice.
- Appliance garages are a great way to hide large, eyesore appliances out of sight but at the ready.
