Callen Explores 2019 Kitchen Trends

“The kitchen is one of the most prominent rooms in a house because it’s the center of a family’s everyday living; it serves as the space where the family prepares meals and socializes together,” said Paulette Sodemann, Sales Design Consultant with Callen. “With that in mind, it’s important to consider the new 2019 kitchen trends that are expected to dominate this year.”

Technology progresses exponentially, and a prime example of this growth pattern is kitchen technology. The transition towards a smart kitchen is expected to be more commonplace in 2019. “Whether homeowners are looking to a rebuild their entire kitchen, or simply want to incorporate a few add-ons, smart technology can be integrated into virtually every aspect of design. This includes refrigerators with touch screen displays, voice activated trash cans, motion sensor faucets, connected lighting, remote control ovens, and programmable coffee makers, the possibilities seem endless,” said Paulette. “Moreover, Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant can be utilized in the space and connect to and communicate with the smart appliances in your kitchen. For instance, Alexa can inform you of the remaining inventory in your refrigerator or automatically brew your favorite cup of coffee in the morning. For those who love to cook, Alexa can maintain a grocery list, convert units of measurement, and keep multiple timers. Alexa can even provide recipe suggestions.”

In terms of kitchen countertops, quartz remains at the top of the list. It’s exceptionally strong and can essentially last indefinitely. “Additionally, it requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning; it’s stain, heat, and scratch resistant; and due to its non-porous surface, is highly impervious to bacteria,” she said. With the help of technology, quartz can be manufactured to resemble the look of natural stone or it can incorporate intricate swirls, among other designs. It comes in an array of colors, although neutral colors such as grey or cream are particularly favored.

As for flooring, hardwood prevails as the top choice, but ceramic tiles trail closely behind in 2019 kitchen trends. The beauty of ceramic tile is that it can mimic the look and even texture of other flooring materials, such as natural stone or hardwood, while needing only minimal maintenance. Another bonus is it is not necessary to follow conventional sizing. “So, you can have the ceramic tile cut to resemble wood planks or you can choose to have it custom cut and create your own pattern,” she said. “With ceramic tile, you are limited only by your imagination.”

For many years, white cabinetry has dominated the kitchen, but lately darker tones have made their way into the space. You can expect to see paints and stains in black and various shades of blue and green. Among the 2019 kitchen trends, two-tone cabinets will also be popular, so feel free to mix things up. “Kitchen cabinets that are darker in color convey a more dynamic feel and two-tone options give it that pop of color,” Paulette said. “Keep in mind, it’s important to exercise caution when including darker tones into the kitchen, as excessive use of these colors can be overpowering.”

Homeowners looking to embrace a modern, sleek design will be excited about the open shelving trend expected to increase in popularity in 2019. “Removing the upper wall cabinets and replacing them with open shelving frees up space, making the kitchen appear brighter and bigger,” said Paulette. “Plus, you’ll be able to access all of your kitchenware with ease, and proudly display all of your prized antiques and heirlooms.”

The concept of linking the kitchen to Mother Nature continues to gain traction. Homeowners are opting to install glass doors into their kitchens for easy access to their outdoor spaces. In addition to placing strong emphasis on the great outdoors, connecting these two spaces introduces more natural light into the kitchen.

“Ultimately, the main goal is to create a kitchen that is specifically designed to meet you and your family’s unique needs,” she said. “These modern 2019 kitchen trends are a highly useful resource in relation to guidelines, inspiration, or a starting point for your kitchen. Remember to always consider personal preference to help ensure that you are fully satisfied with the end result.”