There have been so many kitchen trends over the past few years, it's time to sort out what worked and what didn't. Apparently those pot fillers or wall-mounted spigot taps over the stove top were not such a good idea. People say they don't use them, and when they drip they can be a hassle.
Raised eating counters with high bar stools seem to have given way to standard counter-height islands with lower stools, keeping eating and food prep at one height.
Everyone has a favourite faucet style. Some like the all-in-one faucet with a pull-out spray, while others favour the separate hand sprayer mounted beside the faucet. Built-in soap pumps are less popular. You have to refill them, and they can leak and break off, so it's not surprising that many people prefer just to use a bottle of liquid soap that can be stored below the sink. Extra-deep farmer-style sinks are still a great idea. Choose a large single sink or a double over a model with three bowls.
If you are a serious cook, you will want to research the new induction cooking systems.
I attended a demonstration of the new induction cooktops by Thermador, and heard super-chef Jamie Kennedy rave about the speed and quality of heat and then I tasted the results. Definitely something to consider. Some avid cooks opt for a combination unit that offers both induction and gas elements.
If you frequently entertain or have a large family, two dishwashers is the way to go. If you don't often feed a crowd, try two dishwasher drawers in one unit by Fisher Paykel. One drawer is perfect for the everyday needs of one or two people, and no more bending down. If glass-front kitchen cabinets are too revealing for you, consider laminated glass doors that are backpainted. You get the sparkle of glass without the transparency.
Closets for food and dishes are a wonderful idea. Once you have experienced the convenience of opening one set of doors and seeing all your staples or dishes and glasses at once, you will never want to return to the chore of opening many small kitchen cupboards.
Deep drawers for pots and dishes are another great option. Of course, you've probably seen the drawers that close themselves. You just give them a small push and the glides do the rest.
I've written a lot about countertops and my passion for honed white marble. But there are many other great surfaces to choose from. I think the trend to concrete counters has waned, while Corian and other manmade counters that simulate natural stone look great and are very popular. Opaque and semi-opaque glass tiles for backsplashes are right on trend.
Kitchens are becoming more decorative and colourful again. Modernists will probably stay with the ergonomic, sleek Euro kitchen. But if you want something more eclectic and charming you might prefer one of the new "bespoke" kitchens with open shelving and wood or painted-wood cabinets with dressy hardware. If you go for stained-wood cabinets, the new colour is a grey wash that looks great with natural oiled floors and stainless steel appliances.
Start planning now, and plan to do the work while barbecue season is in full swing.
-- Canwest News Services
