How to measure your kitchen for a remodel

How to measure your kitchen for a remodel

If you’re planning a remodel, measure your current kitchen accurately to create a design that can be executed perfectly, bringing your dream kitchen to life.

How well you measure your kitchen can be a factor in how smoothly your kitchen remodel goes. If you don’t get your measurements right, your design won’t come to life as expected. Because it’s so important, many of our clients request Bath Plus Kitchen’s Measurement Services, available with our Standard and Ultra Kitchen Design Services packages. This prevents issues such as:

  • Gaps between pieces (e.g., between countertop and stove).
  • Not enough space to accommodate certain features comfortably, such as a kitchen island.

Want to learn how to do it yourself? This blog will guide you through it.

Keep in mind that if you don’t measure your kitchen correctly, you may be able to fit everything you wanted into your kitchen space, but it won’t be a perfect fit. Accuracy here is essential while preparing for a remodel. It makes for a better experience, which is why one of our custom cabinet lines has even developed a special system for flexibility and ease-of-use. Proper measurements help your kitchen designer work out the best way to create a kitchen for you that functions seamlessly and looks fantastic.

When our designers at Bath Plus Kitchen meet with a new client, getting a clear picture of the current kitchen helps them make their best recommendations for the space. To plan the perfect kitchen remodel, we offer guidance on measuring the space and compiling ideas. Once we have a clear picture of what you’re looking for and the space we’d be working with, we can get to work.

Read: What a kitchen remodel timeline typically looks like

Try these tips on measuring your kitchen accurately to prepare for your kitchen remodel!

What you will need

1. Tape measure

Tape measure, image from garagetooladvisor.com

Chances are, you know how to use a tape measure. You’ve probably used one for various projects around the house, but here are a few tips to make it easier:

  • Make friends with the lock button – While you may be able to take quick measurements by keeping the tape extended, the lock button will improve accuracy and also allow you to pause to note your measurements down comfortably.
  • Try out the belt clip – This one’s straightforward; use it to avoid a tape measure hunt in the middle of mapping out your kitchen!
  • Use the hook tab – Where possible, hook the tape onto whatever you’re measuring, so you can check if everything is aligned before you note down a measurement. When used together with the lock button, you can double check each measurement to make sure it’s accurate before moving on to the next one.
  • Get familiar with the tape measure marks – Many tape measures have lines/marks of various lengths to indicate units of measurement. If you haven’t done so yet, look closely at the little lines between every inch on the tape. This varies, but you may find marks for 1/16”, 1/8”, 1/4″, 1/2″, and 1”. Some even have a black arrow for every foot. Keeping this in mind can make it easier to count as you measure.

2. Straightedge

         You’ll need one to draw the layout of your current kitchen, indicating measurements.

3. Graph paper

Along with written measurements, a graph or grid paper is a great way to help explain your current kitchen’s layout to your designer. Of course, your remodel team will do their own measurements, but greater accuracy from the get-go can only make things easier! Get started with these tips:

Use our free downloadable graph paper to measure your kitchen 

  • Measure the perimeter of the room to frame your drawing.
  • Based on this, decide on your scale key and make a note of it. For example, you could decide that every square represents 5 inches. You can then create a drawing to scale.

4. Pencil(s)

         A simple pencil and eraser will get the job done. However, feel free to use colored pencils or markers to make your drawing more detailed.

A few general tips on measuring your kitchens

  1. Measure clockwise – Start at the top left corner of your drawing and then start measuring clockwise, marking all the measurements clearly.
  2. Label walls, windows, and doors with numbers and codes – Add descriptions and labels to facilitate your discussion with your designer.
  3. Find the center of all permanent features – This will help you measure items such as windows, doors, big appliances, as well as plumbing and electrical components.
  4. Measure horizontally and vertically – Take horizontal measurements from halfway up your walls. Vertical measurements are important as well, where you can note the total height as well as a breakdown of measurements. For example, if measuring a window, you can measure from the floor to the window trim, then window height, and finally from the top of the window to the ceiling. You can add these up and check if it matches the total height of that wall. Cross-checking measurements like this will improve accuracy.
  5. Include the trim for windows and doors – When you measure windows and doors, include the trim or frame in your measurements.

What to measure

Once you’ve put together your supplies, you can move on to measuring and drawing.

Step 1 – Create a floor plan

Keeping in mind your scale key, draw the perimeter of your room. Everything else can be detailed out from there. Getting the perimeter right is important because it lets the designer know how much space they’re working with.

Next, mark the windows, doors, and archways. Be sure to indicate which way they open, and whether they lead outside or into another part of the house. This will give your kitchen designer a sense of the basic usable space, the shape of your kitchen, and whether or any part of the kitchen can be opened out.

Step 2 – Create a wall plan

Measure the exact length of each wall. To do this right, measure the length in 3 places:

  • Along the floor
  • Halfway up the wall
  • At the ceiling

Why measure the same thing thrice? For the most part, walls are not perfectly square. This means that the three measurements you just took can be off by a few inches.

Use the widest of the three measurements for your wall plan. This is what you’ll use to order your kitchen cabinetry to avoid any awkward gaps. It’s a good idea to inform your kitchen designer about all three measurements, to give them a full picture of what they’re working with.

Your designer will also need to know what’s on the other side of each wall, so note that down as well. For example, if the living room is on the other side of one wall, you could label it “interior wall” and write “living room” outside it. Similarly, you can label a wall an “exterior wall” if the other side of it is the outside of your house.

Step 3 – Make note of any obstacles

Think of this as telling your kitchen designer more about your walls and what’s connected to them. Some items to note are:

  • Gas and electricity meters
  • Boilers
  • Radiators
  • Extractor fans
  • Appliances
  • Water stopcock
  • Plug sockets
  • Light switches
  • TV sockets

Measure their width from their widest point, and mark their position on the wall. Of course, you may need professional help to get some of these, but try to identify as many as you can.

Step 4 – Measure the windows

While measuring windows, be sure to include the trim. Start measuring from the top left corner of your drawing, and go clockwise.

  • Measure the distance between that corner and the edge of the window trim and mark that on the diagram.
  • Then, measure the width of the window and mark that. Label it ‘Window #1’.
  • Keep going clockwise until every window has been marked,
  • Then, get the height and width of each window
  • Also measure vertically, noting the distance between the floor and the bottom of each window and the distance between the top of the window and the ceiling.

The objective here is to get the size and placement of all windows.

Step 5 – Measure the doorways

This is similar to the way you measured windows. Again, start measuring from the top left corner of your drawing.

  • Measure the distance between that corner, halfway up the wall, and the edge of the door trim. Mark that on the diagram.
  • Then, measure the width of the door and mark that. Label it ‘Door #1’.
  • If there’s more than one door on a wall, measure again from the left corner to the edge of the second door’s trim; i.e., don’t just measure between doors.
  • Keep going clockwise until every door has been marked.
  • Then, get the height and width of each door. For the height, measure from the floor up to the top edge of the door trim. Note these details down, with additional diagrams if possible.

Step 6 – Pipes, vents, outlets, switches

When you discuss your new kitchen with your designer, you’ll probably talk about new appliances and features you’d love to have in your dream kitchen. To tell you what’s possible and what will need rewiring or replumbing, a kitchen designer needs to know the dimensions and positions of the key items. You can share the locations of:

  • Electrical switches
  • Sockets
  • Drainpipes
  • Venting ductwork

As with measuring doors and windows, start in the left-hand corner. On every wall, identify the plumbing and electrical items. Measure from the corner to the center of the item and mark it on your drawing.

Step 6 – Final check

Now it’s time to check if your measurements are accurate. If you have a rectangular room, it would follow that parallel walls are the same length. You could check if the measurements match and measure again if something seems off. Take a look around your kitchen and compare it to your drawing to see if you’ve represented it correctly.

Once you give your kitchen designer the measurements and your ideas, you can move on to the exciting part – designing your dream kitchen! We’d love to hear what you have in mind and introduce you to our process. Get in touch with us to learn how we can transform your kitchen.

 

Key sources

https://www.diy.com/

https://www.dummies.com/ 

 https://www.kitchens.com/

https://www.lowes.com/

2021 kitchen cabinetry trends to refresh your home

2021 kitchen cabinetry trends are showing a new interest in both contemporary design and a return to nature. In our blog on 2021 kitchen design trends, we looked at how so many preferences have emerged and grown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, these trends can be a wonderful source of inspiration and help you create a space that meets your evolving needs. Before we look at some 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends, here’s a list of kitchen design choices we expect to see more of this year:

●       Open layouts

To create a single shared space, barriers such as walls and doors are eliminated and distinct functional areas are integrated into a single shared space.

 

●       Large islands
Islands can provide seating and storage, making them very appealing to homeowners looking for flexibility. Some clients are even opting for a second island.

 

●       Smart appliances

Device charging, entertainment, and emergency power for essential appliances such as fridges are going to become more important in 2021.

 

●       Organic, natural textures and tones

2021 kitchen design trends tell us that we can expect to see more stone, marble, natural wood, and earth tones. Incorporating more organic materials and textures into interiors helps people de-stress and connect with nature.

 

●       Mixing cabinetry color and finish

Popular choices will be painted and wood grain, with a different color on the island. We saw this last year as well with the kitchen design trends for 2020.

 

●       Clean kitchen styles

Research by NKBA shows that the top kitchen styles are likely to be contemporary, transitional, organic/natural, and minimalistic. This suggests that, on the whole, cleaner looks will be preferred to more ornate traditional styles.

 

●       Modern-style countertops
In line with the kitchen styles that are becoming more popular, kitchen countertops will also take on a modern aesthetic. Solid surface countertops that are homogenous are an excellent choice for a clean look.

 

●       Sinks with smart features
Smart faucets and innovative sinks are going to be important 2021 kitchen design trends as people upgrade to more professional functions.

 

●       Flooring is hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or tile

Some popular choices this year will be hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and tile (ceramic or porcelain).

 

●       Under-cabinet lighting and flexible lighting controls

Flexible and passive lighting controls are anticipated to be more popular than traditional switches. Under-cabinet lighting is expected to be prominent as part of a sleek, contemporary look.

 

●       Large windows and French doors

This helps bring in more natural light. When designed well, they create a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors as well as a sense of openness.           

 

●       Integrated entertainment or outdoor kitchens

Building on the desire for more open space, indoor-outdoor kitchens and living areas are growing in popularity. We can also expect people to spend on premium lighting, fireplaces, comfortable furniture, and outdoor cooking appliances.

To dive deeper into this and get more specific, it’s great to look at kitchen cabinetry trends, which both inform and respond to overall kitchen design trends.

As homeowners integrate kitchen, living room, and office spaces, cabinetry preferences are changing. There are many factors to consider, such as: 

●       Creating consistent design, aesthetic, and color schemes through kitchen and living spaces.

●       Keeping the kitchen well-organized so it’s easy to tidy.

●       Maximizing storage efficiency and space

●       Making everything easy-to-use for all family members who may be spending more time at home now.

At Bath Plus Kitchen, we work with cabinet manufacturers at the top of their game, who are known for their style expertise and consistent quality. View our portfolio to learn about the work we’ve done with their gorgeous cabinetry. We explain a few reasons why our kitchen designers love working with these manufacturers in these blogs:

Why Bath Plus Kitchen designers love Nobilia
Why Bath Plus Kitchen designers love Bellmont Cabinetry

These manufacturers are on top of (and, often, ahead of) the trends, so we believe that when it comes to 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends, they can offer incredible ideas and inspiration. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, keep reading to find what top trends these cabinetry design experts are catering to now!

2021 kitchen cabinetry trends – 10 trends to look out for now

  1. Slab doors
Contemporary cabinets with slab doors by Plain & Fancy

For Plain & Fancy, a top-rated cabinet manufacturer we work with, vintage cabinetry was the top-selling style. In 2020, those dropped to 5%. Instead, their customers are choosing slab doors, like the ones in the picture above. Here, you can see white acrylic cabinetry in full overlay, creating a very clean and bright look. On the base and wall cabinetry are slab doors that enhance this clean, contemporary aesthetic. For warmth and contrast, the designers chose flat panel doors in walnut with a natural finish for the island and accent wall. This is a great way to add character and uniqueness to your new kitchen while still maintaining sleekness.

  1. White and custom color finishes

White and off-white finishes have been popular for a while, and Plain & Fancy expects them to remain favorites. Of these, their Cascade White finish has been the biggest winner. One door style in a white finish that has been doing well is their Vogue door style.

Plain & Fancy also believes custom color will continue to be a popular option. They are committed to helping their customers “dream in color” and choose from their extensive gallery of colors or even create their own shade. We highly recommend testing out their Custom Color Picker to find shades you love (which you can then add to your ‘Saved Favorites’). Here’s a snapshot of what it looks like:
Custom Color Picker by Plain & Fancy.

We love it when our customers come to us with an exciting color option and an openness to explore interesting palettes. Our designers enjoy hearing about your personal preferences so they can dive deeper into customization and help you create something fabulous. That said, sometimes it helps to get a little inspiration from the color trends of the year. Plain & Fancy’s Shane Achey notes that what’s in style can differ depending on whom you ask. He shares what color experts at Sherwin-Williams, Valspar, and Farrow & Ball have chosen, summarized below.

‘Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Colors in 2021’ shared by top color authorities

●       Sherwin-Williams: Urbane Bronze

A lot of us are drawn to more calming tones now, making grey neutrals a popular choice. The Sherwin-Williams color marketing director explains that color such as Urbane Bronze makes it easier to establish the home as a personal haven during times of uncertainty. It’s also safe to bet that this color won’t go out of style anytime soon. 

Tip from Plain & Fancy: Layer with complementary tones, including not only beige paints but also, white oak or ash cabinets. Copper and wrought iron details can instantly add a hint of sophistication to any space decked out with this neutral hue.

 

●       Valspar: 12 muted hues
These colors include shades of blue, grey, and cream, with something for everyone in this modern collection. Giving each color its own webpage, Valspar offers an in-depth exploration of every hue, including a quote from an expert, why it’s trending, how to style it, and a ‘how it feels’ video with a sound bath.


●       Farrow & Ball

Farrow & Ball have also chosen multiple colors for 2021. These shades tend to be earthy, along with a few rich colors. They have divided these into four categories – Rich and Warm, Clean and Timeless Blues, Earth Colors, and Natural Greens. Here’s a look at their ‘Rich and Warm’ set:

 

 We hope these trending colors serve as an inspiration and help you discover new design possibilities, especially for your kitchen cabinets.

 

  1. White oak

This year, we expect white oak to remain a hot seller. Plain & Fancy notes that from top-grade cuts to the rustics that were once considered low grade are all varieties of white oak will stay in demand. They predicted this popularity a few years ago, introducing 14 beautiful white oak finishes in 2018:

From L-R: Silver Shore, Driftscape, Weathered Shore, Southwest Gray Narvik, Lynx, Plateau, Tundra, Glacier, Dovre, Alpine, Arctic Char, Montane, and Rain Shadow.

How do you know if it’s the right option for you? Plain & Fancy Purchasing Manager Rick Yohn says, “it is a great look for those customers that appreciate the natural beauty of wood. Six of our new finishes (Silver Shore, Driftscape, Weathered Shore, Narvik, Montane, and Lynx) are very transparent finishes and will not hide color variation. Again, great for those who love that wood look.”

 

They offer an exciting option for contemporary kitchen designers – reconstituted rift white oak – in the two-door styles shown below, Allegro (L) and Chicago (R).

  1. Frameless cabinetry

While designing their dream kitchens with us, many of our clients are drawn to Bellmont’s Euro-style, built-to-order frameless cabinets. They’re certainly not alone in choosing this contemporary style over traditional framed cabinetry.

 

Framed cabinetry – In this cabinetry style, the door hinges are attached directly to the frame, which strength and sturdiness. Rails and stiles are used to create a face frame, similar to a picture frame. One of the great things about frameless cabinetry is that they offer flexibility with adjustable shelves and the option to use many different doors. They work well with a more traditional style.

 

Frameless cabinetry – Instead of securing door hinges onto a frame as you would with framed cabinetry, they are secured directly to the inside of the box. That way, all you see after installation is the flat door and drawer fronts. This creates a sleek, simple aesthetic that works well with a more contemporary style. The two main reasons homeowners today are choosing frameless cabinetry are:

●       A cleaner look

●       Better accessibility and space.

As Bellmont explains it, “the full-overlay, flush-fitting doors, and drawers offer unobstructed interior access, giving you more storage space and organizing options than traditional face frame cabinets.”

Bath Plus Kitchen’s Eric Shipe demonstrates the differences between framed and frameless cabinetry below.

  1. Wall-to-wall cabinetry and made-to-measure kitchen designBecause of the growing preference for open layouts and more integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, kitchens need to be easy to clean and reorganize.

    Wall-to-wall cabinetry makes it easier to keep your kitchen looking neat. It gives you freedom from worrying about keeping open shelves tidy. On a busy day, you can still pack everything away into your spacious kitchen cabinets and have your kitchen looking clutter-free.

 

When the goal is to maximize storage space and functionality while keeping things looking organized, a made-to-measure kitchen design fits the bill. Nobilia offers a flexible height system and made-to-measure kitchen design that supports more creative freedom in planning. To them, this was the next logical step in their grid reorganization. They are combining a more consistent line layout with increased planning reliability, a surplus of storage space, and quality improvements in the details. This system offers a new level of personalization and flexibility while still achieving a holistic, perfected look through optimized symmetry. All of these updates align perfectly with the 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends we’re seeing.

Nobilia’s flexible height system for cabinetry. Individual fine-tuning is made possible by their four different plinth heights and three worktop heights. This helps them create an ergonomically optimized activity height for a variety of activities, such as meal preparation, cooking, and washing dishes

With their made-to-measure kitchens, you get wonderful benefits such as:

●       More side depth. What Nobilia says is true – you never have enough storage! That’s why they increased the storage space of all their wall cabinets and dresser units with a new side depth of 350 mm.

●       Continuous fronts. These create an especially linear look.

●       Flush fronts. To optimize the design lines, all Nobilia’s shelf units are now produced with front flush as the standard. These shelf units can also be supplied with adjustable shelves for a surcharge to provide even more flexibility.

Nobilia understands their clients’ aesthetic and functional priorities for their new kitchens. They believe flexibility, individuality, and storage space are what customers want, and they’re determined to provide this in new and innovative ways while still adhering to their high standards of quality and design every single time.

 

  1. Contrasting finishes

If you want your kitchen to reflect world-class contemporary design, look no further than Nobilia’s fronts and trends. These reflect the biggest 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends to look out for. Take a look at what’s new at Nobilia to see how they pair different finishes to create stunning kitchens:

●         Warm Concrete Shade

Nobilia describes concrete as the epitome of modern industrial style. As customers lean increasingly towards a more natural, pared-down, organic feel, they offer this new, warm shade of Terra grey for their RIVA range as a “contemporary interpretation of cool coziness”. The dark wall unit offers contrast.

RIVA 839 - CONCRETE TERRA GREY REPRODUCTION

●         Elegant Wood Appearance

Nobilia’s new walnut décor embodies pure elegance and caters to the current demand for a more natural feel. The matte black carcass pairs beautifully with it to create a sophisticated look.

RIVA 840 - WALNUT REPRODUCTION

●       Cottage-style cosiness

Their NORDIC doors deliver the cottage-style coziness with a new framed door in a white, genuine lacquer design. The result: Fronts with a minimalist look, inspired by popular Scandinavian style. The wood aesthetic on the island and backsplash add a touch of traditional comfort.

NORDIC 782 - LACQUER, HONED WHITE

 

●       Glass appearance with wow effect

Nobilia’s new ARTIS line offers fronts and upright panels made of polymer glass. ARTIS thus offers a virtually unlimited range of products. The satin matte finish glass appearance achieves a stunning depth effect and sets the scene for exquisite designs in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. In the kitchen below, the flawless glass finish contrasts beautifully with the wood aesthetic.

ARTIS 937 - GLASS APPEARANCE, TITANIO MATT

Nobilia demonstrates that the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a contemporary kitchen that expresses your individual preferences and taste. We also love how they’re changing perceptions of laminate cabinetry, showing how beautiful, high-quality, and versatile they can be.

 

  1. Clean lines and minimalist design

Clean, contemporary kitchen design is a clear winner when you look at 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends. Bellmont delivers this with their VERO series, inspired by Italian minimalist design. It boasts a true absence of handles that emphasizes clean lines and soothing symmetry for an elegant, harmonious look. What goes into achieving that? There are three key features:

 

●       Linear rail technology – Bellmont’s sleek and simple integrated rail system provides a slender, unseen channel for easy access to drawers. This gives it a clean, crisp appearance. Without interference from handles and hardware, your kitchen becomes more efficient, making it inviting to do more there.

●       Clean lines – Precision-cut frameless cabinets give you straight lines, minimal gaps, and pleasing geometric patterns. This makes visual transitions between materials and color palettes smoother.

●       Uninterrupted access – Without handles and hardware, you can focus on the real stars – the door styles and complex finishes. It reinforces the lack of clutter while enhancing the convenience of the handle-free frameless design.

 

Nobilia offers excellent options in the realm of handle-less designs, achieving clean looks like the one pictured below.

Their Handle-less Line N kitchens are available in 11 ranges and 49 front designs. These kitchens are available in all carcass colors. The entire range of surrounds with all 47 worktop décors and 94 upright colors is available. Nobilia also offers recessed handles in 9 colors. The L profiles for horizontal recessed handles can be equipped with LED lighting for a surcharge.

  1. Sleek integrated finger-pulls
    Another way to allow the beautiful cabinetry faces to shine unobstructed is integrated finger-pulls, offered by top manufacturers such as Dura Supreme. They offer two sleek and sophisticated Integrated Pulls, now available with both Crestwood and Bria Cabinetry.  These built-in hardware options are perfect for contemporary and transitional designs and are available with a beautiful, brushed Aluminum finish.

 

  1. Recessed design lighting
    Nobilia makes sure every aspect of your kitchen is perfect, including     recess design. They create decorative and functional wall views with elegant panels. Their niche cladding selection is gorgeous, artistic, and unique, and would look stunning when highlighted by recessed lighting. This is something we expect to see more of in 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends.

An exciting feature they offer for this includes the ability to switch back and forth between cool white and warm white lighting, as Eric Shipe demonstrates in the video below.

Nobilia’s lighting systems are designed to illuminate workspaces as well as to create an atmosphere. They understand – and we agree – that lighting requires careful planning and consideration. After all, when you invest time and resources in your gorgeous new kitchen, you wouldn’t want unimaginative lighting to take away from the elegance and ambiance you’ve worked hard to establish!

 

Here are two valuable tips from Nobilia to make sure your lighting is doing your kitchen, including your new cabinetry, justice:

●       Ensure that work area lighting is uniform and shadow-free as far as possible in order to optimize day-to-day tasks in the kitchen.

●       In addition to general room lighting, creating additional small islands of light, mainly near the seating areas in the kitchen, makes for a homely and comfortable ambiance. Thanks to efficient LED technology and modern control options, this can be realized simply and cost-effectively.

 

  1. Walk-in pantry
    Walk-in pantries are great especially if you love to cook and/or have a large family. For starters, they offer more storage space with floor-ceiling cubbies, shelves, and drawers. The generous space means things are easier to organize which in turn means they are easier to access and use. All of this can make cooking more appealing and can even minimize food wastage when ingredients get used instead of lying forgotten in the back of a cabinet or drawer. When planned well, your walk-in pantry can accommodate certain appliances that don’t have a permanent spot on your kitchen counters such as a juicer or slow cooker.

 

If this item on our list of 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends sounds good to you, you’ll love the NEW Pass-Through Tall Cabinet from Dura Supreme, designed for creating a seamless walk-in pantry.

Dura Supreme’s New Larder Cabinetry is another great option to consider, pictured below:

Dura Larder Cabinetry

These cabinets are highly functional and are designed with a number of internal storage features that will help you keep most countertop clutter items and small appliances behind beautiful cabinet doors. They offer specialized internal options such as:

●       Storage Center

●       Beverage Center

●       Baking Center

●       Optional organizational features such as apothecary drawers and a flat Roll-Out Shelf

Looking at these 2021 kitchen cabinetry trends tells us that homeowners today want to create contemporary spaces that prioritize comfort and ease. Clean looks and even cleaner design will make your kitchen efficient, organized, and a joy to spend time in!

Ready to discuss your new kitchen cabinetry with our design experts? Get in touch with us here.

Kitchen cabinetry costs: Design choices that impact them

Kitchen cabinetry costs surprise many first-time remodelers. It can be very expensive and will take up a significant percentage of your kitchen remodel costs. The good news is, if you plan well, you can find the perfect cabinetry for your budget. Knowing your options will help you make better choices that fit your priorities. To help you find the most suitable aspects to focus your expenditure on, we’ve put together the different choices you will need to make while selecting your cabinetry.

1. Installing new cabinetry vs. refacing existing cabinetry

Cabinetry has one of the biggest parts to play in creating the look of your kitchen. Some homeowners opt to simply reface their cabinets. This entails steps such as covering cabinet boxes and sides, adding new cabinet fixtures, and installing new drawer fronts. Refacing costs less than getting brand-new cabinetry.

Still, most kitchen remodels involve a change of cabinetry because homeowners want to update the kitchen’s aesthetic and improve functionality with new features and storage ideas. This decision will mean costs for removal, new cabinetry, and installation. Unless you are quite skilled, get a professional to do this for you, or you could damage your walls. For safety reasons, cabinet installation is best left to qualified professionals as well. This can be around 40-50% of the kitchen cabinetry costs. Full-service remodel firms such as Bath+Kitchen will take care of the entire process for you, from design to installation.

2. Custom or semi-custom vs. stock cabinetry

Custom cabinetry tends to be the most desirable choice for many reasons, closely followed by semi-custom. Stock cabinets work well for smaller budgets, but you are likely to find a limited selection of materials and styles there. That’s why our clients prefer the custom and semi-custom options we offer via top-rated manufacturers that prioritize quality and variety, such as Bellmont, Dura Supreme, and Plain & Fancy.

3. Natural wood vs. engineered materials

You can expect engineered materials such as MDF and particleboard to cost less than solid wood. There are some excellent MDF doors out there for you to choose from that are high-quality and beautifully-designed, such as Bellmont’s shaker-style door:

These often look new for longer than some solid wood doors do.

If you love the classic look of solid wood, consider factors such as grain, color, and construction. Also, you’ll find that each wood species comes with its own price. Oak and Hickory can be more affordable than Maple or Cherry. Here are some popular choices:

  • Red Oak
  • White oak
  • Hard maple
  • Hickory
  • Cherry
  • Birch
  • Ash
  • Pine

4. Traditional vs. Contemporary door styles

There are different basic kitchen styles you can opt for such as traditional, transitional, contemporary, and modern. For traditional and transitional kitchens, raised panels express the desired aesthetic well. These kitchens favor detail so cleaner styles wouldn’t have the right impact. These more ornate or decorative door styles will cost more than slab doors, which are suited to contemporary and modern kitchens.

Other styles that can increase your kitchen cabinetry costs are mullion frame doors and open frame doors, which require glass inserts. Some clients opt to make these the predominant door style in their kitchen. A more budget-friendly option is to use a few of them as accents while using solid panels for the most part. Choices like these will shape your kitchen cabinetry costs.

5. Glaze vs. laminate

Cabinet finishes vary considerably in terms of cost. Glazed doors can offer a beautiful vintage look but can be much more expensive than a laminate. That said, there are a wide variety of laminates to choose from today, ranging in quality and price. Explore Bellmont’s door finish gallery to get a sense of how many options there are and what kitchen aesthetic they’re best-suited to.

Dura Supreme, another cabinet manufacturer we work with, breaks their door finishes into three main categories – contemporary, painted, and stained. We also work with Plain & Fancy, who let you customize your color (try out their Custom Color Picker and save your favorites!) in addition to offering an exquisite selection of door styles and finishes.

With these well-reputed manufacturers, you can rest assured that anything you select will be high-quality and look beautiful in your home.

6. Drawer base vs. standard base

Drawer base cabinets are more expensive than standard base cabinets. By designing strategically, you can create a combination of drawers and shelves that work for you, like in the kitchen below:

The red arrow points to a standard base cabinet with 1 drawer and 2 drawers. The blue arrow points to a 3-drawer base cabinet. You can also get 2 drawer and 4 drawer base cabinets. How you design this will impact your kitchen cabinetry costs.

Then, the drawers themselves come in a range of designs, all priced differently.
Soft-close, dovetail drawers are the starting point for all of our kitchen cabinetry. They have solid ⅝” thick sides with a ¼” plywood bottom and 75-pound load capacity. Drawer sides and bottom are protected with a clear UV cured-coating.

Upgrade options include:

  • Walnut drawers with additional hand sanding. This gives you tight, flush joints and two coats of clear catalyzed conversion varnish for durability.
Walnut drawers and accessories as seen here
  • Alder drawers with additional hand sanding. Similar to the walnut drawers described above, this gives you tight, flush joints & two coats of clear catalyzed conversion varnish for durability
  • LEGRABOX drawers by Blum. Key features:
    • Slim 1/2” thick drawer sides constructed with a powder-coated steel finish in a mid-tone grey.
    • A higher load capacity – 88 pounds standard and 150 pounds for 42 to 48” wide drawers.
    • The soft close guides feature progressive runners, providing fluid-like running of the full extension action.
    • Unlike standard wood drawers, their drawer faces are attached directly to the LEGRABOX drawer sides with a concealed mechanized coupling bracket. This gives you an additional ⅝” of storage.
    • The Ambia-line of accessories is designed specifically for LEGRABOX drawers.

7. Framed vs. Frameless

Framed cabinets work well with more traditional kitchens and can cost around $500-1000 less than frameless cabinetry. If you want a sleek aesthetic that’s similar to a lot of contemporary European styles, frameless is the way to go. Not sure what the difference is? Bath+Kitchen’s Eric Shipe explains it in this video:

8. Made in the USA vs. cheaper imports

Considering several crucial factors such as quality, design, aesthetic, safety, longevity, and ecological impact, we highly recommend choosing cabinetry manufactured here in the US. There are many cheap alternatives available today that can even be ordered online, but they come with their own price. Many of them are low quality and won’t last. In addition, there are potential health and safety risks. Their negative impact on the environment is an important consideration as well. At Bath+Kitchen, we work exclusively with top-rated US cabinet manufacturers to ensure you always get quality cabinetry that is safe for your home. We take the time to study quality carefully and are transparent with our clients about every detail of the cabinetry they choose.

Other factors – considering your space

In addition to your preferences, it’s essential to evaluate your specific space and note any unique features as well as constraints that need to be factored into the design. Some of the options below could work well for your kitchen, giving you the kind of look and experience you want. Again, what you choose will shape the total cost of your cabinetry.

  • Taller wall cabinets

30” high wall cabinets with a soffit (a structure used to fill the space between your cabinets and the ceiling or hide wiring) above will be more affordable than a 36” or 42” high wall cabinets with fascia and crown molding. If an existing soffit needs to be removed, there will be additional labor costs.

Example with soffits and 30” high cabinets, Bath+Kitchen remodel in Washington, DC
Example with fascia and crown molding, Bath+Kitchen remodel in Alexandria, VA.
  • Stacked wall cabinets

If you have 9’+ ceilings, choosing stacked cabinetry can look impressive and elegant. However, they can add thousands to the cost of your project by increasing your kitchen cabinetry costs. Here’s are some stacked cabinets we’ve done for clients in

Logan Circle (L) and Bethesda, MD (R):

Here are some 9’ ceilings without stacked cabinets from some of our remodels (Washington, DC, Del Ray, and Vienna, VA).

  • Wall cabinets with glass doors and/or mullions.

Here’s what they look like in a contemporary kitchen we remodeled in Arlington, VA:

Tip: When choosing wall lift up cabinets, consider ceiling height as the doors will require additional space to open up fully.

There are different types to choose from as well, illustrated below:

  • Wall tilt up doors
  • Wall Lift up door, about 33% more than tilt up doors, allows for an easier to reach handle
  • Wall lift over the top about 41% more than tile up doors
  • Wall bi-fold tile up doors
  • Wall tilt up door bottom

About accessories

From basic accessories that keep your budget in check to elaborate pieces that enhance the look (and cost) of your cabinetry, there are so many options to choose from. You could find exactly what you’re looking for at Kessebohmer – premium German manufactured accessories, Rev-A-Shelf, or the Ambia-line of accessories designed specifically for LEGRABOX drawers. If your budget can accommodate it, these additional features can enhance your cabinetry experience:

  • Tip-On push to open drawers, a mechanical drawer system that doesn’t require electrical.

Accessory inspiration from the Bath+Kitchen store.
From reasonably-priced to expensive, there are many interesting options to explore. Here are a few:

  1. Hopewell Bar Pull 15 Inch (c-c) Ash Gray

2. Nouveau Bamboo Door Pull Back-to-Back 18 Inch (c-c) Brushed Satin Nickel

3. Cabinet Latch 2 Inch Antique Copper

4. Cobblestone Pull 3 3/4 Inch (c-c) Coal Black

5. Aspen Flat Sided Pull 4 Inch (c-c) Silicon Bronze Light

Getting ready to design and order new cabinetry? Here are 5 of HGTV’s cabinetry trends for 2021 to help you get started:

  1. Side-by-side color combo cabinets (as opposed to up and down).

2. Glass door cabinets

3. Natural wood

4. Luxe pulls and mix-and-match hardware (eg: knobs and handle pulls)

5. Under-cabinetry lighting

When you plan your budget for your kitchen remodel, we suggest making high-quality cabinetry a top priority. Kitchen cabinetry costs may feel high, but it’s important to look at the big picture – your cabinets have the power to shape the look and feel of your kitchen while also improving resale value. It’s an investment and, several years of experience and many happy clients later, we can help you plan it to perfection!

Key references:

Kitchen countertop costs – design choices that impact them

Kitchen countertop costs, like kitchen cabinetry costs, can vary tremendously based on your design choices, from simple to spectacular. They will constitute a significant percentage of your remodel costs. To ensure you find the perfect choice for your kitchen and budget, it’s a great idea to explore your options and understand how they will impact your costs.
Kitchen countertop costs are calculated on the basis of two main factors – materials and installation. Installation costs will depend on your contractor or remodel company. When investing in a new kitchen, it’s best to choose a company with proven expertise. In our work as one of the top-recommended kitchen remodeling companies in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, we have found and fixed many design and installation issues that came from cutting corners. It’s easier and cost-effective to choose quality from the start.

This kitchen remodeling project in Washington, DC was started by Bath + Kitchen about a year after the kitchen was remodeled by a flipper. The flipper took dozens of shortcuts in construction, made design mistakes, used cheap materials, and committed permit fraud. Here’s how we turned this around.

While installation costs will be difficult to control, material selection is where you can shape your kitchen countertop costs. Meaning, what you choose will drive the price up or down. To give you a basic idea, here are the price ranges you can expect, excluding installation: 

  • Budget – $10-$50 per square foot plus installation
  • Mid-range – $60-$90 per square foot 
  • High-end – Starts at around $90 per square foot

Keep reading for a closer look at different materials you can choose!

What materials should you choose for your countertops?

The possibilities are endless, but we’ve put together a list of the most popular choices based on what our clients have been interested in. 

  1. Dekton – Ultracompact surfaces 
  • Price point about 25-40% higher than quartz

Heat-resistant and virtually impenetrable, Dekton is a sophisticated blend of the raw materials used to produce the very latest in glass and porcelain as well as the highest quality quartz work surfaces. These ultra-compact surfaces are made using Sinterized Particle Technology to create a revolutionary material and a leading product. Their thinner 1-2cm slabs fit beautifully in a cleaner, contemporary kitchen. For a mitered look, thicker options are available. Dekton’s advantages include:

  • High UV resistance 
  • Highly scratch-resistant
  • Resistant to stains
  • High resistance to fire and heat
  • Resistant to abrasion 
  • Resistant to ice and thawing
  • Color stability


(embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1hYLnY9IjY&ab_channel=CosentinoTV)

View the Cosentino product guide to learn more about Dekton’s advantages and applications. 

Note: It is not a through body color. That means the edge, while the same color as the top, will not show the pattern.

  1. Natural stone and top-quality marbles
  • Common slabs such as Carrara – $45-75 per square foot
  • Premium slabs such as Calacatta and Portoro – up to $300 per square foot.
  • Standard thickness: 3 cm

The luxurious look and feel of marble is tough to beat. It also has some practical qualities that homeowners enjoy. For example, if you’re someone who loves to bake, cold marble can be an excellent surface for kneading dough.

Image source: hgtv.com 

They, however, are high end and can also be high-maintenance, requiring sealers periodically to preserve their beautiful aesthetic. If you are happy to invest in maintaining them, natural stone or marble is a stunning choice.

  1. Wood 
  • Standard quality, solid wood – $60-100 with labor
  • Unusual species, solid wood – up to $200
  • Particleboard core with hardwood veneers – a more practical and affordable choice, available in Bath+Kitchen’s cabinetry lines by Plain & Fancy, Dura Supreme and Bellmont. They offer wood tops with a particle board or plywood core, with thickness options of ¾” and 1 ½”. These tops can be painted, stained (veneer), or laminate.

To give you an idea, here’s a look at Bellmont’s wood countertop specs:

– 3/4” thick wood veneer panel with 3/4” x 1 1/2” solid wood banding on edges.

– Edge detail can be specified using door edge profiles; #6 not available.

– Build-up strip around perimeter, 3/4″ x 1-1/2″ plywood or particleboard (matches header box option).

– Bottom of panel is NOT finished.

– Not available with Villa III detailing; Villa II sand thru will only be on hardwood edges.

– You can provide dimensions and indicate finished edges when ordering through their portal.

– They are priced by the square foot.

     Dura Supreme’s tops offer a number of edge profile options. When ordering these, you will need to specify the overall size (including applied solid stock or molding) as well as the cross-grain dimension before the width. Your order should indicate edge height x depth (cross-grain) x width (with the grain). For example, WT1-1/2” (edge height) x 25” (cross-grain) x 48” (with the grain).

– Their wood tops are available with 3/4” plywood or furniture-board with solid stock or molding applied to the specified edges. The price includes panel and applied solid stock (3/4” or 1-1/2”) or molding.

– Maximum panel size is 48” deep x 96” long excluding solid stock or moldings.

– Maximum nonstandard, “Extra Long” (Veneer core only) panel size is 25” x 120” excluding solid stock or moldings. Exception: Not available in Rustic Hickory.

– Non-Standard Wood Top code must be specified for any wood top with angles, notches or clipped corners, or for any Extra-Long top (over 96”).

A beautiful and timeless option, solid wood countertops are still loved by many homeowners. Different species of wood work differently in a kitchen, so it’s important to consult an expert. Even when you choose well, wood can be a tricky surface to maintain. Like marble, staying on top of it is key.

  1. Quartz
  • Plain – $45-55 per square foot
  • More color – $55-65 per square foot
  • With a look similar to Calacatta and Carrara –  $75 per square foot
  • Standard thickness: 3cm

The Spruce describes quartz (not solid quartz) as “a form of engineered stone, made from ground-up particles of stone bound together with plastic resins”. On average, it costs around $40-100 per square foot. For homeowners who want the look of natural stone at a lower price point and without all that maintenance, quartz is a great option.

  1. Laminate countertops
  • On average, these cost between 25-50% less than quartz or natural stone countertops.

Note: With laminate countertops, a flush mount or top mount sink is required. Undermount sinks will not work.

At Bath Plus Kitchen, we love Nobilia’s laminate worktops which, interestingly, make incredible backsplashes or “niche cladding”, pictured below.


They come in 38 mm and 16 mm (slim line). Unlike natural stone or quartz, these don’t require 1-2 weeks to be measured and fabricated. They’re also very easy to install – both countertop and backsplash – and this can be done right after your kitchen cabinets are installed. Here, the countertops and backsplash can match or compliment your cabinet finishes for a cohesive look.
Note: Nobilia’s quartz tops are not available in North America at this time.

When selecting a laminate countertop for your kitchen, ensure they can handle heat and water. Some laminate countertops, such as Northern Contours’ 3D Laminate Surfaces, won’t hold up well against heat but are perfect for a bathroom or laundry room. Identifying the top strengths of such surfaces can help you find the best place for them.

3DL Surfaces by Northern Contours.

  1. Stainless steel
  • On average – $60 – $100 for the materials, $70 – $130 with installation.

If a professional kitchen is what you dream of, consider stainless steel countertops. They are non-porous, easy to clean, and send the message that you take your culinary endeavors seriously!

  1. Concrete
  • On average, $50 – $100 for the materials, $60 – $130 with installation

Poured concrete countertops need to be made by experts who can guarantee a flawless finish. They lend beautifully to a modern aesthetic and look very impressive and unique. Of course, there is the risk of cracks to consider. That’s why it’s essential to get a professional opinion on these before you move forward with this choice.

  1. Recycled materials 
  • On average, $10-70 for the materials, $20-100 with installation.

These countertops are typically made with paper, glass slabs, and glass tiles. They signal creativity and innovation, as well as eco-consciousness. Reclaimed wood is another option in this space. Of course, it will require the maintenance of any other solid wood countertop.

When we work with clients on their kitchen or bath, one key decision we guide them through is edge profile. There are multiple edge profiles to choose from, such as these ones from Silestone:

  • Straight Beveled
  • Based Eased
  • Bullnose
  • Ogee
  • Mitred
  • Demi-bullnose

Most of our clients choose the Basic Eased edge shown below, which appears square with a slightly eased top edge while maintaining the surface’s thickness.

Tip: If aspects of organic materials such as marble and wood appeal to you, but you’re not too keen on the maintenance, consider adding small pieces strategically. You could have a marble section for working with dough, for example, or an inbuilt solid wood butcher’s block-style chopping board. The rest of your kitchen can use an easy-to-maintain option. This kind of selective placement could lower your kitchen countertop costs.

Other factors that impact kitchen countertop costs

  • DIY vs. installation (labor)
    While using low-cost materials such as tile, you can go the DIY route if you have the required skills. It gets tricker if you’re using high-end materials such as marble and natural stone for many reasons. One of these is simply the weight; since most slabs weigh too much for one person to move, it is better and safer to hire a pro. Also, when investing in a good-quality countertop, you don’t want damage or improper installation to ruin its finish. That’s why choosing a professional is your best bet. This can cost you between $10-30 per square foot for labor on average, which varies by location.
  •  Removal of existing countertop
    As explained, it’s best to work with a pro, especially if your countertops are natural stone or other high-quality materials. It will require cutting the silicon adhesive, removing the backsplash, and a few other steps.
  • Cabinet preparation
    Ensuring that your cabinets are in good condition is important for the maintenance of your countertops. If your cabinets aren’t level, they could cause pressure points that may eventually break the countertops, particularly natural stone. Professionals will make sure:
    – The surfaces are level
    – They have enough supports

    One approach is to redo your cabinetry together with your countertops because it is a great idea to replace both at the same time, correcting any possible issues. In our previous blog, we explain the design choices that impact kitchen cabinetry costs. Redoing your cabinetry and countertops together will ensure you create a cohesive setup, like the Nobilia setup Bath+Kitchen’s Eric Shipe demonstrates below:

(embed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA2OaHEiSUw&ab&ab_channel=BathPlusKitchen)

Another approach is to do this as part of a full kitchen remodel. If you’re not sure what’s best for your kitchen, Bath+Kitchen’s design experts can help.

  • Sanding, polishing, and sealing

These will depend on the materials you’ve chosen, and your remodel company or contractor should be in a good position to choose the right options. The finishing and maintenance of the surfaces will add to your kitchen countertop costs.

Need more help selecting the right countertop?
An important factor in selecting your countertops will be your kitchen style. For some ideas on what would work best, take a look at our blog. We examine quartz, granite, marble, and other natural stones, explaining the pros and cons of each.  

Before you begin your remodel, learn about the kitchen design trends for 2021. Modern-style countertops will be popular in 2021. Solid surface countertops that are homogenous are an excellent choice for a clean look. Functionally, too, they make sense because they are non-porous. Quartz will remain a popular choice as well.

Choosing the right materials and layout for your countertops is a big part of your kitchen design and experience. Through our showroom and virtual consultation, our designers can help you find what would suit your needs best, so you can make the most of your kitchen and enjoy every moment spent there! Schedule a consultation to get started.  

Key sources:

https://www.houzz.com/

https://www.thespruce.com/

https://www.hgtv.com/

https://marble.com/

2021 kitchen design trends to inspire your next remodel

Many 2021 kitchen design trends have emerged as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has altered how and where we spend our time. Many of us are likely to continue working from home and spending less time in public at least until late 2021, which is when experts predict an epidemiological end to the pandemic for the US. This is influencing how we design our homes, including our kitchens.

Homeowners are now showing a greater desire to invest in their homes, making them more comfortable to spend long periods of time in. What we use our homes for has changed, so the way we design these spaces is changing as well. Organizations such as the National Kitchen & Bath Association have observed these changing design inclinations in their predictions for 2021 kitchen design trends. Here are a few key trends.

COVID-19 influences on design from ‘NKBA Design Trends 2021’

1. Open layouts

An open-plan kitchen and living room is a popular design choice for modern homes, as 2021 kitchen design trends indicate. Here, barriers such as walls and doors are eliminated and distinct functional areas are integrated into a single shared space. It can happen either by reconfiguring an existing space and merging two rooms, or by designing a single space from scratch. Here’s how we executed this during a kitchen remodel in Washington, DC:

The goal is to create, after evaluating the pros and cons, a multi-functional space that meets your family’s needs. It’s going to be a room where people will relax, eat, and work – perhaps all at once. These ideas can help you make the space work better:

  • Try multi-functional or multi-purpose furniture, such as a bookshelf with a convertible desk or end tables that also serve as movable laptop stands.
  • Try to make the room feel dynamic and flexible with movable elements such as doors or walls that can transform the space as needed.
  • When it comes to creating these separate spaces, think beyond partitions – false ceilings, furniture, and carpet can be used to differentiate spaces as well so you can have a kitchen, dining room, relaxation area, and office nook all in the same room in a way that stays organized.
  • If you have a central column in the middle of your space, extend it into a small partition that can make the flow of the space more interesting while also serving as a storage space.
  • Use color or texture to create different zones within the space, which will suggest a change of purpose as you move through the room. This year, NKBA predicts the popular color choices to be restorative, earthy, and deep with a touch of brightness:

a) Blues and greens

Green kitchen cabinets
Green with envy by Bath + Kitchen.


b) Neutral tones

2021 kitchen design trends
White oak and off white cabinets by Bath + Kitchen

c) Dark tones that suggest resiliency

Dark kitchen by Nobilia, showcasing some of their new Environment and Design décor options that include 13 new handles and 7 niche decors.

d) Dependable greys / concrete looking cabinets & counters

Kitchen by Nobilia – RIVA 839, Concrete Terra grey reproduction

As you select your color palette, consider the mood you would like to create for you and your loved ones

2. Large islands

We expect to see more requests for large islands in 2021. Since people are trying to maximize the functionality of common areas of their homes, anything multipurpose that offers flexibility is going to be considered seriously. Islands can provide seating and storage as well as the option to incorporate some great features that serve cooks and diners alike, including:

  • Appliances such as microwaves or warming drawers
  • A sink for food prep
  • A cooktop and oven
  • A booth with a dining table
  • A display of beautiful crockery, perhaps a set you like to use for guests
kitchen design trends 2021
Large kitchen island, Bath + Kitchen Design in Washington, DC

You can also add a second island if you have the room. Just make sure the islands aren’t too close together, so it’s comfortable to move around and use the space. Too much space can also feel awkward and uncomfortable.

Tip: When building a kitchen island, think ahead to future appliances and features you might want to add, so that you can plan the plumbing and electrical work accordingly.

3. Appliances – emerging technology and aesthetics

Device charging, entertainment, and emergency power for essential appliances such as fridges are going to become more important in 2021. Many homeowners will prioritize building a smart kitchen with products that are more efficient, more precise, and safer. These are typically connected via IoT technology, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.  Sometimes, they can be controlled by voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home assistant. For ideas, take a look at some picks by PCMag.com.  This year, we are likely to see more people relying on technology in the kitchen in different ways, such as: 

  • Grocery ordering and inventory assistance
  • Monitors and alarms
  • Voice-activated digital assistants
  • Smart cooking devices
Paneled / hidden appliances specifically refrigerators and dishwashers as kitchen become more open to living rooms.

Aesthetically, stylish appliances such as French-door refrigerators will be popular.

4. Organic or natural materials

As people try to de-stress and find new ways to connect with nature, they are incorporating more organic materials and textures into their interiors. 2021 kitchen design trends tell us that we can expect to see more stone, marble, natural wood, and earth tones. Indoor plants and sustainable materials – including reused materials and bioplastics – are great choices, too. This helps bring nature and the outdoors into the home, which gives us a break from a world that runs on mass production and industrial growth that destroys nature.

2021 kitchen design trends
Marble countertops & backsplash, Bath + Kitchen Design NW Washington, DC

5. Cabinetry and other storage

Popular choices will be painted and wood grain, with a different color on the island. We saw this last year as well with the 2020 kitchen design trends. Also, more innovation can be expected here. All-white cabinetry is versatile and classic, but we might see a dip in its popularity this year. Designers can explore new ways to add contrast to an all-white kitchen, such as bright colored or even dark kitchen islands. Mixing finishes and adding pops of color can work well. For those looking to change their cabinetry altogether, a few options could be:
– neutral and natural tones that are soothing.
– greens and blues that can be uplifting.
– deep, dark jewel tones such as black, navy, emerald green, and plum for a dramatic feel and luxurious atmosphere. Modern homes in 2021 are likely to incorporate a lot of black and dark tones.

Cabinetry by Bellmont, a Bath+Kitchen favorite.

6. Clean kitchen styles

Research by NKBA shows that the top kitchen styles are likely to be contemporary, transitional, organic/natural, and minimalistic. This suggests that, on the whole, cleaner looks will be preferred to more ornate traditional styles.

Something to keep in mind is that “clean” doesn’t mean dull; it can be made creative and interesting when designed well.  As Plain & Fancy – a top-rated cabinetry manufacturer we work with – puts it, “modern kitchens don’t have to be sterile and without detail.” In the kitchen featured below, they use smooth natural wood grains, waterfall granite, and other unique details to create a kitchen they describe as “worthy of being called American Contemporary”.

Contemporary Cabinets by Plain & Fancy

Here, base and wall cabinetry use Plain & Fancy’s Milano door style with a North Cove finish, in full overlay. The islands use the same Milano door style in a different finish, Rockway Beach, in full overlay.

7. Modern-style countertops

  1. In line with the kitchen styles that will be popular, kitchen countertops will also take on a modern aesthetic. Solid surface countertops that are homogenous are an excellent choice for a clean look. Functionally, too, they make sense because they are non-porous. They also have certain other qualities that them a great option:
  • Antimicrobial – as we work harder to keep our kitchens cleaner and safer, these surfaces can help.
  • Much harder than multilayer countertop substances – sturdier countertops are essential for a kitchen that is going to be used often.
  • Resistant to dents, scratches, and other physical abrasions – this will help preserve their finish and clean look even after heavy usage.
  • Resistant to heat – this will keep your countertops looking new for longer.
  • Simple to maintain – with more family members venturing into the kitchen to expand their culinary skills, easy maintenance helps.

Quartz will remain a popular choice as well. If you’re not sure which way to go, this comparison by The Spruce may help:

8. Sinks

Smart faucets and innovative sinks are going to be important 2021 kitchen design trends, as people upgrade to more professional functions.  Designers believe that both stainless steel and white single bowl will be popular, and apron or workstation sinks will dominate.

Apron sink, expected to be popular in 2021

9. Flooring

Some popular choices this year will be hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and tile (ceramic or porcelain).

2021 kitchen design trends
Luxury vinyl plank flooring as seen in this Arlington, VA kitchen by Bath + Kitchen

10. Lighting

Flexible and passive lighting controls are anticipated to be more popular than traditional switches. Under-cabinet lighting is expected to be prominent, as part of a sleek, contemporary look

Contemporary lighting in a Bath+Kitchen remodel in Logan Circle.

11. Windows

An important aspect of bringing the outdoors in is adding more natural light. Large windows and French doors help accomplish this. When designed well, they create a smooth transition from indoors to outdoors and a sense of openness.

Image by André François McKenzie

12. Integrated entertainment or outdoor kitchens

Building on the desire for more open space, indoor-outdoor kitchens and living areas are growing in popularity. With the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, industry pros report that the demand for building and enhancing these spaces is growing faster, together with new planning strategies and impressive new amenities. These spaces have helped many people reconnect with family, hobbies, and nature.

Privacy and ambiance are two important aspects of setting up an outdoor living space. Privacy screens and shade structures will be smart investments. We can also expect people to spend on premium lighting, fireplaces, comfortable furniture, and outdoor cooking appliances. Grills are growing more sophisticated, as are accompanying appliances such as warming drawers. Balancing comfort, convenience, and luxury will shape the 2021 kitchen design trends.

Patio transformed into outside kitchenette

Some practical features to consider adding:

  • Durable outdoor sink
  • Outdoor bar or a counter that can double up as a temporary bar
  • Task lighting
  • Ice maker
  • Bins for trash, recycling, and compost, so you don’t have to sort it out later.
  • Dishwasher, if you have the space for it and plan to cook outdoors often.

Permanent or portable? Fully-functional or simple? Consider your cooking style. Do you love grilled fish or a hamburger cooked over a charcoal barbecue? What about pizza cooked in an outdoor brick oven? Perhaps a tandoor or a smoker?

In short, think of how you will handle food prep, cooking/serving food, and accommodating guests.

On the whole, we believe kitchen remodels will focus on creating comfortable spaces based on people’s experience over the last year spending more time at home and realizing what matters to them. At Bath + Kitchen, our designers love helping our clients zero in on what they really want and like, so we can work together towards a clear vision. Learn about our consultation and design process and begin your journey to your perfect kitchen today!

Key references:

Why Bath + Kitchen designers love Bellmont Cabinetry

When you work with Bath + Kitchen on a kitchen remodel, you are sure to hear about Bellmont Cabinetry from our designers early on. Founded in 1988, Bellmont is a Bath + Kitchen favorite for several reasons. Their Euro-style, built-to-order frameless kitchen and bathroom cabinets are manufactured here in America to give you superior quality and lasting value. As one of the leading providers of frameless cabinetry nationwide, Bellmont Cabinetry offers quality products that are reasonably priced yet luxurious. Here are some things our designers and clients love about them:

  • They offer lovely and expansive frameless and full-access cabinet choices.
  • Their 1300, 1600, 1900, and VERO product collections offer cabinetry at a number of price-points.
  • They pay shut consideration to market traits and respond accordingly.
  • They offer veneers, laminates, foils, thermal surfaces, and high-gloss merchandise.
  • They have been household-owned for over 35 years.
  • They are dedicated to sustainability. They believe that operating sustainably is the right thing to do for today and future generations. They are a certified member of the Environmental Stewardship Program, administered by the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association.

In addition to incredible quality that helps us delight our customers every single time, we appreciate Bellmont’s integrity and commitment to delivering on their promises. Founder Steve Bell shares his story in this video, offering insights into the company’s history and his commitment to the people he works with. Watch to learn about the remarkable story and people behind this top-rated cabinetry manufacturer:

Why does choosing a good cabinetry manufacturer matter? For one, cabinetry has a major role to play in defining both the aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom. That’s why, when our clients are planning a kitchen remodel, we always emphasize the importance of choosing the right cabinetry. We recommend considering several important factors such as:

  • The style of kitchen you have decided on, e.g., Traditional, Modern, Contemporary, Rustic, etc.
  • The trim and moldings currently throughout your home
  • The cabinet door styles throughout the rest of your home. Unless you are remodeling your entire home, you might want to keep the look consistent.
  • The details and accessories you are considering, such as glass inserts, beadboard, specific knobs, or pulls.

In this blog, we’re going to take you through what Bellmont has to offer, focusing on their various cabinetry lines. Before we dive in, however, we would like to show you the difference between framed and frameless cabinetry. We believe this is the first decision you will need to take when selecting new cabinetry – framed or frameless. Here’s what we mean: Framed cabinetry – In this style of cabinetry, the door hinges are attached directly to the frame. This helps give the cabinet strength and sturdiness. Rails and stiles are used to create a face frame, similar to a picture frame. They offer flexibility with adjustable shelves and the option to use many different types of doors. They work well with a more traditional style

Flush inset cabinetry in a kitchen remodel by Bath + Kitchen

Frameless cabinetry – Door hinges are secured directly to the inside of the box, instead of onto a frame. Once installed, all you will see are the flat door and drawer fronts. They work well with a more contemporary style, offering a sleek, simple aesthetic. Many homeowners today choose frameless cabinetry for two key reasons – the cleaner look and the better accessibility and space. In Bellmont’s words, “the full-overlay, flush-fitting doors and drawers offer unobstructed interior access, giving you more storage space and organizing options than traditional face frame cabinets.”

Bath + Kitchen’s Eric Shipe demonstrates the difference between framed and frameless cabinetry in this video:

Bellmont believes in the Frameless Advantage. They specialize in frameless cabinetry, which Bath + Kitchen’s designers love because it allows them to create beautiful, sleek kitchens that wow our clients. But perhaps an even bigger reason our designers look forward to working with Bellmont cabinetry is the vast range of options. They provide endless versatility and selection to express personal taste and style.

Bellmont offers stunning laminates, painted cabinets, and a number of wood species with lots of stains. They blend hands-on craftsmanship with state-of-the-art machinery to produce deep, consistent color and a smooth, long-lasting finish. This gives our kitchen designers a myriad of ways to bring to life their best ideas!

If you’d like to explore Bellmont’s numerous finishes, visit this page to browse by series:

Apart from colors and finishes, there are other factors that differentiate the cabinetry lines from one another. To explain, we’ll breakdown the 1300, 1600, 1900, and VERO cabinetry series by Bellmont. Keep reading to get an idea of which ones would work best for you.

1. The 1300 Series: On Time, On Trend, On Budget

This cabinetry line has one top priority – meeting your requirements on time, under budget. The 1300 series is Bellmont’s newest and most affordable kitchen and bathroom cabinetry line. Without compromising on quality, it gives you options that will suit your budget and timeline. Because Bellmont sources and assembles this series using domestic and European stocked products, these cabinets can ship 50% faster. Rest assured that this cutting down on time doesn’t mean cutting corners when it comes to performance. The 1300 series’ all-white melamine box is completely banded, has powder-coated steel, full-extension drawers with soft-close undermount guides, and 66-lb load capacity, as well as adjustable soft-close hinges.

Another reason to choose this series is sustainability – each door is made from approximately 25 recycled water bottles!

See door styles | View room gallery

2. The 1600 Series: Form, Function & Value

For clients looking for another budget-smart option, Bellmont’s 1600 series is a great choice. It offers superior construction and lasting value. This line is easy to custom-fit your home and budget.

As with all of Bellmont’s cabinetry, style and quality are not compromised here. In terms of function, you will find full-extension wood and metal drawers and roll-outs that feature soft-close undermount guides and drilled-in bumpers for whisper-quiet closing. You also get ample space, easy interior access, and more organizing options, all supported by a hardy, 75-lb load capacity.

See door styles | View room gallery | View finish gallery

3. The 1900 Series: Endless Style & Options

This series offers the widest array of door styles, materials, finish options, and features. It can be a good choice for modern, contemporary, traditional, and transitional kitchens. This series has over 60 door styles, so chances are you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for here.

Something interesting about this series is the progressive metal frame doors, which unlock a multitude of design possibilities. You can choose modern accents such as back-painted, clean, satin etched, or mirrored glass for an elegant touch.

Apart from style, it’s essential to think about convenience. This usually means getting your storage right. The 1900 series gives you the option to upgrade to Blum’s LEGRABOX drawers.  These drawers are linear, sleek, and slim, offering excellent performance and elegance. They use a new runner system that’s designed to deliver a superior quality of motion. Learn more about it here.

See door styles | View room gallery | View finish gallery

4. The VERO Series: True Euro Design

When you explore the Bellmont VERO series, you may be able to identify its inspiration – Italian minimalist design. It uses Blum’s LEGRABOX drawers exclusively. The Linear Rail Technology creates a slender, unseen channel for easy access to drawers and a clean, crisp appearance. Because this system works so perfectly, you won’t need to add handles or hardware for functionality. This can elevate the efficiency of your kitchen.

These frameless cabinets are precision-cut to give you straight lines, minimal gaps, and pleasing geometric patterns, providing smooth visual transitions between materials and color palettes. With all the style options available, you’re sure to find the door and finish to suit your personal taste.

Both the 1900 and VERO series offer tall cabinets with adjustable roll-outs. Here’s how they work:

To sum up, 1600 is a semi-custom line, 1900 is full custom, and VERO is a handless European style. For a series comparison, take a look at this 1600, 1900 and Vero brochure.

See door styles | View room gallery | View finish gallery

Each of these cabinetry lines has something unique to offer. They are created around concepts that designers and homeowners will find relevant, including sustainability, different budgets, kitchen styles and trends, and world-class design.

Why Bellmont

Whether you’re looking to give your existing kitchen a facelift or are finally creating the kitchen of your dreams, you will find what you’re looking for with Bellmont. One reason is that Bellmont understands that cabinetry is, as Design Consultant John Brush explains in the video below, an element of self-expression; it is no longer just basic storage. They seek to bring value to their customers, which helps us serve our customers better. Their vision for cabinetry was ahead of its time, and they remain committed to delivering top quality and impeccable designs.

In addition to offering an incredible variety of high-quality products, Bellmont cabinetry has many characteristics that make it an exceptional choice for us and our clients. For anyone
considering Bellmont, here are some things we like to mention:

1. Made to be durable and easy-to-clean
The laminates are created using European thermo-structure surface (TSS) technology, they’re made in Italy. They’re very well made, durable, and easy to clean.

2. With Bellmont, Bath + Kitchen delivers elegant cabinetry for any kitchen style
Perfect if you want 2-tone kitchen cabinetry, an increasingly popular look. You could mix the finishes of the base and wall cabinets.

3. Great value/best price in the industry
You’d pay 30 to 40% more for the same thing in terms of quality, finish, and durability from import cabinet lines. Choosing one of the laminates in the collections listed below can mean cost savings, depending on the laminate. Some laminate collections you may like to explore, priced from low to high:
Linea
Albero
Legno
Salina
Ares
Salina
Porta
Soft-Touch Laminate
Synchro (same price as painted cabinetry)

4. True Euro Design
This is what defines the VERO Series, inspired by Italian minimalist design. Bellmont blends elegant efficiency with subtle sophistication. Here, for example, the absence of handles creates clean lines and smooth transitions between materials to bring a calm, soothing feel with effortless style.

Vero series coplanar sliding doors

5. Customization
Bellmont makes it easy to design personalized spaces with creative storage solutions. Hands-free drawers, pull-out pantries, tilt-up doors, soft-close hardware, and other unique features make the kitchen more comfortable, convenient, and fun to use.

We love that Bellmont prioritizes thoughtful design. Details matter to them. Their cabinet lines are designed with the idea that every kitchen should have unique features that the homeowners recognize as personal or special.

6. Antibacterial surfaces
Bellmont’s textured laminates & soft-touch laminates are now produced with antibacterial properties that use silver ions in the decorative layer to attract bacteria and block their cells reproduction to prevent unpleasant outbreaks. Most of us are paying extra attention to disinfecting surfaces now, and having antibacterial surfaces can make it easier to accomplish this. Bellmont uses an antibacterial treatment that reduces the surfaces’ bacterial load by up to 99.9% within 24 hours. That means that these treated surfaces will ease your mind and simplify your efforts to protect your home and health.

7. Innovative design
Bellmont offers innovative solutions to typical cabinetry problems. One example is the one-piece painted door, which is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for classic white painted cabinetry with a shaker-style door or cabinetry in a transitional style. Traditional manufacturing is a stile and rail, resulting in a joint at the seams. Because wood expands and contracts over time, these joints open, resulting in a hairline fracture in the painted finish. Instead, Bellmont uses solid slabs of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to create a door that will remain flat on the back and styled on the front permanently. In this video, Bellmont features the 1600 Series Intro/Retro Door and the 1900 Series Coronado Door.

Another great example of innovative design is Bellmont’s wall bi-fold tilt up door, which opens up smoothly at the push of a button:

Need touch to open and close wall cabinets and trash/recycle cabinets? Check out Bellmont’s Vero Legra Base Recycle Servo Drive. See how it can work hand-free when you’re cleaning up, allowing you to work faster and more efficiently.

Bellmont also offers three types of wall lift up cabinets:

1. Lift Over Top. A feature worth noting: VERO’s wall cabinets have a finger cove
that makes this possible:

2. Lift Up Door. See how it can make working in the kitchen much easier:

3. Tilt Up Door. Watch to see how practical and easy-to-use this type of door is:

To help maximize storage space with an efficient design, Bellmont offers molded fillers. Because it is easy to install these fillers flush with the cabinet doors, they will give you a consistent look. One unique feature here is the recessed bottom, which allows you to shorten the box, maintain the full height of the door, and use under cabinet lighting without losing any counter-to-cabinet bottom height.

Bath + Kitchen designer favorites

If you’re planning to get new cabinetry, here is some inspiration to help you get started. Our designers love these options from Bellmont for their versatility, quality, and timelessness.

1. Firma, 1600 Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with textured laminate and vertical grain. It uses thermally structured surfaces (TSS). Designed to replicate real organic colors and patterns, TSS are bonded to a substrate with heat and pressure using a textured steel plate. The result is a durable tactile surface with greater color uniformity and ease of maintenance compared to natural hardwood. Featured here is ‘Lodge’ from the Synchro Collection.

2. Terra, 1600 Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with textured laminate and vertical grain. Like Firma, the Terra range uses TSS to replicate real organic structures and patterns. Featured here is ‘Stone’ from the Albero Collection.

3. Matisse, 1600 and 1900 Series – Transitional door style with a slim 1/2″ frame and solid one-piece construction. It is available in both the 1600 Series and 1900 Series. Featured here is the door in ‘Alabaster’ paint.

4. Porta,1600 Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with gloss or matte laminate. Featured here is ‘Mocaccino Glass’ from the Solido Collection.Porta,1600 Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with gloss or matte laminate. Featured here is ‘Mocaccino Glass’ from the Solido Collection.

5. Modena,1600 Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with soft-touch laminate and horizontal grain. Soft-touch laminate is soft and silky to the touch, with scratch and fingerprint-resistant properties. These durable matte laminates are manufactured using a sophisticated coating process, making them a perfect low-maintenance alternative to real Oak or Walnut veneers. Featured here is ‘Grano’ from the Velluto Collection.

6. Pisa, 1900 Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with soft-touch laminate and vertical grain. It is only available with the 1900 Series, which means a higher cost than the 1600 Series. This is because it offers a grain match. To learn more about what makes Bellmont’s soft-touch laminate special, refer to the previous point on Moderna. Featured here is ‘Noce’ from the Velluto Collection.

7. Evoke, 1600 Series – 2.5″ shaker-inspired door style with a styled drawer front. Solid one-piece construction eliminates joint seams for paint finish stability. As explained earlier in this blog (see point on ‘Innovative Design’) this door’s solid one-piece construction eliminates joint seams for paint finish stability. Featured here is this door style in a ‘Silverplate’ paint finish.

8. Cezanne, 1900 Series – Transitional door style with a slim 1/2″ frame and horizontal grain direction. Featured here is a Walnut door in Bellmont’s ‘Natural’ stain

9. Cove, 1900 Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with paint finish and machined finger cove. Featured here is a door in this style, in Bellmont’s ‘Pepper’ paint.

10. Alba, VERO Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with prefinished wood veneer and horizontal grain. Featured here is ‘Cork’ from the Natura Collection, made with prefinished wood veneer. These sturdy panels offer the same lively appearance and benefits of traditional hardwood panels. Here, advanced European mix-match and varnishing technologies are used to create a high-quality low-sheen material ideal for European inspired designs.

11. Madrid, VERO Series – Contemporary, flat panel door style with wood veneer and horizontal grain. Featured here is a Cherry door in this style, with Bellmont’s beautiful, vibrant ‘Sienna’ stain.

12. Chesterfield, 1900 Series – Transitional door style with 3″ stile & rail construction, 1/4″ recessed center panel, and chamfered inside edge. It is available in a wide range of options, including paint and paint with glaze. Featured here is this door style in ‘Aqua’ paint.

13. Frame, 1300 Series – This is a wonderful choice from Bellmont’s newest and most affordable cabinetry line. It is a 2.5″ shaker-inspired door style with styled drawer fronts taller than 5″. Something interesting about them is they are manufactured using 100% recycled PET film, which starts as discarded plastic water bottles. This is a great choice for anyone looking for more sustainable, eco-friendly options. They have an MDF core. Featured here is the Frame style in Matte White.

While custom cabinetry can feel out of reach, it becomes easy when you come to Bath+Kitchen. You can personalize your space, working closely with us to plan creative storage solutions that suit your family’s requirements. Our design experts will take you through different features that will make your kitchen serve you better, helping you zero in on the Bellmont options that would work best for you.

At Bath + Kitchen, we are highly selective about the cabinet manufacturers we work with, because cabinetry is at the heart of all we do. We hope this overview of Bellmont’s cabinetry shows you why they are a top choice for Bath + Kitchen – for our designers and clients alike. Our goal is to deliver cabinetry that is made to perfection, so each of our clients can have the kitchen of their dreams, and Bellmont continues to help us accomplish that with timeless designs and durability.

Ready to discuss your remodel or cabinetry requirements? Learn about our consultation process and get in touch with us here.

Kitchen for entertaining: Designing a welcoming space

kitchen design dc

If a kitchen that makes entertaining a breeze is something you’d love to have, this blog will help you identify what’s important to you so you can get a clear picture of what you want. While you may not need to put out extra chairs at the table this year, it remains a wonderful time to do something special for the loved ones who live with you or who can visit you safely. Given the year we’ve all had, it might be a good idea to focus on comfort and relaxation, and still make this holiday season memorable.

As the heart of your home, your kitchen plays a significant role in making sure your guests have a good time. If you’re someone who loves to entertain, it’s probably important to you to make your space warm and welcoming, regardless of how long or short your guest list is. To create a kitchen for entertaining, you can start by adding some of these features to your existing kitchen. And, if you’re planning a complete remodel, why not go all out and create a beautiful space that you, your family, and your guests will want to spend more time in?

Since the purpose of a kitchen remodel is often to improve its functionality and aesthetic, the tips we’ve put together are great for anyone who wants to do more in the kitchen and who would love other members of the household to participate as well. With the right storage solutions, work areas, and practical features, your kitchen is likely to be busier than ever, complete with soul-soothing food and conversations!

Here are some ideas on how you can create the perfect kitchen for entertaining:

1. Open plan

Kitchen remodel by BPK in Falls Church

When you picture your guests in your kitchen, do you see them mingling comfortably, or are they looking for the quickest route to the living room? If it’s the latter, you might want to consider an open plan kitchen. This is becoming an increasingly popular option because of how spacious it makes your kitchen feel and how it can improve the flow of the whole house.

2. Kitchen island

Kitchen island designed by BPK

If you’re talking to a designer about creating a kitchen for entertaining, one of the first things they might suggest is a kitchen island. Not only does it offer an additional work surface to help you prepare elaborate meals, it also gives more options for storage and functionality. You can consider installing additional kitchen appliances here, such as a second microwave to make reheating food quicker. Prep sinks and slide-out cutting boards can come in handy, especially when there are a few extra cooks in your line-up. Or, perhaps you just want an informal space for guests to enjoy while you work. People tend to gravitate towards a kitchen island, so having one is a great way to bring fun and activity into the kitchen. It can give everyone a way to spend time together more comfortably.

For larger kitchens, two islands can be a fantastic way to go; you could use one as a workspace and the other for seating.

Since a kitchen island is versatile, you can decorate it for a specific occasion or pile it high with irresistible treats. It can also work as a bar if you don’t have a dedicated space for that, making your pre-dinner cocktails look professional. The idea is to use the space in a way that works best for you and your guests.

If you’re not sure how best to plan your kitchen island, speak to our highly-experienced team – we’d love to talk to you about your requirements and help you find the best design solutions for your space.

3. Storage

Custom kitchen cabinets by BPK for your storage needs

A kitchen that gets easily-cluttered can feel disorganized and unwelcoming. Carefully designed cabinetry and storage will help you access everything you need quickly, which also makes putting things back easy. If you’re running late with food prep or have a last-minute visitor, a well-organized kitchen can help you get everything done and cleared up swiftly, making the process less stressful. Something to keep in mind: when you’re relaxed, your guests feel relaxed as well.

4. Countertops

Beautiful and practical countertops in a BPK kitchen remodel

You want your countertops to look luxe and lovely while also being resilient and easy-to-maintain. There are several options to choose from today, which experts like the Bath Plus Kitchen team can tell you about. Another factor to consider is countertop height. In addition to the standard height countertops, you can also include some taller countertops. As you design a kitchen for entertaining, keep in mind that adding variety and versatility like this is a great way to go. It will help you adapt to impromptu situations and new ideas (sometimes from guests) more easily. 

5. Separate stations

Kitchen renovation by BPK

The master chef of the house is unlikely to appreciate crowding and confusion while they’re trying to create a beautiful meal. To keep them from throwing in the kitchen towel, create work stations for different prep tasks.

For example, you can have a section of your countertop for preparing your ingredients, stocked with knives and chopping boards. Or, you might want to put someone in charge of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and other warm beverages. They will need all the appliances – such as a coffee maker, milk frother, and kettle – and the cups to be in the same space, so no one needs to get in anyone’s way to find these things.

For cocktails and other drinks, a wet bar can be a sophisticated, dedicated space. Here, try to include everything needed to serve drinks quickly, including adequate glassware for different drinks and a sink. Designed well, this can be another informal spot for guests to hang out in.

Designated spaces for specific functions can improve collaboration in the kitchen and add personality. They also make it easier for people to contribute if they’d like to.

6. The right appliances

kitchen design
Luxury appliances in a kitchen remodeled by BPK

When you design a kitchen for entertaining, think about what you’re likely to be cooking or serving and try to get the appliances that can help you accomplish those things with ease. Some appliances to consider:

  • Ice machine

    Relying on ice trays to keep your guests’ drinks chilled isn’t the best option. Sure, you can always buy bags of ice as needed, but how cool would it be to have an actual ice machine in your home! It’s something that would require a little planning in terms of space allocation as well as plumbing. However, once set up, you probably won’t want to look at another ice tray again.
  • Cooktops or ranges with multiple burners

    Putting a hot meal on the table gets trickier when there are several different things that need to be cooked or reheated at once. Here, a cooktop or range with a generous number of burners can help. Having the option is great, and it might just support your culinary endeavors on a regular basis as well.
  • Warming drawers

    This may sound indulgent, especially if you already have a stove and microwave to heat food, but warming drawers offers a few features that make them worth considering. They can help to cook and defrost food as well as to keep it warm. They can also warm plates, which will delight your guests.
  • Wine fridge

    These are fast becoming more popular, especially as the range of options available grows. They can fit seamlessly into your kitchen. Some even have dual temperature control to allow you to have red and white wine at their respective correct temperatures. While this is a luxury, it’s also incredibly practical.

7. Open shelving and glass cabinet doors

Kitchen remodel by BPK in Bethesda, MD

Help your guests find what they need so they can feel more at home. One way to do that is through open shelving and glass kitchen cabinet doors. Even if you prefer to keep most things concealed to minimize visual clutter, you can plan a few places where guests can see things they typically need – such as plates, mugs, silverware, and napkins – which will help them get comfortable without feeling like they need to bother you with every little request. You can also use such spaces to display special crockery or appliances that add charm to your kitchen décor.

As you think about what you would like to display, also think about what you would like to keep tucked away. For your kitchen to feel like a relaxing space to spend time in, consider making parts of it feel like a living room – a place to unwind. To achieve this, you can downplay certain functional features and appliances. For example, you could select panel-ready refrigerators that accommodate beautiful wooden panels to make your kitchen look “furnished” rather than just “well-equipped”. 

8. Seating

Kitchen remodel by BPK in Washington, DC

A significant part of creating a kitchen for entertaining is seating that’s comfortable and placed well. Look at seating for both the kitchen itself as well as for connected spaces such as the living room or patio. This includes everything from barstools to couches. The idea is to create common spaces for everyone while also making sure there are small, informal spaces to spend time in. If you have a fireplace, think about how you can improve the space so guests can enjoy the ambiance.

Give some thought to your dining table. If it’s separate from your kitchen, it helps to create a nook or informal space to eat in, should your guests wish to move or sit down for a quick chat with the host in the kitchen. Even if space is a concern, a good designer can help you find a solution that works for you.

9. Connection to outdoor spaces

Kitchen that opens out onto a patio, remodeled by BPK

If your kitchen connects to an outdoor space, ensure that your guests have a way to experience it. French or sliding doors can help bring the outdoor experience closer, something that many of us want after spending a lot more time indoors this year.

10. Lighting

Kitchen remodel by BPK in Logan Circle

To create the kind of warm, welcoming ambiance that people associate with being at home, you’ll need to plan the lighting carefully. Add brightness and cheerfulness in some places and a soft glow in others. For any new kitchen, this is an important step. It’s all about creating the right mix for you.

11. Finishing touches

“In-kitchen grow rooms are the new wine fridges.” – Sienna Livermore, House Beautiful

Think of a special feature you would like your guests to enjoy. It could be a high-quality sound system, a flatscreen for sports fans, a grow room for flavorful fresh herbs, or something simple yet elegant such as smart lighting. Try to include features that are practical but also add to your guests’ enjoyment (and yours!).

Depending on the extent of your remodel, you can try to create a kitchen for entertaining that connects with the design of the rest of your home, either by being consistent with it or by complimenting it.

To learn what design options, layouts, and functions would work best for you, get in touch with us, and we’ll help you design a kitchen for entertaining that will make special occasions more memorable for your guests and everyday cooking more enjoyable for your family and you!

Key references:

https://www.housebeautiful.com/
https://www.thedecorcafe.com/
https://www.dwell.com/

Kitchen styles: a guide to some of today’s popular aesthetics

kitchen design

Kitchen styles are described in many different ways. Sometimes, descriptions focus on layout and important features. At other times, you’ll notice they explain themes or aesthetics. In our previous blog, we explained the basic styles that define a kitchen, and listed some specific looks that clients request. Here, we will talk about those looks and a few of the choices that can help you achieve them.

A remodel is an opportunity to recreate something you connected with and make it a part of your home and everyday life. The possibilities are endless. Whether you have something specific in mind or are finding it challenging to identify a style that expresses your personal taste and preferences, this blog will help you settle on the right choice for you.

Through our work as a full-service design-remodel company, we have brought to life a wide range of kitchen styles to suit the individual tastes of our clients. We know it takes careful consideration and in-depth discussion before you can select a style.

Recap of a kitchen remodel by BPK in a 1930s townhome in NW Washington, DC.

Before you start thinking of color palettes and finishes, we recommend learning about some basic kitchen styles first. Once you have a clear understanding of those, this blog will help you zero in on the final look you want to achieve.

In this guide, we will look at these well-loved kitchen styles:
1. Coastal
2. Cottage
3. Craftsman
4. Eclectic
5. Farmhouse
6. French country

COASTAL

When you see beautiful blues and greens made vibrant by bright whites, it’s likely that you think of the ocean. This kitchen style is a natural fit for a beachside home, but it also would make sense for anyone who loves the ocean and wants to experience a little of that coastal brightness every day.

What a coastal kitchen looks like

Get the look

Create the right palette, using colors you see at the beach. This visual by Grande interiors demonstrates how you can pick the right hues:

Classic Coastal Palette by Grande Interiors
  • Natural light plays a big role in creating a coastal aesthetic. Keep things light and airy by opting for door and window styles that incorporate clear glass.
  • Crisp white walls will reflect the light beautifully and create a feeling of spaciousness. For wall, floor, countertop, and cabinetry finishes, it’s important to maximize the effect of natural light. To achieve this choose satin and gloss finishes instead of matte to reflect more light. If there are spaces that don’t get enough natural light, you can add lighting that feels natural and bright. Consider adding dimmers, so you can control the brightness, depending on the time of day.
  • You can get creative with the backsplash, for example by blending ocean colors in wave-like patterns.
  • Furniture styles can vary with a coastal theme, but traditional hardwood is a great option. Choose natural stains and organic-looking finishes. Also, for cabinetry, think about whether you want a sleek modern or sturdy traditional look and choose the door faces accordingly.

COTTAGE KITCHEN

Cozy and cheerful, a cottage kitchen is designed to bring you joy and comfort. Soft colors with sturdy-looking furniture and cabinetry make it a warm and welcoming space.

What a cottage kitchen looks like

Get the look

Soft, warm, natural-looking colors tend to be the right choice for a cottage kitchen. A palette like the one below could work well:

Passion fruit tones by Design Seeds
  • Charming embellishments, light fixtures, and hardware add character to a cottage kitchen.
  • Consider going for traditional kitchen cabinetry that resembles freestanding storage cupboards from years ago.
  • When we think of a cottage kitchen, we picture a kitchen that’s used well to make incredible home cooked meals. Functionality is key, so features such as a large farmhouse sink would be right at home here.
  • Open shelving creates a sense of informality, which is very important in a cottage kitchen.
  • Hardwood flooring adds warmth and sturdiness.
  • Cheerful lighting using pendant lights add both brightness and softness.

CRAFTSMAN

These kitchens showcase natural materials, and are all about quality, convenience, and ease-of-use.

What a craftsman kitchen looks like

Get the look

  • Use a palette that makes you think about experiences in nature, such as a walk in the woods:
Palette by Design Seeds
  • Make sure that your cabinetry is top quality. Real wood is an excellent choice here. Hardwood veneers would work beautifully as well. Try rich stains and finishes that add depth.
  • Features such as a large kitchen sink are designed to be functional and stylish.
  • Most elements of a craftsman kitchen are traditional, sturdy, and clean. You can, however, get a little more creative with the lighting and the backsplashes. For example, you could opt for industrial light fittings or a backsplash with patterned tiles to create a unique look.

ECLECTIC

Practical layouts combined with diverse design elements make eclectic kitchens unique and welcoming. Unexpected finishes and details are blended together, so there is plenty of room for creativity and expression of personal style.

What an eclectic kitchen looks like

Get the look

  • There are no specific palettes or design choices that define an eclectic kitchen, and that’s precisely the point – it’s a space that you can design by combining different, often unconnected, elements that appeal to you. You can find inspiration anywhere and create your own color palette like the one below:
Palette by Design Seed
  • Blend bold and subtle elements to create a space that is expressive but not overwhelming.
  •  Homedit suggests these 5 steps:
    –     Build a funky kitchen island
    – Mix themes such as futuristic, rustic, and contemporary
    – Display everything
    – Pay attention to texture
    – Play with colors

FARMHOUSE

Simplicity and rustic charm set the tone for a farmhouse kitchen. These kitchens are well-equipped to make cooking with the family comfortable and inviting.

What a farmhouse kitchen looks like

Get the look

  • Choose soft colors that are relaxing and welcoming.
Soft, soothing color palette
  • Include practical details such as large apron-front sinks, which can look incredibly stylish.
  • For cabinetry and flooring, choose natural materials such as wood, together with soft finishes, which make these kitchens warm and welcoming.          
  • Build a kitchen island, which will help your kitchen accommodate more people when you are cooking together.
  • Instead of focusing on hiding your appliances and other things away, display them with open shelving.
  • Adding details such as shiplap will instantly give the space a rustic yet clean look.

FRENCH COUNTRY

French country and farmhouse kitchens have a lot in common, so they can be confused. They both use natural materials, rustic details, and bright whites. However, while farmhouse kitchens use defined lines and a casual style, French country kitchens are softer, with a more feminine and refined elegance.

What a French country kitchen looks like

Get the look

Choose a soft color palette that does not take attention away from elegant details on the cabinetry and other fittings, hardware, and lighting.

Muted color palette by ‘In Color Balance’
  • Skirted cabinetry is a good choice for a French country kitchen, and would give it a traditional look.
  • Similarly, you can use crown molding, added to the tops of cabinetry.
  • Enrich the space with rich textures, high-quality materials, and charming accessories and hardware, but keep the colors muted.

These options suggest two things:
1. It’s important to know which basic style you love the most, so you can select the cabinetry, flooring, layout, and lighting accordingly.
2. There are suggestions but no fixed rules when it comes to palettes and overall look and feel; they can accommodate your personal preferences comfortably, as long as you follow the basic guiding principles.

A good kitchen designer will help you work through these options to find the perfect fit for you. However, it’s helpful to have a sense of what you want to achieve before you meet with one. Here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

  1. What’s more important to you – cutting-edge appliances or timeless elegance?
  2. What countertops do you find most attractive and suited to your needs – natural stone or a manufactured material?
  3. Factoring in how busy your lifestyle is, how much time do you have to clean and maintain your kitchen?
  4. Is there a style from any particular town, city, or county that fascinates you?
  5. How much time would you and your family want to spend in the kitchen?

You can also take this fun quiz from Houzz to get a sense of what your perfect kitchen style might be.

We recommend keeping these answers in mind before you dive into your new kitchen design. During our initial consultation with our clients, we like to learn these types of details to help us understand what matters to them and what would delight them every day. We know a beautifully- and thoughtfully-designed kitchen can be a source of joy and comfort for years, so we work closely with our clients to deliver that. If you’d like to learn more about how we can create your kitchen with high-quality materials and design, get in touch with us here. 

Key references:
https://www.hgtv.com/
https://www.housebeautiful.com/
https://www.houzz.com/

Kitchen styles: a guide to the basic styles that define a kitchen

Kitchen styles a guide to the basic styles that define a kitchen

Kitchen styles can be inspired by anything. It could be your childhood home, a beautiful place you visited, your dream travel destination, an image on Instagram or Pinterest that instantly caught your eye, or simply a kitchen you came across at some point in your life. Memory could also inform its design in a powerful way, as designer Gil Schafer explains in the video below.

When you remodel your kitchen, you have an opportunity to recreate something you connected with and make it a part of your home and everyday life. The possibilities are endless. Every time you set out to do some research on kitchen styles, we’re sure you see several brilliant ideas that you would love to explore. Or, perhaps you find it challenging to identify a style that expresses your personal taste and preferences.

Through our work as a full-service design-remodel company, we have brought to life a wide range of kitchen styles to suit the individual tastes of our clients. That’s how we know that selecting a style needs careful consideration and in-depth discussion. What can help you settle on one is getting clarity on the basic kitchen styles first.

You may have heard people describe their kitchens as “farmhouse”, “French country”, “cottage”, or “coastal”. While these descriptions convey aesthetic and feel, they don’t tell you enough about the basic kitchen style that they might be rooted in. Today, there is a lot of fluidity in how these kitchen styles are defined, so different people may classify them differently. However, when you’re working with a kitchen designer, it’s a good idea to know a few basic styles so you can choose a direction to move in before detailing out the specific aesthetic.

In this guide, we will look at these styles:
1. Traditional
2.  Modern
3. Contemporary
4. Transitional

Homestratosphere’s research indicates the kitchen styles listed above also happen to be the top choices today:

Keep reading to learn what makes each of these styles unique!

1. TRADITIONAL KITCHENS

Traditional kitchens are defined by careful details. They are designed for:

  • Quality
  • Warmth
  • Elegance

Because quality is a priority for traditional kitchens, they favor long-lasting natural materials such as wood over manufactured materials. For countertops, granite, quartz, and marble are timeless choices.

Warmth and comfort are important criteria that a traditional kitchen must meet. To achieve that softness and luxury, they use muted color palettes.

Elegance and sophistication are achieved through adornment. Crown moldings, wainscoting and beaded inset cabinetry for example, can help add tasteful embellishments to your kitchen. Your cabinetry is the perfect place to incorporate this. Instead of simple cabinetry styles that work for modern kitchens, you could opt for a raised panel. Glazes and antique finishes are also widely used for traditional-style cabinetry to enhance the natural wood aesthetic.

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Beautifully detailed cabinetry by Plain & Fancy, a top-rated manufacturer we work with.

While adornment is important, subtlety is also key to a traditional kitchen. While its countertops may showcase the bold patterns of natural stone, the backsplash of a traditional kitchen tends to be simple and functional.

Adding beautiful, ornate light fixtures to your traditional kitchen will complete the look.

At Bath Plus Kitchen, we often recommend traditional-style kitchens to clients with beautiful historic homes. Northern Virginia neighborhoods, for example, are filled with such houses. But sometimes the interior of these homes is lacking compared to the exquisite exterior. That’s where our team can step in. We can help you match the interior of your home to the traditional look and feel of the exterior. Our experts will work with you to create a traditional kitchen that you and your family will enjoy for many years.

A note on ‘modern’ and ‘contemporary’ kitchens

The terms ‘modern’ and ‘contemporary’ are often used interchangeably. However, they actually mean very different things. Modern kitchens are aligned to the design movement in the early 20th century, with well-defined guidelines on what elements can be included. Contemporary kitchens are, as the name suggests, kitchens designed based on current trends. There can be overlap where modern styles inspire contemporary design, but they are two distinct types of kitchen design.

2. MODERN KITCHENS

These modern kitchens began to emerge around World War I. They were a departure from the well-adorned traditional kitchens, leaning towards simpler designs instead. They prioritize:

  • Sleekness
  • Innovation
  • Boldness
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Modern kitchen design

Angular designs and flat surfaces give modern kitchens their sleekness. This is evident from their cabinetry, with their flush doors with smooth surfaces. This approach continues through the furniture of a modern kitchen, favoring angular over adorned.

Hardware and accessories are kept to a minimum to give the sense of measured and manufactured uniformity that translates to perfection. Overall, these kitchens look elegant yet uncomplicated. They have clean lines and an openness to manufactured materials such as ceramics and plastics. Many still use natural materials for flooring and countertops, but without embellishment. Like traditional kitchens, modern kitchens prefer simple backsplashes. Contrast created by bold color palettes is also something you will see with many modern kitchens. Appliances and utensils in bright colors can create tremendous visual interest and signal innovation.

In our work in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, we have come across many homes that were perfect for our clients in every aspect other than the kitchen. While we try to highlight the most unique and charming features of older kitchens such as original stained-glass windows, these spaces are often completely outdated. That’s when we recommend a modern kitchen design, which will update the space and make it functional, neat, and vibrant.

3. CONTEMPORARY KITCHENS

These kitchens demonstrate new and evolving trends. They are generally considered to be kitchens designed for life in the 21st century, which means they factor in current requirements and preferences. They focus on:

  • Convenience
  • Functionality
  • Minimalism

Like modern kitchens, contemporary kitchens prioritize sleekness and clean lines. Contemporary kitchen cabinets tend to have flat panels without any furrows. Their doors covering the entire frame for a seamless appearance. That seamlessness continues when appliances are hidden behind cabinet doors.

Minimalism and spaciousness are key here. Neat layouts that prefer horizontal lines elongate the space and make it look airy and open.

Smart storage solutions and integrated appliances also make it easier to keep the kitchen clean and organized, which is essential to someone with a busy 21st-century lifestyle.

4. TRANSITIONAL KITCHENS

A favorite of many Bath Plus Kitchen clients, transitional kitchens are the perfect blend of contemporary and traditional design elements. They offer the warmth of a traditional kitchen with the sleek, functional style of a contemporary kitchen. Our clients love being able to create their own unique look and feel by selecting their favorite traditional and contemporary elements and putting them together with our design experts.

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This is an example of a transitional design we completed in Alexandria, Virginia. Notice the simple and clean lines, and how the neutral colors create a nice meeting place for the cabinets, the range, and the beautiful wood floor. This works especially well with the open design and creates a smooth continuity between the kitchen, dining room, and living room.

We hope learning about these basic kitchen styles helps you choose what you want to live with long-term over what looks good today. Once you settle on that and think about your own personal style, you can dive deeper into the aesthetic you love and choose from options such as:

  • Coastal – Beautiful blues and greens together with bright whites can give your kitchen a coastal theme. These kitchens bring in as much natural light as possible. They include lively elements in places such as the backsplash.
  • Cottage Kitchen – A cottage kitchen is as cozy and cheerful as it sounds. Hardwood flooring and a soft color palette offer comfort. Charming embellishments, light fixtures, and hardware add character.
  • Craftsman – These kitchens showcase natural materials. That’s why the cabinetry and countertops are top quality. Features such as a large kitchen sink are designed to be functional and stylish.
  • Eclectic – Practical layouts combined with diverse design elements make eclectic kitchens unique and welcoming. Unexpected finishes and details are blended together, so there is plenty of room for creativity and expression of personal style.
  • Farmhouse – Simplicity and rustic charm set the tone for a farmhouse kitchen. They have practical details such as large apron-front sinks and open shelving, which can look incredibly stylish. Natural materials such as wood, together with soft finishes, make these kitchens warm and welcoming.
  • French Country – French country and farmhouse kitchens have a lot in common, so they can be confused. They both use natural materials, rustic details, and bright whites. However, while farmhouse kitchens use defined lines and a casual style, French country kitchens are softer, with a more feminine and refined elegance.

These are many more kitchen style options to choose from, which a good kitchen designer can guide you through. Before you meet with one, here are a few questions you can ask yourself:

  1. What’s more important to you – cutting-edge appliances or timeless elegance?
  2. What countertops do you find most attractive and suited to your needs – natural stone or a manufactured material?
  3. Factoring in how busy your lifestyle is, how much time do you have to clean and maintain your kitchen?
  4. Is there a style from any particular town, city, or county that fascinates you?
  5. How much time would you and your family want to spend in the kitchen?

Take this fun quiz from Houzz to get a sense of what your perfect kitchen style might be.

We recommend keeping these answers in mind before you dive into your new kitchen design. During our initial consultation with our clients, we like to learn these types of details to help us understand what matters to them and what would delight them every day. We know a beautifully- and thoughtfully-designed kitchen can be a source of joy and comfort for years, so we work closely with our clients to deliver that. If you’d like to learn more about how we can create your kitchen with high-quality materials and design, get in touch with us here. 

Key references:

Kitchen design trends we’re seeing in 2020

Kitchen design trends we’re seeing in 2020

As a full-service design-remodel firm, we help clients plan and create the perfect kitchen for their needs. Based on our observations from recent projects, we’ve put together a list of the biggest emerging kitchen design trends for 2020. While our clients all have their own unique preferences, there are a few choices that tend to become popular with many. We notice an instant attraction to certain features while working closely with them on both the aesthetics and functionality of their kitchens. We also see some consensus on which trends to sidestep at a given point. Subway tiles, for example, could be looking at retirement or at least a little time on the bench this year. The open-white kitchen concept may be here to stay, but we also know for a fact that many of our clients are ready for a change.

Our list of kitchen design trends highlights something the experts at Bath Plus Kitchen stand by: cabinets are at the heart of any kitchen design. When you redo your cabinetry, you have an opportunity to create a brand new aesthetic you can love for years, which is why all our cabinet lines offer lifetime warranties. Besides defining your kitchen’s look, cabinets also present a myriad of options for excellent functionality. Our clients find that our semi-custom and fully-custom cabinets give them the flexibility to plan the storage that’s best for them. With so many choices to consider, we recommend looking to leading manufacturers for inspiration.

What the kitchen cabinet experts are bringing to 2020

Delivering quality custom kitchen cabinets is a big part of what we do here at Bath Plus Kitchen. We work with the best cabinet manufacturers to give our customers a wide range of high-quality options to choose from. These top-rated kitchen cabinet brands include Bellmont, Plain & Fancy, and Dura Supreme. Let’s take a look at which products they believe will appeal to customers in 2020.

Bellmont Cabinets’ fashion update

In this video, Bellmont sums up the key kitchen cabinet design trends you’ll notice in 2020:

They also shared a fashion update, which tells us what kitchen cabinet styles customers will be looking for in 2020. We’re certain the following options will be popular with our clients:

  • Antibacterial surfaces, textured laminates and soft-touch laminates are now produced with an antibacterial treatment. The silver ions incorporated in the decorative layer attract bacteria and block their cell reproduction. Ensuring your cabinet surfaces are safe!
  • Windswept collection, described as “beautifully inconsistent” because it highlights the underlying wood grain allowing for color variances.
  • New laminates, including Roanoke (Firma) and Argento matte (Porta).
  • Fashion paint, Bellmont’s new collection.
  • Scala Shelf for a non-traditional storage option with a floating effect.

For design inspiration, browse the freshest looks from Bellmont Cabinets and keep an eye out for the slim shaker door, illusion door, and soft-touch laminates.

Plain & Fancy’s popular cabinetry options

These Plain & Fancy options were some of the top favorites in 2019 and will also trend in 2020.

  • Painted cabinetry is by far the most popular at 71% of all cabinets, as seen in the well-loved white kitchen.
  • The vogue door style, which offers a classic simplicity that can be used in traditional and modern transitional designs.
  • In an almost even split, we expect to see about 50% framed cabinets and 50% frameless cabinets. There are pros and cons to both.

Other great Plain & Fancy custom cabinet options for 2020 are white oak and their Summit collection, showcased here:

Dura Supreme’s new arrivals

  • Curated cabinet colors based on customer demand and future color forecasting, which is set to evolve every few years
  • Painted oak cabinetry
  • Shiplap panel, a striking design element for island backs, hoods, and other cabinetry accents.
  • Island end caps that are available in optional column designs and optional end treatments.

Many of these kitchen cabinet design trends will appear in homes this year. If you are planning a kitchen remodel in 2020, these ideas will help you make choices that will suit your needs while keeping you current.

The same goes for your overall kitchen design. A strong design will score high in both aesthetics and functionality, and here are a few trends that will help you achieve that.

10 fast-growing kitchen design trends you are sure to see this year

1. Two-tone cabinets

When you think of kitchen cabinetry, our guess is you’re thinking single color. Having kitchen cabinets in a uniform color and finish is certainly a popular choice. If you want to make a strong visual impact, however, two-toned cabinets are a great way to go. This is where two different finishes are used in the same kitchen. It’s something you’ll see a lot of in the latest kitchen cabinet color trends. From grey and white to multicolored cabinets, there are some very interesting and creative choices being made today.

A kitchen located in Alexandria, VA that we completed last year has classic white uppers, latte base and tall cabinets, and an oak peninsula. While these different finishes create a striking contrast, they are also elegant choices that will remain in style for a long time. We chose these from our popular custom cabinet line, Dura Supreme.

Bath Plus Kitchen has designed and executed similar transformations in kitchens in Arlington, VA, Bethesda, MD, Capitol Hill, in addition to this one in Alexandria, VA.

2. Standalone pantry (larder cabinets)

Highly functional, larder cabinets help you stay organized while keeping clutter to a minimum. If you’re unsure about how they would look in your kitchen, here’s some inspiration. They have specialized internal storage options that can accommodate your specific requirements. New Larder Cabinetry from Dura Supreme brings you options such as Storage Center, Beverage Center, and Baking Center with optional organizational features such as apothecary drawers and a flat Roll-Out Shelf.

3. Servo-drive push-to-open cabinets.

In addition to a contemporary look, kitchens today also benefit from features that feel state-of-the-art. A light touch is all it takes to create this stand-out, ultra-modern experience:

4. Cabinet hardware.

As a Top Knobs dealer, we see that honey bronze, ash grey, and flat black continue to be the most popular finishes for kitchen cabinet accessories. Their Ellis collection includes Amwell bars and delicately detailed knobs, pulls, and appliance pulls inspired by Southern sophistication à la Savannah, GA. Top Knobs also advocates mixing metals – such as black, bronze, chrome, and nickel – and we agree that this is an incredible way to add interest and create a unique look.

5. The Marble Look

Sophisticated and timeless, the marble look is back as a popular choice. For our customers, we recommend Silestone quartz countertops to achieve this look. Calacatta Gold is a popular colored quartz from Silestone. One that’s fast-emerging is Dekton.

6. Cladding for Kitchen appliances

Cladding turns kitchen appliances such as your fridge and range hood into part of your cabinetry. We love that seamless built-in look, and it’s fast becoming clear that we’re not the only ones. It’s why Dura Supreme recently introduced paneled hoods.

7. Floating shelves

Related to Scala shelves, floating shelves are a wonderful choice in 2020. They have a minimalistic appeal and work exceptionally well in small spaces. Hear Bellmont’s Product Director, John Brush, explain how they work:

8. Adding natural wood tones to your kitchen with an island or shelves

There is a growing affinity for natural wood tones, particularly for a kitchen island or shelves. Plain & Fancy’s white oak finishes reflect this. For many people, the white kitchen remains their first choice, but for those looking for something refreshing yet lasting, wood tones may be the answer.

9. Gray undertones for cabinets

The appeal of gray in kitchen design is easy to explain; gray will look stylish for years, and won’t make your kitchen appear outdated any time soon. That said, designers are always looking for exciting ways to reinvent gray finishes. Dura Supreme has beautiful gray paint options, from light and luxurious pearl to impactful graphite. These evolving choices are why gray in cabinetry is on our list of the latest kitchen design trends.

10. Transitional cabinetry

A transitional kitchen uses style references and inspiration from traditional kitchens to build a contemporary look that feels fresh. There is plenty of room for customization to suit your personality and requirements. The trend we are seeing is a desire for modern/contemporary/European-style cabinets. Getting the details right is integral to creating a cohesive look. Here’s how this approach worked for some of our clients in North Virginia and the DC Metro area.

There are many exciting possibilities to consider when planning your kitchen remodel, but your decisions should ultimately be based on your preferences and personal requirements. Looking at the newest kitchen trends can be an excellent starting point and can help you decide what your priorities are for your new kitchen.

If you spotted your favorite kitchen design trend for 2020 here, we’d love to chat about it. To discuss your vision for your remodel with us, reach out to us here.