Kitchens today are undergoing an interesting transformation. As a Realtor in the Arlington, Virginia area, I get to see a wide variety of kitchens in the homes that I work with and I am constantly amazed at the ingenuity in design and function that I’ve noticed as homeowners create kitchens that work just right for them. Years ago, kitchens were mostly used just for preparing daily meals, and gathering around a table. Now, the kitchen is breaking free and being used for all kinds of activities, from home office space to homework nooks to hobby corners and media centers. Much has changed, and it’s opened up a whole new world when it comes to kitchen design and function.
I have access to a lot of great information about new trends and even “kitchens of the future” that looks like something from the classic Jetson’s cartoons. (For instance, check out this cooking basket / food strainer!) If you’re thinking about redesigning your kitchen, or searching for a new home with the kitchen of your dreams, and want to make sure you have an on-trend kitchen, don’t worry. Here are a few ideas that you can look for or easily integrate into your current design that will ensure you get the best kitchen for you – no matter what year it is.
The new neutral: Gray is the new white, they say, and it’s a great color that will give your kitchen an up-to-date feel while still playing nice with a wide variety of flooring, cabinetry and counter top styles.
Fixtures get fun: You still have to turn your water on and off, but now you can have more fun with it. Thanks to manufacturers who are offering fun and functional designs in a variety of colors and functions (like touch-sensitive faucets), future kitchens will be filled with new ideas for a very functional part of your kitchen life.
Disposal: In an environmentally conscious world, don’t forget to build in a system for sorting and disposing of refuse, mindful water use, and composting of food scraps responsibly. Check out IKEA’s Concept Kitchen for 2025 for some design inspiration.
Light fixtures: Gorgeous light fixtures aren’t just for the dining room anymore. In the last few years, the disappearance of the dining room has brought some of its more elegant design into the kitchen, including lighting that makes you take notice.