Pull-out Faucets in the Kitchen

From Danze to Kohler, the pull-out kitchen faucet has been all the rage in the design world. Both homeowners and designers have moved away from the standard faucet with a detached side spray in favor of pull-out models that integrate the two functions into a single unit.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, 14 of out every 15 designers who designed a kitchen over the final three months of 2011 incorporated a pull-out faucet. The look is a modern and sleek faucet that works well with any style. Today, you can find a contemporary pull-out kitchen faucet in a variety of finishes, including chrome, brushed nickel, satin nickel, brass, colors and more.

Homeowners also enjoy its functional purposes for cleaning and cooking. It has never been easier to fill pots. Simply pull the faucet head out, hook it on the side of the pot, and go! Then when full, just slide it over, no lifting it out of the sink. And unlike similar pull-down models, there is less splashing.

If you’re renovating a smaller kitchen, pull-out faucets are an excellent choice where a high arc would overwhelm. They are also great when you have limited height to work with due to above-the-counter cabinetry.

-Laura

Shades of Gray

In kitchen design, gray continues to be a wonderful color choice that adds an attractive dimensional layer to any kitchen. Many kitchens we have designed for homeowners have a layering effect of different color stains for the wall cabinets and island. Today, gray is growing in popularity as the overall color scheme in the kitchen.

Nothing spells dignified like the color gray. Known as the ultimate neutral tone, midway between white and black, gray makes an excellent choice for a kitchen color that is sleek and refined. Traditional gray cabinets show a high level of sophistication, and are often found in high-end kitchens and expensive homes.

If you’re looking to design a modern kitchen, gray makes an excellent choice. However, the use of gray in a traditional style kitchen will make it appear more transitional and updated in appearance. Overall, I find the look to be timeless because a classy gray kitchen never looks dated. And unlike white or black cabinets, they’re easier to clean and care for.

-Laura

Designing Today’s Modern Kitchen

With a new year comes new design trends for the home. This year, homeowners are opting to renovate their kitchens with a more modern design than in years past. They are moving away from the traditional styles and designing unique spaces that fit their everyday lifestyles. For today’s hottest kitchens, consider these five trends to help you achieve a contemporary and functional design.

Glass Kitchen Cabinets

Move away from cabinet doors that hide what is in your cabinetry, and install frosted or stained glass doors. The design trend is perfect for above-the-counter cabinetry. It’s a beautiful look that opens up your kitchen and will display the items in your cabinets.

Vivid Colors

Neutrals continue to be popular, but consider adding a burst of color with either your dishes, a rug, or napkins. The pop of color delivers the perfect fresh and crisp look to a modern kitchen. If you’re brave enough, you can incorporate bold colors into your cabinetry and countertop.

Contemporary Kitchen Decor

Today’s modern kitchen design is all about simplicity and bright cheerful prints. You can even bring a new look to your kitchen with vivid wall paint or pair contemporary tiles for a backsplash. Adding a few open shelves either for display or for everyday use is appealing and modern. Small changes like cabinet handles that are more modern, or even hidden, are popular now.

Eco-friendly Devices

Save money and energy by installing a wide range of today’s top kitchen technologies in your home. It’s hard to not purchase an energy saving freezer-bottom refrigerator, water saving faucets and eco-friendly dishwashers.

Modern Kitchen Furniture

Blend the look of your kitchen and living room to create one open floor plan. This growing trend helps to elevate comfort in the kitchen. Today, the kitchen is no longer just a place to cook, but also to entertain, work and unwind. For smaller kitchens, consider adding a small sofa in a nook for watching TV, reading or homework.