New classic kitchens transcend time

Remember when stainless steel appliances and granite countertops were all the rage? Admittedly, they’re not outdated yet and for good reason. Both still remain, and likely will remain, quite popular for years to come, given their durability and lasting aesthetic appeal.

But a newer set of new classic kitchen trends, so to speak, is emerging. And the best places to see them are at model homes in newhome communities around the Bay Area.

Let’s start by defining “new classic kitchen trends” as newer, emerging or reimagined ideas in kitchen design that also enjoy staying power. They are the styles that give homeowners more

for their money. They last longer than flash-inthe-pan, “trendy” styles because of both quality and long-term aesthetic appeal.

By contrast, let’s get in the wayback machine to remember some kitchen trends that did not pay off in the longer term. Some might remember (or have seen on TV) the psychedelic wallpaper and avocado-colored appliances of the 1960s and 1970s. And don’t forget the lacquered finishes on cabinets made from medium density fiberboard that were all the rage during explosive construction in the 1980s and 1990s.

Then there were pot racks suspended from the ceiling in the 1990s. While sleek and shiny at first glance, these lacked functionality and created a cluttered look, except in massive kitchens with space to spare.

For anyone who is at all in the market for a new home, new construction remains one of the easiest ways to capitalize on industry design expertise that elevates comfort, productivity, energy efficiency and even smart home features.

Drawers and pullout shelves in cabinetry

Today’s low-profile appliances such as countertop ranges allow space for banks of drawers under them that can

fit all your bulky pots, pans and even countertop appliances. Even full-wall cabinets now incorporate drawers and pullout shelving, which help prevent accidental, longterm storage of outdated food items in unreachable places.

Another trend that stood a good test of time but has reached its demise is the built-in kitchen desk. Now, builders are replacing those spaces with countertops above sets of drawers where homeowners can hide built-in phone charging stations, USB outlets and traditional outlets for charging electronic devices. A wide enough drawer can even store a laptop or two.

Light side of cabinetry with ‘matte’ appliances

While lighter woods with distinct grain patterns or distressed finishes are out-of-date, smoother looks with light colors such as whites and grays are timeless; they’re especially appealing when paired with counter surfaces of similar colors in smooth (not bold or busy) patterns, such as quartz. Although quartz can be pricier, it is easier to maintain than granite.

Smooth, lighter colors in cabinetry, counters and backsplashes also lend themselves to attractive pairing with the mattefinish appliances that are beginning to emerge. At Alta by Signature Homes in Mountain

House, for instance, an entire kitchen gets a “wow” factor with white cabinetry adjacent matte black appliances (with stainless steel handles). Using gray or taupe as an accent on island cabinetry blends everything together, especially with brushed stainless handles on the drawers and cabinets.

Spotlight on darker wood

There is a brightness to the dark side of cabinetry and classic stainless appliances. Likewise, and following the same turn away from the grainy, lighter woods of the 1990s and early 2000s, some builders are showcasing kitchens with darker wood cabinets with indistinct grain patterns.

Where can these new classic kitchen trends be found? In several newhome communities, of course.

Whatever styles you prefer, ask your builder what the standard packages include. For some, such as Anderson Homes, a base package is far from standard and includes options such as granite, quartz, marble and even flooring at no extra cost.

Remember that packages are just the starting point. Both the builder and the new-construction homeowner want to create high-quality, lasting value in personalized spaces that transcend time and trend for a decade or more.