There’s new life in the new kitchen

The kitchen is still the heart of the home. In fact, since 2020, it’s become even more the center of the home, as has al fresco dining and indooroutdoor flexibility from the kitchen.

And when it comes time to outfit the kitchen for the way buyers live and the way they want to express themselves, Northern California builders bring in design experts who showcase the latest offerings for people’s varying needs.

How have design styles changed since the pre-pandemic days? Significantly, some might say.

In late 2019, we covered how a design arm of Interior Logic Group — a California-based company that partners with many of our Northern California builders and has showrooms across our region — presented three primary design styles.

Back then, in addition to Traditional and Transitional options, the three primary design collections were known as Modern Minimalist, Farmhouse Chic and Contemporary Coastal.

And currently, the experts showcase three primary design collections known as Contemporary Farmhouse, Distinguished Classic and Natural Influence.

The subtle but notable differences, as seen by scrolling through virtual design showrooms, boil down to colors and textures. While minimalist design and cool, crisp colors are still widely available, homebuyers and builders are beginning to lean toward more patterns, colors and warmer tones.

And although the emerging “maximalist” design may incorporate bold colors, busy patterns and contrasting elements that fill the kitchen with personality, builders are careful to provide foundational elements that stand the test of time.

Stone and tile inspiration

First, let’s talk about surfaces. Tile and stone backsplashes are still stylish, but the newer layouts feature larger tiles or long slabs of stone. Put simply: There’s less grout — and more glam.

The degree of glam depends on the buyer’s choice: Tumbled or honed finishes are more casual or understated, while polished tile finish can add elegance.

Meanwhile, designers have mixed thoughts on countertops. Solid quartz, granite and marble, in that order, are preferred over tiled counters. The mixed feelings involve the idea of the stone waterfall that continues from the counter edge along one end of the cabinet, usually on a kitchen island or end of a peninsula cabinet.

Some kitchens — especially those that are larger, connected to grand great rooms or include two or more seating areas — will benefit from the sleek waterfall look. Otherwise, keep the large slabs atop counters or on backsplashes.

Either way, consider solid slabs that are smooth with a bit of natural marbling, but not too much.

Bring on the color and contrast

Add contrast to that gorgeous slab counter by steering away from gray or white cabinets. Blues, greens and warm wood tones are making a comeback, adding depth and a calming feel. Whether dark brown, blue, green or natural wood color, consider colors other than white in order to add warmth and personality to the space.

Go a step further and choose multicolored window treatments, tabletop decor and even kitchen rugs that complement the cabinet color. For the buyer who is averse to choosing a favorite color for the next 10 years, select instead a warm wood tone and feature color in countertop appliances such as the coffee maker, the toaster or the blender.

While focusing on color, remember that lighting creates color. Instead of simple canned lights above counters, islands and the table, choose chandeliers or pendant lighting made of metals in black, brown, bronze or any other color. These are easier to swap out after five to seven years than an entire cabinet would be.

Outdoor dining is here to stay

Another way to incorporate large slabs of stone or concrete is to install them as outdoor kitchen counters or tabletops. After all, dining outside became the norm a few years ago and most households still enjoy al fresco food, drinks and entertainment.

Ask about the builder’s standard offerings or options for building a full outdoor kitchen.

Another trick to blend the indoors with the outdoors can be seen in models where builders are utilizing large wall-height sliding glass or panel doors. These create the sense that the outdoors flows into the inside and comes as a standard feature from many builders.

Many builders are also choosing to design with more, or larger, windows in the dining and family room areas adjacent to the kitchen. In addition to more light, part of the thinking behind this offering is that windows are now made to control air temperature much better than in years past.

What does your dream kitchen look like? Tour as many new-home models as you can for inspiration. And ask the design teams to demonstrate virtual kitchen design programs that let buyers “try on” kitchen styles before committing.