By Wendy McMillan
Now more than ever, the time-tested words ring true: home is where the heart is, and the kitchen is the heart of the home. Over the past year, more time at home has highlighted what we want, need and long for in our living spaces. As a result, kitchen renovations today are marked by innovative, creative possibilities that do it all – offering comfort, beauty, durability, functionality, and unique appeal.
If you’re considering embarking on a kitchen remodel, you’re in luck. Here in Northern Colorado, we’re spoiled when it comes to quality expertise. We checked in with a few top local resources to provide a glimpse of today’s most alluring, clever and achievable trends.
Countertops
Both work surface and gathering place, countertop choices easily transform any kitchen from both practical and personal perspectives. Crucial considerations may include attractiveness, durability, cost, eco-friendliness, maintenance and more.
Synonymous with luxury, heavily-veined marble has made a comeback in popularity and makes an elegant statement. For a more affordable, equally stunning option, quartz countertops can be modified to closely resemble marble and high-end granite. Non-porous quartz is further quite resistant to stains, making it a family-friendly choice that is easier to maintain than other surfaces. Finally, granite simply never goes out of fashion. With an infinite range of natural colors and patterns, granite can lend the finishing touches to any desired look, from modern to classic.
Cabinetry
A key focal point of any kitchen both in terms of aesthetics and practical usage, the impact of kitchen cabinets cannot be understated. What’s the most popular look right now? “Hands down, white Shaker doors are the favorite, by a landslide,” says Johnson Cabinetry & Refacing Owner Carl Johnson. “The clean, modern look really brightens up spaces.”
While white is timeless and elegant as well as on-trend, however, Johnson says there are plenty of considerations to bear in mind, as well as differing approaches that can either complement cabinetry or add some pop, depth, and character through contrast. “People are embracing two-toned schemes, such as white uppers and darker bases, or white perimeters with a darker island,” he says. “The effect is really striking.”
Storage
When it comes to cabinets – and countertops, for that matter – at least equal in importance to look and style is storage. Today, options are available that can make any wish come true, says Ed Brehon, owner of Colorado Kitchen & Bath. Endless innovations blend beauty with functionality, from sliding pull-outs to in-between cabinet sliding racks and custom-designed spice drawers. Further, with an increasing amount of intelligent appliances available to cut back on workload, leaving you more time to actually sit back and enjoy your dream kitchen, cabinets and countertops offer thoughtful options for both easily tucking away and proudly displaying Instant Pots, smart toasters, air fryers and more. Cabinetry increasingly provides clever concealment of major appliances, too, such as the dishwasher or fridge.
Single-level islands
While two-tiered islands offering the duality of a counter-height work surface and a bar-height eating area once had their day, today the one-level, counter-height islands are far more popular. Single-level islands remove obstructions, making kitchens look and feel more open and airy. Further, they expand utility significantly. “One level islands are very handy when it comes to prep, serving and dining,” says Brehon. “You can customize island cabinets, countertop, and all the special features that best fit your lifestyle.”
Ready to create your dream kitchen?
> Castorena’s Granite & Quartz, 1934 E Lincoln Ave., Fort Collins, 970.329.2342, castorenas.com
> Colorado Kitchen & Bath Showroom, 425 15th Street, Greeley, 970.353.2890, ckbsales.com
> Johnson Cabinetry & Refacing, 970.652.0240, jcabinetry.com