Whether you live with a family or by yourself, the kitchen is the busiest space in a house. From the coffee you brew to get out of that comfy bed every morning, to the last glass of water you sip every night, the kitchen remains at the center of your home. It is perfectly understandable as to why many homeowners choose to do a modern kitchen remodel.
Kitchens have changed a lot over the decades and planning for your kitchen remodel is very important. Technology advances and changing social dynamics have contributed greatly to the rise of the modern kitchen. There is a far bigger focus on open concept homes that revolve around the kitchen so everyone can be together. As with any modern design trend, clean and simple styles have become favorites for homeowners with natural light becoming an essential aspect of the overall look and function of the kitchen space.
Even small makeovers may change the look of your kitchen immensely. If you are planning to remodel your kitchen, or at least make some small changes, we have an amazing list of modern kitchen remodel ideas for you to think about.
Smart Kitchens
Technology has entered the kitchen in full force and not just in the form of fancy gadgets and appliances. Today, you can have a kitchen with technology integrated into every function and appliance–from the faucets to the fridge to the lighting. This is what we call a smart kitchen.
Appliances are the most important aspect of a kitchen: they are the instruments that get things done. However, aging appliances can drain your pocket and reduce efficiency so it is always a good choice to update them every few years but of course, this does not apply to all appliances in the kitchen.
In general, the latest appliances are not only more efficient, but they are also more beautiful to look at. That said, do not prioritize form over function. Appliances are long-term investments. If you are planning to sell the property, check with local property agents to confirm whether investing in new appliances will fetch you a higher price for the property. Of course, if you plan to continue staying at the house, then the investments made in appliances will improve the kitchen’s efficiency and performance.
Easy Add-Ons
Easy add-ons are motion sense-equipped kitchen faucets that can sense the presence of hands underneath and will come on automatically or try a one-touch feature. My family loves our motion sense faucet! No more messes just turning the water on and off to wash those dirty, sticky hands. Refrigerators can alert you when your groceries items are running low or a coffee maker programmed to have your coffee ready and waiting for you when you wake up. Do not forget to update your lighting system–allowing you to control all the lights from your smartphone or tablet.
Quartz is Still King
For high-end modern kitchen remodel countertops, quartz still reigns supreme. The material is extremely hardy, can last virtually forever, is a breeze to maintain and is anti-microbial. Yes, even anti-microbial! Granite, the main competitor in the high-end bracket, requires slightly more maintenance.
When quartz countertops first came into the market, the main worry was lack of variety in terms of colors and finishes. But with time, thanks to technology, manufacturers have provided a wide range of colors to choose from. You can even get quartz finished with elaborate swirls and large veining to imitate other materials like natural stone. These unique styles have become immensely popular.
But there is a notable trend toward softer and more neutral colors. More and more homeowners are opting for colors like: grey, taupe, creamy or white finishes. The pattern preferences have changed to veining from particulates that we’ve seen in past years. This definitely follows the trend towards cleaner styles seen in most home spaces.
Everything Including the Kitchen Sink
While we are still on the topic of countertops, it is important to mention the rising popularity of undermount composite sinks. This creates a clean, uniform look and makes cleaning and maintenance much easier. However, it is going to be a tough battle against the still very popular stainless steel and farmhouse sinks.
Effective Storage Solution Cabinetry for a truly Modern Kitchen Remodel
One of the biggest annoyances with kitchen cabinetry is the unnecessary waste of space! The way the basic shelves and drawers are structured leaves a lot of wasted space. Worst of all, available space is often too small for some of your larger things or the opposite: it’s too wide and does not give you a way to properly and efficiently organize the space.
One of the foundations to a functional kitchen is kitchen storage. If it is inadequate or ineffective, you will be faced with endless frustrations and challenges. To counter these storage challenges, homeowners are starting to look for better storage solutions within the cabinetry. These can include: appliances garages for small appliance, drawer dividers for cutlery & utensils, pull outs for spices, tray dividers, pull out cabinets for pots & pans; as well as wastebasket cabinets for garbage and recyclables and/or deep drawers. These will make it easier to store foods, drinks and small appliances.
Cabinets!
If you believe that a kitchen renovation should focus most on a) the look and b) the feel of new products, then choosing new cabinets is one of the best ways to go about it. Kitchen cabinets take a lot of abuse on a daily basis and are often seen to be loose on their hinges which gives the whole kitchen a dated and ignored look. Also, remember that when it comes to the cabinet, the choices are plenty even if you are on a tight budget.
Kitchen cabinets are not just for storage. It is an essential element to your kitchen’s style and feel. Cabinetry brings everything together. If you’ve been paying attention to the world of interior design, you probably noticed that painted cabinets are on-trend. Whether they’re steel blue, mustard yellow, emerald green, or classic white, painted cabinets are all the rage. There is a rising movement towards a streamlined look that focuses on simplicity and minimalism. Here and there however, you will find some wild and bold options popping up.
Painted or Stained Cabinets?
Paint grade cabinetry is usually a smooth, flat wood made of lower-quality materials because the paint will cover the grain. Common painted cabinet material options include soft maple, hard maple, poplar, and hardwood frame with Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) panel. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is a non-wood, paint-grade material that doesn’t benefit from staining. Choosing medium-density fiberboard (think particle or furniture board) is an effective way to cut cabinet costs. The material also takes paint well. Whether it’s a gray, white or cream color, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between these materials and real wood when they’re painted.
Stain-grade is typically a higher quality wood. It can also have a rougher surface. Hardwoods benefit from staining because it brings out their inherently beautiful grains. However, either option will work as long as you prep the surface.
Focus on Flooring
Relaying the kitchen floor is both a time- and money-consuming process but few things give a new life to a modern kitchen remodel like a new floor.
Additionally, like in a bathroom, all that moisture on a hard surface can be an accident waiting to happen. Many waterproof flooring options get extremely slippery when moisture is applied to them. Non-slip options should be a consideration for any flooring installed in a kitchen.
Hardwood
Used for centuries in homes, hardwood floors continue to be a luxurious and popular choice for many homeowners. Solid hardwood floors are durable, warm, stylish and water-resistant. Yes. You read that right. Hardwood floors are not waterproof. Solid hardwoods, when combined with the proper finish are water-resistant, but long-term exposure to moisture will damage them. Spills should be cleaned as soon as possible; however, they can take more exposure than a laminate or engineered hardwood floor with composite or non-water-resistant cores can handle.
Despite this “weakness,” hardwoods are a great kitchen floor. They can also add a variety of looks over the years of their life through refinishing either to match flooring throughout the home or to give the kitchen some standalone pizazz. Depending on the finish, hardwood floors can be slippery, however, design variables such as hand-scraped or distressed finishes or plank width/length can provide extra surface area for traction.
Laminate
Generally speaking, like hardwood floors, laminate floors are a warm, water-resistant choice for the kitchen. As they are not waterproof, homeowners should remember to factor this in when selecting laminate. Laminates have long been a less-expensive way to get the look of traditional hardwood.
However, many flooring manufacturers are now offering “waterproof laminate” which features a rigid core made of waterproof material that adds strength and stability. These do away with the perceived weakness to moisture.
These new laminates still have the advantages of traditional laminates – including the flexibility of installation. Most laminate floors can be clicked together and either permanently installed (glued down) or floated, allowing for installation over uneven subfloors.
Mimicking solid hardwood flooring’s distinctive colors and patterns remains a primary selling feature of laminate floors. Hand-scraped, distressed, rustic, and “reclaimed” looks will all continue to be popular for homeowners who want unique, realistic looks for their floors.
Tile
A classic and durable look, tile flooring has long been the go-to option for wet areas. If installed, grouted and sealed properly, tile can last a lifetime and sometimes longer. Tile is, anecdotally-speaking, the number one most popular option for kitchen flooring. A wide variety of kitchen floor tiles, colors, and options are available.
Vinyl
Perhaps the most popular flooring option in recent years. Many people looking for kitchen flooring don’t know anything about modern vinyl flooring. This is not the sheet vinyl your grandparents used to have; this ain’t your grandma’s linoleum!
Vinyl flooring today is most popularly offered in tiles and planks, offering near-infinite colors and patterns. Plus, they’re topped with a wear layer for added protection from scrapes and spills.
These vinyl planks are fully waterproof and can be installed “floating” above the subfloor. They’re a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, and even in basements — if you have a kitchen in the basement. And let’s be honest, if you do, that’s awesome!
While vinyl flooring is a bit softer than some other options (looking at you, ceramic tiles!), it’s still a tough, durable flooring solution. Vinyl designed to mimic solid hardwoods is responsible for driving the vinyl market. It offers customers the look of wood, with a softer underfoot and warmer to the touch, yet extremely durable and waterproof.
Be Creative with New Lighting
One of the most brilliant ways to combine convenience with beauty for a modern kitchen remodel is to be creative (and smart!) with your kitchen lights. It is one of the most cost-effective tricks when it comes to kitchen remodeling ideas. The desired effect can be achieved by mixing-and-matching different fixtures in different spots in the kitchen. Depending on whether you are looking for ambient lighting or task lighting, you could plan the layout and the budget. There are countless kitchen lighting ideas.
To combine task lights with cost-friendliness, we suggest going the LED ceiling lights route. Besides being eco-friendly, these lights save a lot of dollars on electricity bills. You can bring out the wow factor with these lights, too, if you go for pendant lights above your kitchen island or dining area. For ambient use, undercabinet or lighted glass panel lights create a soft glow to your kitchen. Make sure to install dimmers if you plan to spend some time eating dinners with your loved one in the dining area. Basically, whatever your budget or use: If you are looking to take your kitchen to the next level, it’s time to hang some new lights!
Add a Kitchen Island to your Modern Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen islands are no longer an afterthought or something small to squeeze into the space. They have become focal points and the hub of the kitchen. One of the changes emerging is the single level larger sizing, serving multiple uses. The kitchen island is meant to create an impact, and it’s designed to make a statement.
The larger kitchen islands have storage solution cabinets and can be fitted with various under-counter appliances. They also provide seating–serving as a casual dining and/or drinking bar. To accommodate the increased size, many kitchen islands extend into living room spaces in homes with open floor plan designs. This ensures the kitchen island can be multi-functional without cluttering up space in the kitchen.
If you plan to serve snacks or use this space for wine sessions, customizing your island can make it more user-friendly and diverse without adding costs. For example, if your kitchen island also doubles as a workspace, consider adding electrical outlets to make sure people can charge their phones or plug in a speaker.
Beautiful Backsplash Trends
Backsplashes can be a fun part of a modern kitchen remodel. Updating your kitchen backsplash is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to give a new look to your old kitchen. It is also the first area that should get your attention when renovating your kitchen because a) no renovation is complete without a new Backsplash and b) it is the most used/abused area of the kitchen. From spilled food to hot oil splashes, the backsplash takes it all and complains little.
Subway tiles have been popular, but if homeowners are using them these days, then they are usually using larger ones. People are moving on to larger slabs of tiles and tiles with various textures or patterns. The color choices are endless here. It just depends on the other colors you choose in your kitchen and of course personal taste.
Connecting With The Great Outdoors
Literally! Homeowners are connecting the kitchen to an outdoor space or patio. They are also adding entry points from the kitchen to outside entertainment areas. By installing a glass door in your kitchen, you can easily connect these two spaces in your home. Another popular trend is removing the existing small window by the sink and installing 5-6 foot wide windows.
Walk-In Pantries
Walk-in pantries have gone past a luxury to almost a necessity for modern kitchen remodels. The open concept’s increased popularity, window walls, and open shelving are big must haves. These pantries can be opened, exposed, or behind doors, but they are becoming more of a showpiece to be seen with painted or wallpapered walls and cheerful colors. Some even have become a “second kitchen” holding extra appliances like a dishwasher or beverage refrigerators. These spaces help keep the kitchen looking clean and organized.
The Top Tier Difference
We at Top Tier Kitchens & Baths set a high standard for outstanding customer service, high-quality kitchen and modern kitchen remodel products, and impeccable installation.
For all your kitchen and bath remodel needs, you can trust us to complete the job with expertise and dedication to excellence. If you’re looking for ways to update your kitchen or bathroom, the professionals at Top Tier Kitchens and Baths can help! We’d love to help you update your home.
Submit a quote request on our website at toptierkitchens.com or give us a call at (417) 887-1100 to schedule a free, in-home consultation with one of our designers. We look forward to serving you!
