A recent shift toward black-and-white kitchens adds a level of sleek sophistication
When it comes to spending lavishly on luxury goods, times are achangin’. But new trends show it’s not completely impossible to find quality and cost-efficiency. Merge the old with the new by incorporating cheaper, new, efficient faucet designs in your kitchen design.
Undercounter sinks and sinks without an integrated faucet platform are becoming the “it” design. According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA): “This is caused in part by the fact that undercounter sinks are ideal for deck-mount bridge designs, because if the sink is already pre-drilled with three holes, the middle hole that is not needed with a bridge-style faucet will be concealed by the countertop. In a drop-in or tile-in installation, the sink rests on the countertop exposing the middle hole.”
Wall-mount kitchen faucets are also becoming popular. Trade professionals and homeowners alike are drawn to this installation style because it offers easy cleaning of the sink surface and it lends a clean, uncluttered aesthetic to the room.
There is an increase in eclectic products that blend the contemporary with tradition. For instance, stainless steel appliances or countertops can be merged with a Tuscan kitchen to freshen up the look. Even simple options can be easy to achieve, like incorporating a farmhouse apron-front sink with a professional looking pull-down kitchen faucet.
Color is key and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A recent shift toward black-and-white kitchens adds a level of sleek sophistication. Countertops and floors can be marble, ceramic or granite, and this dramatic effect easily can be accomplished through accent material and inexpensive appliances such as black or white coffee makers and paintings.
If you’re looking to upgrade before you sell, higher-end remodels require luxury products, according to the New Jersey NKBA President Suzie Williford. If you are looking to buy high-end products to enhance the value of your home, be aggressive. Some ideas include using high-performance wall ovens, ductless traditional ventilation products and integrated refrigeration products, such as designs seen from Jenn-Air by Whirlpool Corp.
Tap into new high-end technological options as well, such as touch-anywhere LCD power screens and dual-fans. Sinks are on the cutting edge, with seamless side drainers and MicroEdge technology. The Randianz brand of quartz surfacing is not cheap, but its 93 percent quartz crystals and polymer consistency make it durable, waterproof, scratch-resistant, and it does not need sealing like natural stone products.
How about adding another sink in the kitchen? Fans of this trend appreciate the convenience of the secondary sink area, which is often needed for food preparation or entertaining.
