The Modern Kitchen

I have been asked to do quite a few kitchens lately. And one thing I have found is that a lot of people assume their options are limited to one look—wood cabinets, speckle-granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. I still think this look is classic and modern if done well, but lately the design world is turning toward warmer, more varied materials. Here are some of my favorite new kitchen trends.


Appliances: While it will always be a culinary classic, sleek stainless steel is no longer the obvious go-to it once was. My theory? People have grown tired of constantly wiping fingerprints! Stainless steel still looks fresh in more traditional forms like freestanding range ovens instead of built-ins. Black and white appliances (whichever blends better with your kitchen—this is not the place for contrast) are a good fit for many suburban homes and newer models can be just as fashionable as their stainless steel counterparts. I also will always adore integrated, paneled appliances and a grand old Aga stove. If I had a cabin in Tahoe, I’d install this one in a heartbeat (it comes in an array of colors—this one is British Racing Green).


Countertops: Ding-dong the speckly granite is dead! Or at least it is at ROIHS—none allowed. The only place I would dare utilize it would be for an Italian-terrazzo look in a Peggy Guggenheim-inspired kitchen.

But fear not granite lovers. You can still install this durable, practical stone. Instead of specks, go for grand, sweeping movement and strong veins—much more modern. Other gorgeous choices I have used lately include limestone, soapstone and marble. These stones are softer and require an experienced fabricator, as well as much more maintenance and care than granite. I also really like the new synthetics like Ceasartsone, Silestone and Zodiaq. The key is to look for patterns that have a natural movement without trying to mimic natural stone too literally.

Cabinets: Wood is always good. It’s hard to say what to look for and easier to say what to avoid—avoid woods that are too yellow, pink or red. Painted paneled cabinets in non-obvious colors like cream, sage green, tan and even black can be very sophisticated and modern with polished silver or bronze knobs.

Sinks: Porcelain is back! Stick with undermount for a modern take, or make a farmhouse sink with an elegant faucet the centerpiece of your kitchen. Stainless steel is practical and neutral but I only install curvy, asymmetrical shapes to cut the clinical feel of the material. I’ve also always thought that a copper sink in a kitchen with warm tones would be the epitome of sumptuousness if ever I had the occasion.


Floors: Wood floors are hugely back in for kitchens and a wood floor no longer equals a country kitchen. Darker woods with linear grain patterns have brought wood out of the farmhouse and into urban and suburban kitchens. Don’t listen to your contractor if he says you can’t install them in a kitchen. Ask your flooring installer directly about the wood’s water resistence. PS Travertine and other large stone and ceramic tiles are still as classy as ever when paired with cozy elements to warm them up.

Dining: Although the eat-in kitchen is always a classic, we’re seeing the return of the barstool (stronger, cozier, more furniture-like than before) and longer, wider islands to accommodate them.

Lighting: New laws have forced manufacturers to design more aesthetically-pleasing fluorescents while pendants have become true showpieces. The most modern ones are actually not—salvaged or vintage oversized fixtures are what's happening now. So skip the lighting gallery and shop your nearest flea market or antique shop for your kitchen focal point.

Have a great, delicious week!

Aga Stove: http://www.aga-ranges.com/_store/Scripts/prodview.asp?idproduct=76

Kitchen photos courtesy of HGTV Decorator's Portfolio (Gail Drury, Design) and House Beautiful (Christopher Peacock, Design; Annie Schlechter, Photography).