The world of trends in kitchens is everchanging as designers are constantly finding new ideas to make this most-used space fabulous. What makes kitchen trends more appealing than those focused on other rooms? Homeowners can be selective when mapping out plans for a new build or renovation. Because the kitchen is used all day, every day, homeowners come to the design table with clear ideas on what will work best for them. At Speight Built Custom Homes, we pride ourselves on always having the most up-to-date ideas and a promise to give our clients the kitchen of their dreams.
While years past have focused on large islands, wine coolers, and multi-use spaces, the coming years will offer a shift. Designers now suggest achieving a more minimalist aesthetic that can be as simple as installing hidden outlets or as innovative as installing a scullery. One thing that hasn’t changed in kitchen trends is options affordable to every homeowner.
The Disappearing Kitchen Outlet:
Electrical outlets first started moving to the background with the creation of paintable outlet covers. By color-matching kitchen outlets to walls or backsplashes, eyes are tricked into not noticing at all.
With the popularity of installed backsplashes, many contractors opted to shift to flat-front outlets. Not only do these offer a clean look, but they also eliminate the collection of grease, dust, or crumbs as they sit flush with the backsplash.
Removable outlet tiles are another way to hide existing outlets and are an easy DIY. Simply purchase a lightweight tile that matches your current decor and adhere the included Velcro to the existing outlet and tile. Voila! What was once a boring outlet is now a unique focal point.
Many of today’s new kitchens seem to have no outlets at all!
Designers are now placing hidden power strips under the upper cabinets rather than single outlets on the wall below. This not only hides the outlets but also offers more than the standard two-plug option.
Outlets that pop are another unique way to hide your power. Pop-up or pop-out outlets come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including those that offer multiple plug types. Pop-up outlets are a common way to add power to an existing island as the outlet sits flush with the countertop, accessed by a quick push to bring it out of hiding. Pop-out outlets are also available to replace traditional wall outlets. These can be useful for those with a backsplash they already love and the swap is easy!
For those building new, be sure to request power to that gorgeous kitchen island! This makes dinner prep or hosting much more convenient as small appliances are no longer relegated to the back counters.
It’s no secret that today’s homes include endless devices that need regular charging. Rather than clogging nightstands or side tables, create a docking drawer. This drawer, host to a hidden power bank, can serve as a home for tablets or phones as they recharge after a long day.
The Return of the Scullery Kitchen:
Haven’t heard of a scullery kitchen? You soon will be an expert as this hidden area returns to popularity. First thing to know? A scullery and a pantry are not the same thing. While a pantry typically sits within the kitchen for storing food or appliances, the scullery is its very own multi-purpose room. Those purposes are customized to the dreams of the homeowner, whether their scullery serves primarily for kitchen activities or includes a laundry area, a workspace, or more. No matter what your scullery’s purpose will be, there are a few must-haves:
Loads of storage
Endless counter space
A large sink
The comeback of the scullery kitchen coincides with the uptick in home entertainment. Often, hosts spend much of their time collecting dirty dishes which then get stacked in the sink as a reminder that there is still work to be done. One primary use of the scullery is as an out-of-sight holding zone for items that are used but not quite ready to be put away. Bonus storage also offers a place for seldom-used appliances or heirloom dishware that may only be used a few times a year.
Does this sound a bit like a butler’s pantry? It’s not. The butler’s pantry is meant as a serving center while the scullery kitchen also functions as a preparation area. Many sculleries are fully functional as a primary kitchen, but on a smaller scale. This means food that is ready to go in the oven (primary kitchen) can be tucked out of sight (scullery) until a spot opens up. A scullery offers additional space in all phases of entertainment and daily tasks.
Designing a scullery is the fun part as it is typically hidden from direct view. There is no need to carry over the look of your kitchen (though that is certainly an option). Make it fun, playful, and imaginative! Add a chandelier or unique hardware. Perhaps your primary kitchen has a farmhouse aesthetic—why not fill the scullery kitchen with pops of color such as teal appliances or hot pink linens? This is a space that deserves to be inviting and out-of-the-box while still focusing on function.
The team at Speight Built Custom Homes is well-versed in kitchen trends and finds just as much excitement in the design process as our clients. With a storied history of building gorgeous, one-of-a-kind homes in the Raleigh area, we are constantly on the hunt for the next direction in new home construction.
Contact Speight Built Custom Homes today!