From Homescape

From politics to home design, everyone seems to be echoing the rally cry for “change.” With a slumping housing market and consumers asking for more amenities, interior designers and home builders are working to sway from the ordinary cookie-cutter models and differentiate themselves to win the hearts and pocketbooks of consumers across the country. At this year’s International Home Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla., I got a chance to sneak a peek into some top kitchen trends.

Cabinetry
“The style, finish and design details of the cabinetry sets the mood of how the rest of the kitchen will look,” says Connie Edwards, a certified kitchen and bath designer for American Woodmark Corp.

Maple wood cabinets continue to be among the most favored by home buyers, according to Edwards. While there is a big interest in medium to darker stains, white color cabinets are increasingly becoming popular as well, she says. White cabinets can give a room a clean traditional look.

                          Appliances     
Appliances determine work centers and the size and number must be appropriate to the kitchen space, according to Edwards. With extra storage and additional work space in demand, consumers are looking for kitchen areas that incorporate multipurpose appliances and amenities.                            

Miele, the creator of the world’s first built-in coffee system, allows for more counter space in the kitchen by integrating their coffee makers above the oven.

The Independence Cooling Series by Miele will debut this year. The independent refrigerator and freezer allows the consumer to adjust the cooling appliances through touch-screen technology to suit their needs. This high-tech refrigeration system is also hooked up to Wi-Fi and will alert a sales representative to contact the person if cooling temperatures are inconsistent. 

The Independence Cooling Series by Miele will debut this year. Consumers can adjust the cooling through touch-screen technology.

Got hot local housing tips or a story you want to share? Contact Amy Le at openingdoorsblog@homescape.com