What Are The New Trends In Kitchen Design For Del Mar Homes?

The kitchens of Del Mar homes are no longer the gathering place like they were in the 50's and 60's, when large country kitchens were the focal point of the family. Now they are designed to be efficient and time saving. Very few families eat in the kitchen of their Del Mar homes any longer. Those that do will wisely chose the proper remodeling scheme when they redo the kitchen. Often, people do not think of future Del Mar home owners when designing their kitchen, but instead design to meet their own preferences. That is okay, as long as the owners plan on staying in their home forever. If, however, you wish to plan ahead for a future home sale, then you need to take a few things into consideration when redesigning your kitchen. Here, we will discuss current trends and what to look for in a new kitchen design.

What Leads In Trends?

If you want to know what leads the market in remodeling, look no further than current high end homes. These expensive homes pave the way in trends, and paying attention to what is being done is critical if planning to sell at a later date. According to a Harvard University study, about 90% of the remodeling ideas are driven by homes that cost in the neighborhood of $400,000.00. These ideas trickle down to the middle market, and are then incorporated by many home builders.

Who Is Buying?

Baby Boomers are growing older, with the first retiring in 2007. They are generally set in their homes or plan for a retirement setting. Now, Gen X'ers are coming up and look at things more differently than Boomers. The Boomers are looking to downsize, and Gen X'ers are fast coming into the age where their families are growing, they are more affluent, and wish more space. When remodeling, keep this generation in mind.

What's Hot, What's Not

What works yesterday will not work today. A kitchen is dated the minute construction is finished. Building a classic and efficient kitchen takes a lot of homework. Let's look at some of the hottest trends in kitchen rebuilds:

1. Be sure to match your décor. Nothing sticks out more
   than an ultra modern kitchen in a shabby chic setting.
   Plan the kitchen around the theme of your home.

1. Countertops are the most regarded item in a kitchen.
   Gone are the days when Formica would do. Upscale
   homes generally have granite or marble counter tops.
   They are beautiful and long lasting, but a word of
   caution is in order - they have a tendency to absorb
   oils and stains. Although they can be cleaned, this
   is the downside of these materials. You may wish to opt
   for the new composite countertops that are stain
   resistant, yet simulate the more expensive (and heavier)
   marble or granite countertop. Corian by Dupont is
   becoming more fashionable these days.

1. Let lighting be the focus of your kitchen. In a lot
   of kitchens, a single overhead light serves purpose.
   This is not only frustrating for the chef but makes
   cooking a much less enjoyable experience. A kitchen
   needs to be well lit, yet have a homey atmosphere.
   A smaller kitchen can benefit from correct overhead
   lighting and task specific lighting such as under
   cabinets, lighting the prep area. In larger kitchens
   lighting needs to be more functional, with areas such
   as cupboards and drawers well lit. The trend for
   fluorescents is past, and now we see recessed lighting
   installed over stoves, sinks, and prep areas. Keep
   in mind that it must not only be functional, but add
   to the ascetic appeal of the kitchen. According to
   research done for this article, pewter lighting
   fixtures are the current hot trend.

1. Flooring in the kitchen is essential for a well
   designed room. Try to apply flooring that contrasts
   with the appliances and setting instead of matching
   it. Current trends are towards long plank flooring
   and the more exotic darker hardwoods such as mahogany
   and cherry. Trending is terracotta, porcelain and
   even Spanish roofing tiles. The color goes deep
   in these materials and gives any kitchen a well
   designed look.

Keeping up with the latest trends in kitchens can be a time consuming and expensive job.  Some people may feel that making expensive upgrades to kitchens increases the resale value.  Although this can be true, there is a point where spending money on remodeling is not to your advantage.  Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value survey points out that upgrading a kitchen can increase the value.  Other sources say that doing such things as resurfacing kitchen cabinets, replacing countertops and replacing outdated appliances puts you in a position to do better on resale than a full modern upgrade.  Whatever your choice, read up on kitchens and remodeling, and make your kitchen the focal point of your home.

 

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