Keep Up With These 3 Kitchen Trends

There are constant changes coming to kitchen design and it's a struggle to keep up. These changes are fresh and refreshing. Likely they will remain longer than a simple trend.

Horizontal wood grain is becoming huge for cabinetry in kitchens. This new trend is revitalizing traditional wood cabinetry. Less recessing and molding details on this style of cabinet and more flat. Horizontal wood grains actually makes the kitchen seem wider. Hardware is kept simple and understated. The most popular style of hardware is simple metal, horizontal pulls.  A huge benefit of installing this kind of cabinetry is that it can be paired with other types of wood. The cabinet grain is very prominent, easily pair a wood flooring that has a smaller visible grain. Also, run the other kind of wood grain in a different direction, preferably vertical. This will create a focal point with a clean look!

Another trend is to mix two kinds of cabinets to add dimension and interest. You can even add three different materials to create your own unique cabinet design. The key to pulling this off is to keep the cabinet design simple. Refraining from raised panels or ornate moldings on the cabinet doors. Each different cabinet material is in the same flat panel design, same design to link the cabinets together with different wood grain.

2017 is all about contrast which can easily be seen by the newest appliances coming out in dark but classic colors.  Contrast is the key to keeping a design looking unique and interesting. Monochromatic schemes can be great if done well, but beware of washing out the room. Details get lost in a monochromatic setting and everything just sort of blends together. Creating contrast is one of the best ways to add interest and dimension. Details are noticed and appreciated when contrast comes into play!

If you're looking to set yourself apart but still be trendy try out these ideas.

What is your favorite modern kitchen trend? Leave it in the comments section.

Banish the Winter Blues: 5 Fun DIY Projects

The groundhog may have predicted an early spring this year, but that’s still no consolation when you look out the window and see all that snow. Shake those late-winter blahs by shaking up your indoor décor- not only will you have a fun project to work on, but your home will look great in the end!

Add a Splash of Color- Sometimes all you need is an accent wall to brighten up your living space (not to mention your mood.) If the gloomy grays and browns of winter have got you down, head to your local hardware store and pick up a quart of paint in a cheerful hue, and get to work transforming a wall of your choice. Accent walls provide visual interest and can often create the illusion of space and depth.

Lighten Up- Replacing a boring light fixture or ugly chandelier with a fresh, modern look can give your room an instant facelift! And the fixture doesn’t necessarily have to be costly to make an impact- in addition to bargains at the big-box stores, if you scour thrift stores, flea markets and eBay you can find interesting, unique fixtures for cheap. Make a day of it!

Switch Up your Switch Plates- Who says everything has to be beige? For a fun and funky, as well as cheap and easy, upgrade to your home, opt for decorative, eye-catching light switch and wall outlet plates. Look online for all kinds of decorative options to fit your personal style (check out SnazzySwitch.com), or simply spray paint your existing plates with a vibrant color or striking metallic finish.

Clean Your Carpet- If you’ve got 30 bucks and a few spare weekend hours, why not get rid of some of that tracked-in winter dirt by cleaning your carpets? Machines like Rug Doctor are available for rent at Walmart and other local grocery stores, and most machines take less than 20 minutes to do a room. An added bonus is the workout you will receive from taking the DIY approach to shampooing your rugs- a great way to burn some calories on a cold day!

Invest in Some Vinyl- Vinyl tiles, that is. Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are a perfect way to transform an ugly concrete or wooden floor with minimal time and cost. These days, vinyl tiles come in a variety of attractive patterns resembling stone, wood, or metal, to name a few finishes.