Whether you are designing your clients' kitchens from scratch or updating their outdated features, it's worth knowing that kitchens are increasingly smarter, eclectic, multifunctional, and more importantly, used as a central hub for entertaining for families, gourmands, and avid cooks. As seen on fashion runways and trade show floors, this year's trends are urging bright colors, bold patterns, and warm, familiar looks. Here are six finishes, fixtures, fittings, appliances, and more to consider for your kitchen designs.
Gold and Copper Metallic Accents
Veer, Belwith-Keeler
"A nod to chevron" is what Belwith-Keeler's trend manager Knikki Grantham says inspired the design behind this asymmetrical cabinet hardware collection. Manufactured from zinc, this modern, minimalist collection is suitable for use in kitchens with a contemporary style. Veer comprises six pull handles, ranging in length from 3" to 8.8"; a 1.37”-diameter knob, a 1.37"-square pull, and a 1"-long pinch knob. Offered in polished nickel, brushed golden brass, black nickel, matte black, and satin nickel finishes. belwith-keeler.com
Marble and Terrazzo Countertops
Altrock, Robin Grasby
Handmade in East London by local industrial designer Robin Grasby, this contemporary take on classical terrazzo surfaces can be used in many applications, including countertops, walls, and furniture. Each Altrock slab is made from 87% reclaimed marble flour, chips, and broken slabs and 13% resin, and then finished with wax oil for a matte look. Altrock solid surfaces are waterproof, stain-resistant, and durable, according to the designer. Available in custom colors, shapes, and sizes. altrocksurfaces.com
Rich, Saturated Color
Hunter Green, Benjamin Moore
"Bold" and "saturated" are how Benjamin Moore describes this classic green. As part of a palette of 15 harmonious colors that complement Benjamin Moore's 2019 color of the year, Hunter Green 2041-10 can bring warmth and depth to a variety of interior spaces and exterior façades, doors, and shutters. In kitchens, this rich shade could be used on cabinetry paired with a light-hued countertop surface, creamy white backsplash tiles, and black, gold, or brass metallic accents. benjaminmoore.com
Smart Features
HydroTap Celsius All-in-One, Zip Water
Officially launched for the North American market at Greenbuild 2018, this kitchen faucet by Australian water systems manufacturer Zip Water instantly provides filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling drinking water, and unfiltered hot and cold water. Each faucet filters particles larger than 0.2 microns in size and contaminants such as lead, chlorine, and microbiological cysts, as well as undesirable taste and odor. The HydroTap faucets are programmable to limit water waste and come with a safety lock feature for boiling water. Measuring 17.3" tall with a 8.9" spout reach, each faucet has three standard and four platinum finish options, and complies with the Living Building Challenge's Red List imperative. us.zipwater.com
Multifunctional Sinks
Chef Center, Franke
Handcrafted from 18-gauge stainless steel, this multifunctional, single-bowl kitchen sink comes equipped with an integrated ledge system and a set of custom-fitted accessories, including a removable cutting board, two antimicrobial compartments for storage and composing, a stainless steel colander, a multilevel grid, a roller mat, and a remote-controlled strainer basket. Chef Center's undermount wide basin accommodates large cookware while its modular structure provides extra countertop space. Features sound-dampening to reduce garbage disposal noise. Available for 30"- and 36"-wide cabinets. franke.com
Handmade Tiles
Liberty, Clé
Inspired by urban spaces in early 20th-century New York, this collection of thin-glazed tiles is a modern take on traditional clay brick. Liberty is suitable for use in interior and some exterior applications, including kitchen backsplashes, walls, shower stalls, and low-traffic flooring. Measuring 2.5" wide, 8" long, and 0.37" thick each, the tiles are offered in 10 colors (catham shown). cletile.com
