Kitchens in White
White kitchens, according to New Jersey-based designer Swati Goorha, have completely lost their luster. "I find white kitchens lifeless and devoid of charm," she says. "There is so much flexibility to personalize the location where you spend the majority of your time. Kitchens are often considered the heart of the house, and they should elicit feelings of pleasure and love." Aside from the aesthetics, all-white kitchens are notoriously difficult to keep clean since every stain and spec is obvious. Incorporate a splash of color to make your environment more approachable and tolerant of sauce spills and food crumbs. "If you're not ready to commit to all green cabinets, bring color in the backsplash," Goorha suggests. "It's always a yes to add handmade tiles or glass tiles to bring some flair into the heart of the house."Farmhouse Design
Once upon a time, farmhouse contemporary was the hottest design trend. However, with the growth in popularity of cottagecore and coastal grandma designs, your country chic kitchen is in need of an update. The good news is that updating your farmhouse kitchen doesn't have to be a major undertaking. It's all about establishing a balance between old and contemporary, according to Bobby Berk, Shutterfly's resident design guru. "I would propose combining classic and modern designs without the distressed effect," he says. "To create an upscale version of this design, try balancing your exposed brick with some eye-catching light, selecting for smooth wood finishes, or even changing out black metals for gold and silver." If you want to ditch your farmhouse decor in favor of the current cottagecore craze, it's best to start small. "Adding in modest wood design elements as tabletop décors, such as these Shutterfly wood cutting boards," Berk adds. "Layering cutting boards of various shapes and sizes produces the ideal farmhouse aesthetic without requiring big renovations."Appliances in Vibrant Colors
A splash of color is an easy way to add flair to your kitchen, but you need be careful where you put it. Colorful appliances, according to Berk, are the main causes. Not only can these eclectic devices impact the entire style of your kitchen, but they may also be difficult (and costly) to repair. Berk suggests keeping with neutral-toned appliances and experimenting with a "two-tone color scheme" for a timeless and cost-effective solution. "If you like having color or patterns in your home, try adding bursts of color with your table linens, tableware, kitchen towels, or even by putting cushions to each of your dining chairs," he advises.Granite
There is no lack of stylish details with a seemingly limitless mix of backsplashes, countertops, and hardware to pick from. However, the improper balance might make your place seem outmoded. Replace the granite countertops if you just want to change one thing. "It's a fast sign of an outdated kitchen," said GordonDunning founders Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning.Choose soapstone or marble countertops instead. "They will crack and patina with time, which is completely acceptable with us—perhaps even preferable," the design team explains. "We love that the kitchen will tell the tale of making cookies with family or sharing a delicious dinner with guests for many years to come."
If you don't want a countertop that will show signs of wear and tear, Gordon and Dunning recommend quartz or a more solid granite like Absolute Black. "We always recommend a sharpened finish," they say.
