Trends may come and go, but there is one area in the home that often sees the most transformation: the kitchen. From glossy and streamlined in the 1930s to the iconic candy-colored kitchens from the 1950s, kitchen palettes have changed drastically over the years. If you’re old enough to remember the 1970s, knotty pine paneling and linoleum floors come to mind. If you were a child of the ‘90s, you might recall an open floor plan with shabby chic decor. With the millennium came the rise of reality television, particularly with home design shows. Due to the popularity of these shows, homeowners took a real interest in trends and design elements. Vintage charm took center stage over the last decade as well as stainless steel, low-profile appliances, and light and bright neutrals. As we look ahead in kitchen design we’re starting to see designers and homeowners return to warm wood tones rather than the crisp look of whites and creams. Are warm wood tones making a comeback? It’s trending in that direction.
At J&J Construction, we do our best to stay on top of industry trends, and we’ve seen this shift to wood tones in kitchens in several publications including the NKBA 2024 Kitchen Trends report as well as Better Homes and Gardens and almost every home design influencer on the Internet. With a desire to bring the outdoors in, it makes sense that natural, earthy tones are becoming more popular. Textures will also mimic nature, like reeded styles for cabinetry and organic patterns in countertops. Homeowners and designers looking to incorporate a bold statement into their kitchen design might do so with the backsplash, but overall we’re seeing simple, clean designs that connect to the outdoors.
It’s no secret that the color of your kitchen cabinets affect the overall vibe of your space, resale value, and can also determine how you need to clean. Therefore, if you’re considering a kitchen remodel, take the time to consider what wood tones attract you the most. Cabinets occupy most of the visual space in your kitchen, so they largely affect the mood. Do darker and dramatic wood tones reflect your personality? Get some visual inspiration by browsing online galleries and see what speaks to you. Once you’ve selected your cabinet color, you can start thinking about color in other areas within the space. And while a renovation is for you and your family, it doesn’t hurt to keep future buyers in mind. While you might want a bold bright kitchen, will that palette stand the test of time? We think warm wood tones are here to stay for awhile, so think about which suits your style the best while creating a welcoming atmosphere
If you’re not quite ready to go from white to dark, consider a natural light wooden kitchen. Lighter woods can evoke a sophistication and serenity. These subdued wood tones are complemented by contrasting surfaces, stainless steel, and darker wood accents. Light wood gives you a warm look and feel while providing a softer overall look. Lighter shades are timeless, can make a space look larger, enhance natural light, and can work with a variety of accent colors. If you’re really torn on which wood tone to select, why not choose two? Two-toned cabinets are beautiful. In fact, many homeowners love the look of a center island with a different wood tone. You can also select different finishes for your top and bottom cabinets. We recommend a darker finish for bottom cabinets, which grounds the space and makes it seem cozier.
J&J Construction is your go-to expert when it comes to home additions and renovations. Our designers are eager to meet in order to discuss your needs whether they include a kitchen remodel or another space in your home.. If you’d like more information about our renovation process, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to us for a free phone consultation: You can schedule one with our experienced team today!
