Fall is the perfect season to update your kitchen before the busy holidays hit. The kids are back in school and there’s just enough time to pick out the stylish, durable countertops and the cabinets you’ve always dreamed of before your extended family is piling food on their plates.
Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at The Home Depot, is an expert when it comes to remodeling kitchens. We had the opportunity to sit down with Sarah for some tips on how to pick out the ideal kitchen before it’s time to roast the turkey and deck the halls. Here are her words of wisdom:
1. It all comes down to functionality.
A lot of people think about the style they want, but often forget that functionality is just as important. Are you a busy mom? A cook or baker? How you’re using the kitchen will determine the layout of cabinets and location of appliances. It’s very hard to retrofit new pieces into existing cabinets, so renovations are the ideal time to get everything that you want.
2. High-contrast kitchens are out and tonal palettes are in.
White continues to be the most popular color for kitchens, but we are seeing trends of warm and cool grays. People are mixing the same colors in different cabinet materials. You’ll see a stained wood with a gray wash, as well as a painted gray in the same kitchen. Then the countertop is in the same color family. People want to have a consistent palette throughout the house and the kitchen is no different. Today’s homeowners are smart, savvy and determined. They also know what they want—quality construction and a look they can call their own. A new launch this year, Thomasville’s Studio 1904 cabinetry line can help them get started. With a modern, vintage vibe, Studio 1904 satisfies homeowners’ fashion and budget needs with reliable construction, a variety of door styles, intuitive storage solutions and finishing touches to personalize the look.
3. New cabinet styles are making organization easier.
There are now super cabinets that have a lot more usable space. You can install floor-level toe-kicks to take advantage of the 6-8 inches of hollow space. You run out of horizontal areas so quickly, it’s really about utilizing vertical space.
4. People don’t realize most countertops really can stain and scratch.
Countertops see so much wear and tear, that it’s a good idea to seal your countertops before the holiday. If you have a material like granite, it’s important to make sure it’s durable and ready for all the wear of the holidays. Having a really sturdy countertop is also really important. Dekton is the most durable countertop in the marketplace and comes in a variety of gorgeous materials and finishes like The Home Depot-exclusive Aura, which mimics the look of Italian Calcatta marble. Dekton’s unique manufacturing process involves extreme heat and pressure, similar to how Mother Nature creates natural stone over the course of millions of years.
5. The island is the kitchen centerpiece during the holidays.
This is the area people tend to gather. At the end of the day, your family is the focus of the holidays and a kitchen island is where they will be gravitating. Make a standard island work harder by dividing it into zones to keep everyone from stepping on each other’s toes. Consider including a raised eating area, a lower drink station and a counter height prep area for varied function.
6. If you’re not ready for a full renovation, there are other projects you can do for a kitchen facelift.
Try adding new hardware to the cabinets, a different backsplash, fresh paint on the walls or even updating light fixtures.
7. Tablescapes add an inviting element to your kitchen and dining areas for guests.
I’m a big believer in setting your kitchen and it’s fun to add seasonal elements, like table linens and flowers. I’m all about coral poinsettias around the house.
Ready to start your kitchen renovation? Get it installed before the holidays with Home Depot Services.
