More Than 60% of Renovated Kitchens Feature Islands (2020)
According to Houzz’s survey, kitchen islands continue to be very popular for eating (58%), entertaining (49%) and socializing (45%). If your house has the space to add an island, there are so many features that can add storage, style, better line-of-sight, and new appliances. Since a kitchen is one of the most complicated spaces to design in a house, you need to decide what your island’s main function will be. Most islands have one side for cooking and the other side is devoted to eating, but what will your emphasis be? Prep work, cooking, cleaning, eating or entertaining? Or will you use it for everything, including homework and house projects? A well-planned island layout can allow a smooth workflow and provide a comfortable space for preparing and cooking food. There are many possibilities for making an island work, even where space is limited. An island work area allows you to face guests or family members while you prep or feel connected to people in adjacent rooms if you have an open floor plan.
Hiring a kitchen designer is a must to ensure it flows well and all the cabinets fit together in the required space. The busy nature of the kitchen space requires every part to be cohesively designed. Your designer will also ensure that the kitchen has the right amount of clearance between the island and the opposing cabinets and appliances, so that all doors, drawers, ovens and dishwashers can be opened safely and without obstruction. Careful planning is the key to achieving an efficient island that will enhance the use of your space. Most kitchen designers can also offer options with a reduced depth, a customized height or extra-large cabinets tailored to suit a specific design and the space it is intended for.
When decorating a kitchen or dining area, one of the most impactful decisions you would make would be your choice of a kitchen island or bar counter. A kitchen island greatly expands the available surface area that you get to work with, while a bar counter provides you with an additional preparation surface along with a serving surface for your guests.
Let’s dive deeper into some of the key differences between having a kitchen island or a bar counter:
Kitchen Island
Kitchen islands are typically placed in the middle of kitchens, surrounded by cooking stations to provide the cook with a convenient space to place raw ingredients, ready dishes, or mixing bowls. Because they tend to have a larger surface area, they are ideal for big kitchens or intensive baking operations that call for many ingredients. Many kitchen islands also come with storage solutions, providing additional space for you to store your cookware.
Bar Counter
Bar counters are typically located on the edge of the kitchen, adjacent to a living area or dining area, depending on the home layout. With a lower and higher surface, the lower surface is typically facing inward to the kitchen for the host to mix drinks or place the finishing touches on dishes before serving their guests on the other side of the bar counter. When combined with appropriate bar stools, they also provide additional space for cosy conversation in a relaxed yet classy atmosphere.
For kitchens that have a brighter outlook or light wood accents such as sandalwood or elm, going with light colors on the countertop is a great way to keep with the color theme while maintaining the airy and open feeling that the light shades afford.
For an elegant and dramatic look and feel, a glossy black countertop does just what you need. The deep shade of black is a great complement for darker décor, and when paired well, can yield a very satisfying and even cosy atmosphere.
There’s no denying the appeal of the classic marble look, which is effortlessly elegant and ever so easy to love. The traditional look of marble especially goes great when paired in contrast with black surfaces, creating a space that is definitely worthy of envy.
When you want something that’s not all black or white, going with a glossy grey is also a good way to add depth to color without darkening a space too much. What’s more, grey tends to work great with navy and brown, if you should desire to include those colors as part of your décor.
The pristine surface of white marble has been a favorite among many going back hundreds of years, and it’s easy to see why! Not only does it look and feel clean, but it also helps brighten up any space and gives everything in its vicinity a wonderful glow.
Of course, the understated look of a dark–honed surface also has its unique allure – as honed surfaces tend to absorb rather than reflect light, strong lighting is a good complement for these dark surfaces, which helps the colorful elements stand out all the more.
In the debate over how to make this feature more functional, consider more than one side
Don’t let a good visual get in the way of functionality. Before you renovate or give your island an update, consider these options for how to choose the best dining arrangement to save your household — and your knees — a lot of bumps down the road.
This arrangement works fine when just one or a few guests will be perched, chatting with the chef, or for a small household where most meals involve just one or two people. If the island isn’t expected to be used for larger groups than that, it makes sense not to dedicate any more space to seating.
If you don’t have room or a need for seats on more than one side, go the simple one-side route — just keep in mind that some factors will affect how comfortably guests can sit.
If your island has sides or legs that the seats sit between, as shown here, they might cut into the legroom.
Two-Side Seating: Adjacent Sides
Adding seats to even just one adjacent side can go a long way to making your island a much more inviting spot to dine. By extending the island overhang to two sides instead of just one, you allow guests to sit facing each other.
You can keep seats on both sides at all times, or save space by keeping seats on just one side most of the time and pulling a seat over to the available shorter side when needed.
This can be a great compromise where the floor plan doesn’t leave a lot of room for seating. By extending the overhang a few inches on the short side, you allow it to be used as a dining spot in a pinch, without losing too much storage or circulation space.
If you use a rounded corner like this one, you can effectively get three directions of seats from just two sides of the island, for a dining experience that’s even closer to sitting at a regular table.
Two-Side Seating: Opposite Sides
If your kitchen is long and skinny, it may make more sense to have a long, thin island, with seating on two opposite sides. This means guests can face each other, although if the island is quite narrow, you may not have much room to fit place settings as well as serving dishes.
Three-Side Seating
Generally, fitting seats on three sides of the island requires a large kitchen. However, there are multiple configurations that can work for different layouts.
In this example, the island is fairly square, with a rectangular dining zone taking up half of its deep depth. This gives enough room for just one seat on two of the sides, but that is enough to allow two to four guests to converse easily.
Another option is to extend a dining area out from the island to create a T shape as seen here. This essentially butts a full table up against the island, for plenty of seating for six or even more.
Compared with having a stand-alone table away from the island, this takes up less floor area because you don’t have circulation space between the island and table. Of course, the trade-off is the table has only three useable sides.
In an average-size kitchen, the decision often comes down to whether you want a more casual or more formal experience. For casual dining, this is a great solution that keeps the chef in on the action.
Four-Side Seating
Lastly, there is the option of skipping the proper island all together and using a dining table as an island instead. This gives up the storage space of an island cabinet but still provides an extra surface for prep work while cooking and obviously a dining space once the meal is ready.
If you use a bar height table, it can easily double as a workspace. However, it will be extra important to use seats that tuck up against or under the table so the surface is easy to reach.
Seating With Arms
If you have a narrow island, seats with arms will provide a more comfortable dining experience. At the same time, arms generally take up more space and often won’t tuck under as easily. If you hope to use stools with arms, plan for each guest to have 28 to 32 inches of width instead.
Carefully consider whether you have the space for roomy stools with arms. If you do, consider it an investment in many comfortable meals at your wonderful dining island.
Inflation is complicated. But the impact it has on your dollar is pretty straightforward. As the price of consumer goods and services go up, consumer spending power dwindles. In simple terms, your dollar doesn’t go as far as it once did.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of inflation hit 8.6% in the past year. That’s the highest rate of inflation since 1981!2
If you’re just kicking off your search for a new home or you’ve been at it for a while, consider how the current condition of the market will impact your homebuying budget.
Getting pre-approved is often the first step in the homebuying process, giving you a sense of your financing options without going through the entire underwriting process.
Keep in mind that it’s almost 30% more expensive to buy a home than it was just a year ago.3 Unless your income has also trended upward in that time, your homebuying budget should account for the decreased power of your dollar. Adjust for inflation to avoid overextending yourself on a long-term financial commitment.
Once you have your budget set, use summer to make your move. This is a time when many buyers take their eyes off the prize in favor of vacations and travel plans.
On top of distracted competition, a 29% increase in inventory boosts the odds for determined buyers even higher.4
Keep your eyes peeled for listings that might be re-entering the market. Deals can fall through for a variety of reasons, and that home you really loved last month might be available again for less than the original asking price.
written by Alyssa Longobucco
There’s a good reason why many people refer to kitchens as the heart of the home. Sure, they get a lot of foot traffic daily—from family dinners and intimate date nights to post-school study sessions—but more than that, they act as a microcosm for our daily lives, routine, and outlook. The forms our kitchens take—and the way they morph year over a year—says a lot more about us than just what color we’re loving lately. They reflect back on our priorities, our struggles, and our goals, both for our homes and our lives.
For that reason, the expert-driven trends below for 2022 are really more than just trends. Granted, there are a few mixed in just for the pretty factor they provide but the majority of these new kitchen upgrades are a prime example of our collective shifting priorities amid life in a pandemic. From the return of color—and a reinvigoration of a positive perspective—to the prioritizing of natural materials and do-it-all finishes, they encapsulate a time and a place that we all hope is filled with more love, laughter, and yes, good food—just like a kitchen (and life) should be.
1. Custom Organization
Gone are the days where homeowners had to choose to forgo cabinets and display their wares on beautiful (but slightly impractical) open shelving or cave to a kitchen designed for storage but not style. These days, designers are focusing on crafting spaces that are both creative and utilitarian, giving home chefs the best of both worlds—a space that functions and looks good while doing it. In fact, Houzz’s 2022 U.S Kitchen Trends Study showed that the popularity of built-in specialty organizers is only increasing, with more than half of homeowners upgrading their space with storage solutions.
“Having a decluttered and organized kitchen not only helps with function but also brings a sense of calm and order to a home,” says Carrie Delaney of Carrie Delaney Interiors. “People spend so much time in their kitchen, so thoughtful storage and organizational solutions are key. From spices and bakeware to simple things like the paper towel roll, getting creative with storage helps a kitchen both look and function better.”
“Kitchens are evolving as our needs are,” adds Chad Dorsey of Chad Dorsey Design. “More than ever, clients are asking for hardworking kitchens that are high-performance without sacrificing on design. They want their kitchens to feel comfortable, with ample space to take them through the needs of their day. From having an intimate nook to work or sip a morning espresso to spacious, custom-made ranges and other appliances that gather families and friends to cook together.”
2. Statement-Making Slabs
Into 2022, designers and homeowners are taking every opportunity to imbue a space with personality, a perspective that will extend beyond cabinet colors and hardware finishes into bold, attention-grabbing countertop materials. Houzz’s study recently reported that over one-third of homeowners completing a home kitchen renovation or design chose to splurge on their countertops, with quartz and granite among the most popular materials.
“We’ll be seeing more bold stone selections in the year to come,” says designer Killy Scheer of Scheer & Co. “Think less plain white stone composite products and more splashy veined marbles and quartzites. To get the full effect (and value) out of these selections, we’ll be seeing them applied to backsplashes, too, so they can be seen vertically, not just horizontally.”
Instead of chasing the high-gloss look of a brand-spankin’ new kitchen, more homeowners and designers are reaching for fixtures and finishes that bring with them a well-worn lived-in appeal. From muddy paint hues and unlacquered brass finished with a natural patina to handmade tiles that boast elegant movement, the goal is the same: a kitchen that could have been there 100 years ago—even if it was just built last month.
“We see kitchens trending towards an understated naturalism in 2022,” says Phoebe Schuh, founder and creative director at PS & Daughters. “We anticipate a move away from lustrous looks like polished stone towards things like ash green, soapstone, and patinated metals.”
“Subway style tile is still here to stay, but we’ll see a change-up in texture throughout 2022,” says designer Andi Morse of Morse Design. “White brick, stone, and ceramic tiles all have a natural look and feel to them that adds another layer to the kitchen.”
“Everyone is looking for organic warmth and we love bringing it in with the metals used in hardware and plumbing fixtures,” adds designer Jessica Nicastro. “We love the look of a matte bronze in the kitchen that gives patina and depth but also warmth.
When you’re planning a new kitchen, the layout is, of course, key to making the space work efficiently. But there are other things to think about. Take a look at this checklist to ensure that you tick off seven essential elements of a well-designed space.
1. Sufficient Storage
If you want your kitchen to be functional, one of the most important features to consider is storage space.
Think carefully about what you need to store, and choose cabinets that work with the size and layout of your kitchen. Research space-saving designs, such as pullouts and tall wall cabinets.
It’s a good idea to take an inventory to figure out exactly what you need to store. Be realistic, and if there are any unused items that are cluttering up the space, now’s the time to recycle them. Once you know what items you’re storing and where you’re going to use them, you can consider the best options for your space.
2. Strong and Stylish Counters
If you like to cook, your kitchen work surfaces will see some action, so besides good looks, they need strength and durability. To help you decide which type of countertop to go for, consider exactly how you use your kitchen.
Think about how much wear and tear particular areas in your space will get, as this will determine how durable your counters need to be.
3. Efficient Appliances
The appliances you choose also will depend on how you use your kitchen and the size and layout of the room. For example, if you entertain often, a large oven and a dishwasher may be a priority.
When you’re searching for appliances, consider how energy-efficient they are. One thing you can do is look for products with an Energy Star label, a U.S. government-backed symbol of energy efficiency.
4. Layered Lighting
As soon as you’ve planned your kitchen’s layout, think about where you’ll locate the lighting. Complement functional spotlights with strategically placed task lights to create a lighting design that adds depth and practicality to your space.
6. Durable Flooring
In a heavy traffic area like a kitchen, the floor needs to earn its keep. There are many surfaces you can go for, including natural stone, concrete, ceramic and porcelain. You also can choose beautiful wood, but be sure to get advice on how to seal it and protect it from water damage.
Think about how your floor will look with the rest of your design and whether you’ll want to change it in the future. Classic stone tiles will work with most styles and colors. However, a patterned floor also can look stunning and, if you really love the design, it could be worth being brave with your flooring choice.
written by Amanda Pollard
Kitchen trends are always changing. While some homeowners may opt to stick to a certain style throughout their lifetime, it can be fun to spice things up and give the kitchen a new look.
For homeowners who want to upgrade their kitchens, one of the most common questions that they ask is: what countertops are in style? Today, we will explore countertops that are in style in 2022 and help homeowners spruce up their kitchens to create a fresh, contemporary space in their home.
Kitchen islands are a vital aspect of the kitchen design. Move over short kitchen islands; enter longer kitchen islands. Homeowners are now opting for longer kitchen islands in 2022, given the ability to cook, entertain and work.
The creation of extra storage space also contributes to this trend. Most homeowners have even added closed-door cabinets below their island countertops that are perfect for storing their cooking equipment and kitchen tools.
First-time homeowners always wonder what kitchen countertops are in style, especially when trying to achieve a balance between countertop trends, personal preference and functionality.
Gone are the days when dark-toned countertops were barely used. Now, homeowners are starting to incorporate dark countertop colors into their kitchen designs, and even pairing these counter surfaces with other dark and bold elements in their spaces.
For instance, the black-countertop-black-cabinet trend is a great combination that adds depth and character into any kitchen space. While some may be skeptical about this pairing, this black-on-black theme is never boring. Luckily, there are a wide variety of black hues from which to choose from, including veined, speckled, solid, and industrial countertops. One popular option is 5101 Empira Black, a deep, dark stone with subtle white veins that dance across the surface of the quartz slab.
The majority of today’s kitchens are now featuring countertops that extend into the backsplash, creating a unique and opulent look. This trend makes a statement in any space in the home. Picture a kitchen with a matching countertop and backsplash of beautiful quartz colors, like 5161 Icellion or 5212 Taj Royale.
In 2022, homeowners are becoming more creative in their kitchen spaces by matching countertops with their cabinets. For instance, an all-white kitchen with a countertop like 5141 Frosty Carrina exudes a classy and modern vibe and can pair well with a wide spectrum of cabinets, whether hues of bold, bright or neutral colors.
To create a layered intrigue, homeowners can mix their countertop patterns. For instance, a homeowner who is looking to upgrade their kitchen can add some veined countertops as a kitchen island, with the rest of the adjacent countertops being a crisp white such as 2141 Blizzard. This color combination produces a subtle contrast that can pair well with most kitchen styles.
Honed countertop finishes are quickly growing in popularity in 2022. This, however, does not mean that a natural or polished finish is no longer stylish, only that these other finishes are growing in popularity as well.
Depending on personal style and the desired aesthetic in their homes, homeowners can try out Caesarstone’s range of honed quartz countertops such as 4030 Pebble. A honed finish not only adds to the sophistication in the space but also creates a modern appeal.
Homeowners who want to experiment more with colors, styles and patterns can try Caesarstone’s new, sustainably crafted Pebbles Collection. Inspired by nature, these new countertop colors can bring a calm feel to any kitchen space.
The wide variety of quartz patterns available also makes it easy for homeowners to pair their countertops with other kitchen elements such as their cabinetry, walls, backsplashes and flooring.
Outdoor kitchens are the perfect medium to cook, entertain, work or even enjoy some solo time. However, for best results, only outdoor countertops should be used to build an outdoor kitchen, such as Caesarstone’s Outdoor Collection of quartz countertops.
Homeowners can choose from striking colors like 515 Palm Shade and 406 Clearskies.
The versatility of bold neutral colors, such as 1006 Agger Grey, pairs well in most kitchen spaces, more so for homeowners who want to add a pop of color to their kitchen. This playful color draws the eye and makes the countertop the centerpiece of the space.
For homeowners wondering what type of countertops are in style for minimalist kitchens, gray quartz is a great option. Its laid-back tone means that it can go well with a wide spectrum of décor pieces while also serving as a balance between other contrasting features in the space. Homeowners who want to incorporate gray countertops into their 2022 kitchen design can opt for colors like Caesarstone’s new 1004 Stoneburst.
Whether you are moving into an existing kitchen, remodeling the one you have or building a new one, understanding a few key building measurements and organizational guidelines can help your culinary life run more smoothly.
Kitchens provide storage for your food and cookware, give you room for prep and cleanup, and of course also provide a place where you can cook and bake. When it’s thoughtfully arranged, these functions operate logically, making working in your kitchen a better experience. Here’s how to get the ideal setup.
Designing the Three Main Areas of a Kitchen
Ideally, refrigeration and dry-goods storage should be located nearest to the kitchen’s entry point. The cooking area should be located toward the dining spaces, and the sink is best positioned between those two functions. This creates what’s called a work triangle. The best work triangle is less than 21 linear feet (6.4 meters). Work triangles that exceed 26 feet (7.9 meters) make moving from one function to another inefficient in most cases.
Everyone has personal preferences for what works best, so consider this a guide and not a rulebook.
1. Storage. Designers recommend putting refrigeration and dry-goods storage at the kitchen entry point. Putting your pantry on one side and a countertop that’s 15 to 24 inches (38 to 61 centimeters) on the other is a good idea. This will allow you to easily set down items that have been taken out of the freezer and refrigerator.
The pantry can hold dry goods plus brooms and supplies like paper towels. Use drawers in this area to hold plastic bags, foil and anything that can contain food to be stored. For the cabinets in this area, you will want to have mixing bowls, cake pans, measuring utensils and any other items that aid in assembling meals.
2. Preparation. Ideally, prep and cleaning space is best located around the sink.Within these areas will be everyday glasses and dishes, along with trash receptacles and the dishwasher. Allow 18 to 36 inches (45 to 92 centimeters) of countertop space on one or both sides of your sink.
Preparation areas are best kept clear of other items, since you will always be taking out bowls, plates and utensils there. Allow at least 36 inches (92 centimeters) of uncluttered countertop space for preparation in a small kitchen. Larger kitchens will have much more. This is one reason that islands are so popular. They provide broad and well-lit surfaces on which to perform the majority of kitchen tasks.
3. Cooking. The cooking centers should be arranged around the range, cooktop and wall ovens. Place pots, frying pans and baking sheets in the vicinity around your burners and ovens. It is a good idea to place small appliances such as toasters and coffeemakers in this area also, as it will leave your preparation areas unobstructed.
Allow 21 to 36 inches (53 to 92 centimeters) of countertop on either side of your cooktop. If possible, place wall ovens with a free countertop immediately next to them so that you can set down hot food immediately. Place seasonings, breadboards and potholders in nearby drawers and cupboards. Keep serveware toward the dining area.
Other Kitchen Measurement Considerations
The dimensions of all the pieces in your kitchen are important to get right to make the best use of your space.
Refrigerator depth. A common refrigerator width is slightly less than 36 inches (92 centimeters). The problem is often the depth. In recent years some manufacturers have designed them to be much deeper than a 24-inch (61-centimeter) base cabinet. You can still buy shallower freestanding refrigerators, but you have to pay close attention to the dimensions listed in its specifications to be certain. The other option is built-in configurations, but they are significantly more expensive.
Look for a depth of 30 inches (76 centimeters) or less, excluding handles, unless you can design your kitchen space to accept a deeper unit. Another thing to consider is the swing of the refrigerator door. Always examine the swing direction to see if it will meet an obstruction.
Cabinet height. Here you can see how the height of the cabinets plays an important part in the configuration. Upper cabinets are normally positioned at 18 inches (46 centimeters) above the countertop and are 30 to 42 inches (76 to 107 centimeters) in height.
Consider that your average maximum reach over and into an upper cabinet is 70 to 80 inches (178 to 203 centimeters) above the floor. Cabinets set at above 7 feet will likely need to be accessed with a step ladder. Cabinets above 8 feet are not practical for the majority of people; however, they may serve as storage for seasonal or decorative items, to be reached with step stools and ladders.
The standard dimensions for base cabinets are 24 inches (61 centimeters) deep and 36 inches (92 centimeters) high. In general people are getting taller, so some homeowners are bumping up the counter height to 38 inches (97 centimeters).
Distance between cabinets. Another important dimension to consider is the distance between cabinets. Entry points can be as little as 36 inches (92 centimeters) when there is a cabinet on only one side. Stay at least 42 inches (107 centimeters) from the face of a cabinet to the one on the other side; 48 inches (122 centimeters) is even better, but going beyond 60 inches (152 centimeters) is too wide in most cases. However, if it is a U-shaped kitchen, you could get away with up to 96 inches (244 centimeters).
Kitchen Layout Ideas
This cutaway plan illustrates arrangements and dimensions for a modest-size kitchen. Note that the preparation area is split between the island with the sink and the corner of the kitchen. The work triangle is compact. There will always be a few tradeoffs in any space.
Before the mid-’90s and 2000s, Italy had a leading position in granite processing, but things opened up after that. “In the early 2000s,” Schwartzkopf says, “you started to have a number of different countries enter.” More were both quarrying granite (getting it out of the ground) and processing it into worked granite (refining it to be cut). The United States has granite, but other countries could provide more at a lower price. That led to more countertops, creating a cycle in which supply and demand surged.
For the most part, American imports of finished granite are dominated by Brazil, China, and India, with Brazil providing about half of the worked granite supply. That means your granite probably came from an international market and likely landed somewhere in Brazil or China along the way.
Just what kind of scale are we talking about? It’s massive. Based on estimates from the US International Trade Commission, total United States imports of processed granite were about 206,000 metric tons in 1996. In 2014, they exceeded 2 million metric tons.
In the past, people typically got their domestic granite from local suppliers, and that kept them roughly in sync with local costs. As global granite became more easily shippable, it became more affordable for builders and consumers.
Containerized shipping is not the newest thing on the block but its rise had an influence in lowering granite prices.
Because granite slabs intended for countertops could be precut on site and then safely packed and shipped, which was largely new to the ’90s, it became possible for people to get granite from around the world.
When a granite slab arrives at a shop, it gets cut into the appropriate rough size and is then hand-shaved by someone operating an industrial grinder. But today, computer controlled saws can make major cuts, like the hole for where your sink goes, more easily.
While granite used to be impractical and niche, computer cutting has made it much easier to work with.
The timing of the granite boom is closely tied to that of the housing bubble of the 2000s. That’s probably not a coincidence. Trends in home construction during that period probably helped change public opinion on what a “good” countertop looked like.
As builders put granite into their homes, it quickly became a standard. In turn, even older houses needing renovation latched onto that granite mania. One trend — a boom in home construction — took granite along for the ride and perpetuated the impression that granite was the prime material of a “new” building.
Granite went from being a premium option to a sales come-on.
Post-bust, granite fell, but it’s picked up again without the housing boom’s artificial highs.
Admittedly, there are some benefits to granite as a material. New varieties have given it more color and range since the ’80s, and it has some advantages over competitive materials like marble, which is likely to etch or stain. But a big part of its appeal is an impression of luxury that, thanks to changing globalization, technology, and housing trends, makes it an affordable indulgence for the middle class.
A lot of people like granite well enough. But for anyone who’s spent too much time watching HGTV, it’s hard not to wonder if our nation’s brightest minds will ever break free from their granite addiction.
Marble is rallying as white becomes a big color again, and there’s a strong trend in recycled surfaces that allow for both flash and environmental consciousness.
Still, for the most part, there’s little reason to believe that the granite fervor will disappear. The big trends that helped it become a hit continue to make it a realistic luxury option for the middle class. So be prepared — you’ll probably be seeing people screaming, “Oh my god, granite countertops!” for a while, even as quartz gains ground.