Style changes over time. For example, in the 1970s, laminate countertops and dark wooden cabinets prevailed in the kitchen, while in the 1980s and well into the 1990s, super-saturated primary colors were found even in the bathroom. Are you up for a home improvement project? Let us tell you about some of the unique kitchen and bath design trends for 2018.
Smart technology
Move over, George Jetson! Over the last few years, home technology has quickly advanced. A smart kitchen doesn’t necessarily need to be expensive. Kitchen faucets can be equipped with motion sensors that allow them to come on automatically. Lighting can be controlled by your smartphone. And coffee makers can be programmed to brew a cup of coffee without you ever pressing a button.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, fans can be installed that run when they sense a certain level of humidity. For the ultimate in relaxation, waterproof televisions can be installed so you can catch your favorite show while taking a bath. It’s even possible to install a toilet that cleans itself, albeit with a high price tag. These toilets come equipped with a toilet-cleaning robot.
Hardwood and alternative flooring
Over the last few years, do-it-yourself aficionados popularized the look of reclaimed hardwood flooring,.a trend that isn’t going out of style in 2018. In fact, it’s more popular than ever. Look for wooden flooring in old homes and barns, and work with a flooring expert to install it in your home.
Other flooring options that are becoming popular are bamboo and cork. Both materials are eco-friendly, work well in either a kitchen or bathroom and, if properly cared for, can last for decades.
Dark colors make a comeback
If 2017 was the year of white-on-white, 2018 is the year of variety. White is still a popular option, but greys are also a great choice. Surprisingly, adding bursts of color have returned full-circle from the 1980s. Rather than primary colors, the ones that have made their way back are now softly muted. Look for dark ruby red, emerald green and deep peacock blue. If you decide to redesign with color, make sure it won’t take over the room. In small rooms, color should be used as an accent. In large kitchens or bathrooms, feel free to experiment.
Stop living in a barn
Although reclaimed wood floors are still popular, the farmhouse design aesthetic of the early 2000s is on its way out. In 2018, everything should have a purpose. Get rid of the cutesy mason jar projects and other do-it-yourself items you made for the kitchen or bathroom. Instead, incorporate functional, sleek and minimalist design. Open your space by getting rid of unnecessary cabinets. Remove the old wooden cabinet under your bathroom sink and replace it with a small storage shelf for toilet paper.
In the kitchen, think about opening cupboards by getting rid of cabinet doors and allowing their contents to be seen. Wherever you decide to keep closed cabinets, make sure they’re useful. Build pull-out drawers for spices and rolling drawers for garbage cans and appliances.
Brass fixtures
Silver is so 2010. Now, brass-toned fixtures are coming back into style. Brass and gold make a space feel a little luxurious. Whereas these metallic fixtures used to shine, now they come in matte finishes, which make a space feel warmer. Best of all, it’s easy to add brass or gold fixtures to existing kitchen and bath design elements. Lighting can also easily be acquired to keep up with the changes. S and other fixtures is an easy design upgrade.
Celebrate your culture through ceramics
Ceramics are a great way to celebrate your culture. Consider adding gorgeous geometric tilework that will rival the Alhambra. Homes decorated with tiles go back centuries in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Italy, Morocco and Lithuania. A quick Google search will show you whether your cultural heritage is celebrated through tilework. If it is, decorating your kitchen or bathroom with some of those beautiful tiles not only will brighten up your space, you’ll have a story to tell visitors.
Whether you’re choosing design elements from hundreds of years ago or incorporating today’s most exciting technology, 2018’s kitchen and bath designs are fresh, exciting and unique.