If the Trend Fits…

As with understated elegance in couture, a well-designed luxury kitchen shouldn’t scream, ”LOOK AT ME!”  It should captivate subtly because it looks and feels “right.” 

In the case of a new kitchen, the family should settle in comfortably from Day 1. Visitors will say, “Wow, great kitchen. It really looks like you.” And, the style you have selected will fit nicely with the rest of your house. It won’t be a jarring experience when you enter your new kitchen.

The room can certainly have its own personality, but ideally it will extend the theme you have created with the rest of your décor.  If you go with a trend – in color or type of material or cabinetry style – solely to be trendy, you’re likely to be disappointed and tire of your new room too quickly.

So how do you blend trend with a look that you can live with happily ever after (or at least for a few years)?

Make it personal.

Today’s kitchen has become the new family room. So, personalize this living space with things that mean something to you: collectibles, hobbies (such as handmade textiles) or your favorite art pieces. Planning those additions as you work with your designer will help you achieve a cohesive and graceful result.

Let function guide form.

As you fall in love with certain cabinetry, appliances or accessories, ask the critical question: Will they add to the overall functionality of the new kitchen? To answer this question fully, you may want to start by writing down the main ways you’ll be using the kitchen. Do you cook from scratch most days?  Is entertaining your friends a key objective? Does the family gather to work on projects, or to watch favorite shows and movies?

Aficionados of things nautical may enjoy

a kitchen that captures the lure of the sea.

The curved, light wood, glass-topped island

in this Neff of Chicago kitchen is reminiscent

of a yacht interior. The sleek stainless refrigerator

and simple cabinet style suggest a galley.

Adding a boat you built yourself, as an art

accent, is a perfect finishing touch.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match.

If an eclectic look is more your style, feel free to add modern touches to a mostly formal look, mix old and new, or blend dark and lighter woods for dramatic effect.