At Dura Supreme Cabinetry, we track trends and color forecasts to make sure our finish palettes and designs are fresh and current. In addition, we monitor trend developments in all areas of the home, especially those products that affect or influence kitchen design.
Like anything, trends evolve and change over time. Some flash onto the scene and quickly fade, while others gain widespread acceptance and become part of mainstream fashion or design.
Sleek & Simple Transitional Design
One such mainstream trend is transitional design for home interiors; sleek lines, simple styling, and minimal ornamentation. Transitional styling has definitively become a prevalent and popular design theme for home interiors and kitchens.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Shelley Lober, CKD of Kitchens of Diablo
Countertops too have followed this trend toward transitional styling with several key elements.
First, the overall color and pattern of countertops are trending toward more neutral colors with minimal pattern and a smaller crystal size for quartz tops. In the photos above and below, several examples are shown with a sleek, monochromatic countertop color (usually gray, white, off-white, or black) with minimal if any pattern. (Other than sleek, single-color tops, the classic look of Carrara marble is gaining popularity within all design themes. This gray and white veined marble is being replicated by quartz countertop makers with outstanding results.)
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Fernanda Conrad of K&W Interiors, Inc., Alaska.
Transitional styled Dura Supreme kitchen design by Ispiri Design & Build, Minnesota.
Transitional styled Dura Supreme kitchen design by Ispiri Design & Build, Minnesota.
Dura Supreme Cabinetry shown in the Silverton door style with a Classic White finish with Cambria “Torquay”.
Flush Countertops with No Overhang
Yet another trend is the overhang. Traditionally, countertops were designed according to their purpose which is to provide a hard, durable surface for food preparation and to protect the face of the cabinetry from spills. Typically, a countertop protrudes past the face of the doors and drawers so that any spills from the counter drop directly to the floor where they can be easily wiped clean (instead of dribbling down the face of the cabinets and hardware).
With Transitional design being such a popular look, some designers and homeowners are opting for countertops with little or no overhangs, to emphasize the flush, sleek design. This can be a stunning look as long as the homeowner is aware of the disadvantage of not having an overhang and is willing to sacrifice function for design. Below are a few examples of flush countertops (with no overhang).
Dura Supreme master bedroom design by Michels Homes, Minnesota.
Waterfall Countertops
Another prevalent trend in countertops is the use of a “waterfall’ countertop. Where the counter comes to the edge of the cabinetry and then runs down the vertical face to the floor. If you love the color and pattern of your countertop choice, this is an intriguing way to extend that color to a vertical surface.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Danny McMullen of Distinguished Kitchens and Baths.
This Dura Supreme kitchen design uses a waterfall countertop to define the breakfast bar area on the peninsula.
Rustic Hickory cabinetry by Dura Supreme Cabinetry.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by of Kitchens of Diablo, California.
A Dura Supreme kitchen island with a thin, no overhang, waterfall countertop by Corian Designs.
Countertop Thickness
The final trend in countertops is using varying countertop thickness within the kitchen. Traditionally, countertops are fabricated at 1 1/4″ – 1 1/2″ thick. But today, designers and homeowners are choosing to vary the thickness (thicker AND thinner) to create a subtle yet intriguing focal point.
Example of a thinner countertop design. Photo by Corian Designs featuring the Corian® Arrowroot countertop surface.
Example of a thicker countertop design. Photo by Corian Designs featuring the Zodiaq® London Sky Quartz countertop.
Using a thicker countertop for the kitchen island is a popular application because it helps emphasize the island making it a statement piece.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Michels Homes.
An industrial loft Dura Supreme kitchen design by Nicole Pilon of KSI Kitchen & Bath.
Dura Supreme kitchen design by Megan Dent of Revival House, Twin Cities, Minnesota.
CLICK HERE to learn more about today’s and tomorrow’s Kitchen & Bathroom Trends.
