Bloggers, Beignets and Bourbon Street
Next Tuesday I’m going to be heading to one of my favorite cities…New Orleans baby!! I’m so excited to be surrounded by beautiful architecture, bloggers, beignets, and Bourbon Street! Unfortunately I will be spending less than 24 hours there, but I’m looking forward to every minute of it. While I’m there I’m going to be speaking at a blogging event hosted by Rust Oleum. From what I gather some the best bloggers in the biz will be attending which makes this event all the more exciting. Time for some good juicy design talk!! My roll…talk about Kitchen Trends for 2011. I’ve decided to switch it up a bit, because as we all know trends come and go. Instead let’s shift our focus to what is transformative and lasting. What people are doing now that will make sense later.
Now keep in mind that before I was ever asked to speak by Rust Oleum, we actually had a secret love affair. I say secret because they had no idea. Their products are a staple that I talk about at every speaking event I do, especially their Appliance Spray Paint. This is perfect for anyone wanting to spruce up the look of his or her old refrigerator for less that $10. So, when thinking about the trends that I’m seeing of-course sprucing up what you already have seemed to be number 1 on my list.
May all these inspire you to turn your kitchen into the centerpiece of your house.
1. The Biggest Bang for your Hard Earned Buck.
Makeover 101. Lets make some big changes for the least amount of money. This will never go out of style. Of course there is paint, changing the knobs, accessories, fabrics, etc. but my favorites focus on the appliances, cabinets and countertops. Rust Oleum has recently come out with a great line called Cabinet and Countertop Transformations. There is no striping, sanding (can I get a Hallelujah!) or priming. For under $500 for both you can tackle these projects yourself in a weekend. This is perfect for anyone who is looking for make a big change for less. I love this stuff…but of course they had me at the Appliance Spray Paint. I can’t deny that. Check out their products HERE.
2. Bigger is Better…in some cases.
It’s all about “eat in” kitchens. Instead of farm to table it’s stove to table. My favorite designer Windsor Smith’s kitchen is a prime example. A kitchen dining combo which boasts an 18th century French table is just perfect for anyone who loves to cook and entertain at the same time. This kitchen is AMAZING!
Knocking out ceilings to create more space. Homeowners who are fighting for space and have an unused attic are knocking out their ceilings to get more height. Out are the gigantic kitchens that are way too commercial, in are the quaint cozy bungalows.
Tile just got a lot bigger. Subway tile is still doing its thing in design as well as the linear tile that seems to have crept up in the past few years, but right now the bigger the better. Aside from the fact that the tiles are growing to be 24 x 36, the focus is not only on the backsplash but also expanding it to the rest of the kitchen. In same cases, covering entire walls.
3. Keeping it Simple.
I’ve recently heard that Bel Air is going Ikea. In style that is. Instead of the fussy cabinetry and the overpriced appliances, people are dialing back a tad and instead focusing on clean lines and affordability. Bel Air just became I little thriftier I guess.
4. Natural is the Way to Go.
With the exception of the ink blue or stunning black cabinets that I’m seeing more and more of, neutral colors really are dominating the kitchen. While pinks, blues and oranges are taking over the rest of the house this year, grays, whites and varying shades of wood are still taking over the kitchen. The idea here is that this is one of the most expensive rooms to transform so when picking out “the lifers” you really want to go with something that you are going to love 10 years both in color and sustainability. Natural and Organic textures are it this year. Marble, strand bamboo, quartz and anything that is virtually good for the environment is dominating the market. Even though the “green thing” has been around for years, to be “green” is actually becoming cheaper. The demand is driving down the prices, which is nice for the people who couldn’t afford it before. Even if your space isn’t 100% environmentally friendly, it’s still a start. My fav’s are the recycled countertops bound by corn resin instead of petroleum and the porcelain tiles that mimic the look of wood, linen and wallpaper. Now, you dont have to worry about the wallpaper peeling off in the bathroom.
**A special thanks to Michael Kienzl from Bradco Kitchen and Baths and Ben Russell at Epoxy Green Design Center for sharing some of your expertise with me.
