Today’s most popular kitchen design trends reflect a willingness to experiment with the busiest space in the house. The common thread is that it must be smartly planned, beautifully designed and well-executed.

From the crisp, clean look of an all-white kitchen to one designed with mixed finishes, the most prevalent custom kitchen trend we see is rooted in taking risks with surfaces, materials and colors. Homeowners love to mix and match. Think walnut islands with white cabinets.

We find that the majority of homeowners covet an open concept with a minimalist style, such as clean lines and a neutral color palette of grays or pale beiges — colors that are subtle and don’t overpower. But custom homebuilding is just that: customized to the client. So although we certainly see trends, no two kitchens — or homes, for that matter — are ever exactly alike.

Mix and match
At Tatum Brown Custom Homes, a top priority for our clients is more counter space with durable finishes such as Caesarstone and stainless steel. They also want oversized kitchen islands with durable finishes so they have a place to prep and cook, and then with a quick cleanup, they can turn the island into a staging and serving area for family dinners and parties.

We find that people want to mix and match different genres and materials. For example, our clients embrace European cabinets — favorite brands are often Balthaup and Poggenpohl — because they love these highly specialized systems and the sleek, contemporary hardware. Then they choose antique flooring or reclaimed wood accents.

At once the kitchen feels modern yet warm and inviting. We also see that people have migrated to sleeker plumbing fixtures where simple is more.

Advanced appliances
In the world of appliances, great things are happening. The technology keeps getting bigger, better and more advanced — and the result is high-tech cooking.

For example, steam ovens allow you to steam vegetables, fish and meat in minutes. The performance has been improved so that these ovens reach maximum temperatures quickly, eliminating the need to use a microwave for beat-the-clock cooking. The convenience factor is a big plus, and steam cooking reflects a healthy lifestyle — another plus.

Another popular appliance is the Wolfe induction cooktop. It uses 90 percent less electricity, but it also heats up quicker than its counterparts to cook 50 percent faster. Another win for busy clients — and the environment.

Thanks to technology
The popularity of kitchen design and trends is amplified by social media sites like Pinterest and Houzz, which have empowered people to play a larger role in designing their homes. At Tatum Brown Custom Homes, we work with our client’s vision and interior designer, or we leverage the expertise of our own in-house professionals.

At the end of the day, we want our clients to come home to a custom designed kitchen where their vision comes to life.

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