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Kitchen Remodel: Trendy or Classic?

One of the first things you discover when you decide it’s time to remodel the kitchen is that quality cabinetry is expensive. Cabinets prove the adage “You get what you pay for.” If you’re looking for high-end amenities like soft-close drawers and pocket doors, you need to be prepared to pay more than you would for a more bare-bones, minimalistic approach.

Over the years, we’ve heard from legions of customers that the high-end amenities really do matter: it’s the quality of construction and improved functionality that does so much to ensure your new kitchen looks great and functions flawlessly.  At the same time, you do want to use your money wisely. That means understanding which cabinet designs will stand the test of time – and which trends you should say no thanks to:

Say No to the Trend:

DIY Concrete Countertops

There are people who say mixing up your own concrete countertops is an easy and affordable way to upgrade your kitchen. Those people are wrong. DIY Concrete Countertops are notoriously difficult to install well: more than a few homeowners have had a hard time coming away with an attractive, level work surface.  Skip the stress on this one. If your DIY gene must be indulged, there are surely other projects around the house that need doing!

Timeless Design:

Granite Countertops

Granite is a top choice for kitchen remodels for a reason. It’s durable, attractive, and comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes.  You can have the best of both worlds by selecting the shade that suits you best with the confidence the material will more than stand the test of time.

Say No to the Trend:

Mixed Metal Cabinetry

Combining copper and bronze, stainless steel and gold, or other metals in your cabinetry can be done to convey a modern or industrial look – but too often it looks disjointed and confused, according to kitchen design experts. If you love the shiny look of metal cabinetry, pick a single surface for the doors of all your cabinetry; if you want to mix things up, choose a different metal for handles, pull and other hardware. That way, if the appeal pales with time, it’s an easy, affordable fix.

Timeless Design:

Classic Cabinet Styles Making a Comeback

French Country, Mission, and American Transitional cabinetry styles didn’t get a lot of love for a while. However, today’s homeowners are re-discovering the styles that thrilled previous generations. Look for straight, vertical lines and a beautiful marriage of form and function when choosing your kitchen cabinetry. These styles often fit perfectly into homes that are undergoing their first serious renovation.

Say No to the Trend:

Open Shelving

Open shelving looks sleek and modern – but in the future, they’ve conquered the dust problem. In the real world, where we all live, every open shelf is an open invitation for dust bunnies to accumulate. If you love constantly cleaning the kitchen to keep every surface shining, rock on with the open shelving. But if you’ve got better things to do, embrace the idea of cabinet doors and keep open shelving for displaying those treasures you don’t mind dusting.