What Are the Hottest Trends in Kitchen Remodels?
While your kitchen will always need a stove, oven and sink, tastes in color and materials are always changing Some of the current trends in kitchen design include:
- Painted cabinets: Instead of ubiquitous wood tones, enliven your kitchen with bright hues of blue, red, green or yellow.
- Smart appliances: Connecting your oven, dishwasher or even toaster to the internet lets you control your kitchen appliances from your smart device for added convenience.
- Double islands: Use one for food prep, use the second for casual dining. They add welcome countertops and storage space while providing convenience and appeal.
- Butcherblock countertops: While granite has dominated the countertop world in recent years, butcherblock offers a lightness and casualness that feels inviting and comfortable.
- Classic materials: Adding a timeless element such as vintage stools, an antique teapot or reclaimed tile can add a distinctive touch to modern kitchens.
What Is the Average Cost to Update a Kitchen?
The cost to update a kitchen will depend in large measure on the size of the remodel, the materials used and where you live. Remodels in homes located on the West Coast can cost close to 10% more than the national average. That said, a midrange remodel can cost between $65,000 and $75,000, while a more extensive, upscale project can run between $130,000 to $145,000.
Contact Lowe's for a professional installation quote.
What Are the 6 Types of Kitchen Layouts?
There are essentially six different kitchen layouts that work well for modern homes. Read more about them in our guide — Kitchen Planning Guide: Layout and Design.
Galley Layout
Named after a sailing ship's cooking area, the galley layout places a premium on efficiency and intimacy, with two rows of cabinets set on either side, and the galley, where the chef works, in between. It's a simple yet convenient design.
L-Shaped Layout
The L-shape design features two rows of cabinetry set perpendicular to each other. This design works well whether your kitchen is large or small, though the corner will require some skilled carpentry to accommodate the cabinetry.
One-Wall Layout
Popular in smaller homes, the one-wall layout places the cabinetry and sink against a single wall. This provides an open space between the cabinets and the rest of the house, maximizing the use of space.
U-Shaped Layout
A popular choice for larger kitchens, the U-shaped design sets cabinets on three walls, with the sink often set in the middle. This layout provides substantial storage space.
Island Layout
This plan works great with open kitchens that leave room to place an island in the center. The island then becomes the heart of the kitchen and often includes a sink and storage space.
Peninsula Layout
In some ways, this design is a cross between a galley and an island layout — but instead of a free-standing island, this design connects the "peninsula" to one wall, leaving the other end free. The peninsula provides counter space for food prep, eating or simply hanging about.
12 Kitchen Update Ideas
Now that you know the essentials of design, get inspired with some kitchen design suggestions for your own kitchen makeover. Whatever layout you have, these kitchen decorating ideas will help you remodel your décor and features for style, function and flair in the heart of your home.
1. Add a Backsplash
Updating your cooking and food prep area with a tile backsplash is a visually appealing, functional and long-lasting design choice. It allows plenty of room for your own creativity to shine through. If you opt for subway tile, you can even design your own pattern that harmonizes with the look you want. Check out more kitchen backsplash trends.
2. Paint Dated Kitchen Cabinets
With a little work and a few basic DIY skills, you can brighten a large or small kitchen design with fresh paint and new cabinet hardware. For a clean, sophisticated look, consider neutral tones or a bright shade of white. Check out How to Prep and Paint Kitchen Cabinets and our Cabinet Hardware Buying Guide for help with these simple kitchen ideas.
3. Add a Kitchen Island
From dining to dish storage to comfy seating, islands are for much more than preparing food these days. To make your island more functional and versatile, consider incorporating a sink. No matter your needs or the size of your kitchen, there’s an island for you.
4. Open Up and Update
Opt for open shelves instead of upper cabinets to provide display space and make a small kitchen feel larger. Install shelves at standard upper-cabinet height. The lower shelf should be approximately 18 inches above the counter. Learn how to create your own Built-In Kitchen Wall Shelf.
5. Countertop Flair
You might be surprised by how much new countertops impact kitchen designs. For example, this white and gray solid surface countertop is beautiful enough to serve as a focal point for your entire kitchen. Learn how to choose the best countertops for your home.
6. Upgrade Your Appliances
One of the most popular kitchen updates is installing new energy-efficient appliances, such as a new range, a microwave, an ENERGY STAR® certified refrigerator and a water-saving dishwasher.
7. Make a Cozy Nook
Make the most of an underused corner, and add extra storage space, by transforming it into a multipurpose nook for working, informal dining or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Don’t forget to accessorize your nook with plenty of plump pillows for maximum comfort. Get inspired with this corner bench project.
8. Focus on Flooring
If a total kitchen transformation is what you’re after, it’s time to redo your flooring. Many choices are available nowadays. If you’re looking for a durable, easy-to-clean option and love the traditional appeal of hardwoods, consider a wood-look alternative, such as vinyl or this glazed ceramic tile, which can also be used for a featured wall or backsplash. Our Tile Buying Guide and Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide will get you started.
9. Add Area Rugs
If you’d like to warm up the look of your kitchen, incorporate runner rugs in your prep area or an area rug under your kitchen table. There are a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from. To keep things stain-resistant and easy to clean, try using an outdoor rug that you can simply hose off outside or put in the washing machine. Read the instructions for the care of your outdoor rug carefully before cleaning. If you’re on your feet for long periods in the kitchen, consider an anti-fatigue kitchen mat that’ll provide a comfortable cushion between you and the hard flooring.
10. Add Some Character
Cooking is truly an art, and any home chef needs inspiration. Look for creative ways to show off items that reflect you and your home’s personality. Try an open shelf for showcasing glassware, pretty dishes and even artwork or plants. Layer in cutting boards, a tea kettle and canisters to attractively display items you use every day.
11. Declutter Your Cabinets
If you’re going to entertain guests in your kitchen, make your countertops look instantly neater and cleaner by storing frequently used appliances in a built-in garage. You can also use the space as a coffee station or baking center.
12. Create a Workspace
Before you can create those culinary masterpieces, you’ll need plenty of surface area for chopping, kneading and mixing. You can also tuck essential appliances inside a kitchen island to maximize cabinet space and cut down on unnecessary trips back and forth to the microwave or dishwasher.
Want more kitchen design ideas? Check out our Kitchen Planning Guide.