In Good Taste

By
Appears in the March 2020 issue.

By Cara Sullivan

PAY ATTENTION TO TRENDS

Natural white oak wood finishes; clean, minimalistic cabinetry with no excess moldings or carvings; earth tones like sage and soft olive greens and beiges; and dark marble and stone countertops are going to be very popular in the next few years.

… BUT NOT TOO CLOSELY

Whether in a new home build or remodel, a kitchen is a significant investment of both time and money that affects your home’s resale value. For that reason, it’s best to err on the side of timeless for the big and expensive things, like cabinetry and countertops, and have fun with pieces that are easier to replace, like light fixtures, hardware, and paint color.

LISTEN TO YOUR PARTNER

Some of my favorite spaces I’ve designed were for couples who were very far apart style-wise. In my experience, design compromises usually result in a space that feels balanced and interesting.

MIX IN A POP OF COLOR

I love a rich navy blue or teal in a kitchen, especially when used in small quantities—like blue on the island with a complementary wood finish or white for the rest of the cabinetry. Rich terra cotta flooring is also a classic and natural way to add color.

ADD A RUG

It may seem unconventional, but it’s a great opportunity to soften an otherwise cold space while adding both color and pattern. Pro tip: Wool is easiest to clean

EASY UPGRADE If you don’t have the budget for a complete overhaul, consider changing the hardware on your cabinets. It makes a really nice impact, and you can even do it yourself!

Photograph by Olivia Kohler