South Jersey's Top Kitchen Design Trends in 2018
- August 20, 2018
Kitchen remodeling trends come and go like the seasons. And sometimes, that’s a good thing. Remember those avocado green appliances and shag carpet in bathrooms? Yeah, we’re cringing at that trend also. But thankfully, we’ve polled our designers, project managers and sales team to compile a list of South Jersey’s 2018 kitchen design trends that are here to stay for years to come.
So, whether you’re just sprucing up your kitchen to live with it just a little while longer or ready to strip it all down to the bare studs and start all over, this design guide will help you make sense of what is, what was, and what should have never been, along with some practical advice such as budget and defining your goals.
Remodeling your kitchen is a big deal and It can quickly become very expensive. A 200-square-foot kitchen can easily cost $45,000 and even upwards of $100,000 depending on materials and how intricate your design is. Of course, kitchens can also be had for under $25,000 as well so there’s a ton of leeway for you to get a brand-new kitchen within a budget that fits your lifestyle. Luckily, though, a kitchen remodel investment will typically recoup between 65-80% return on investment when sold. So, there’s a lot of considerations to take before you dive in head first on a kitchen renovation.
It’s also important to decide whether you intend to stay in your home forever, or if you’ll be selling in a few years. That’s because, what’s appealing to you may not be appealing to the next buyer. So definitely take that into consideration before designing your kitchen with bold emerald cabinets. Sometimes it makes more sense to stick with what’s currently on trend and appeals to the greatest number of prospective homebuyers.
So, what are the current designs that resonate with todays’ buyers? Our team is here to explain.
So, whether you’re just sprucing up your kitchen to live with it just a little while longer or ready to strip it all down to the bare studs and start all over, this design guide will help you make sense of what is, what was, and what should have never been, along with some practical advice such as budget and defining your goals.
Remodeling your kitchen is a big deal and It can quickly become very expensive. A 200-square-foot kitchen can easily cost $45,000 and even upwards of $100,000 depending on materials and how intricate your design is. Of course, kitchens can also be had for under $25,000 as well so there’s a ton of leeway for you to get a brand-new kitchen within a budget that fits your lifestyle. Luckily, though, a kitchen remodel investment will typically recoup between 65-80% return on investment when sold. So, there’s a lot of considerations to take before you dive in head first on a kitchen renovation.
It’s also important to decide whether you intend to stay in your home forever, or if you’ll be selling in a few years. That’s because, what’s appealing to you may not be appealing to the next buyer. So definitely take that into consideration before designing your kitchen with bold emerald cabinets. Sometimes it makes more sense to stick with what’s currently on trend and appeals to the greatest number of prospective homebuyers.
So, what are the current designs that resonate with todays’ buyers? Our team is here to explain.
White Shaker Cabinets
White is popular with traditionalists and modernists alike. It’s a great palette to use as a backdrop to your kitchen’s accessories so that anyone living in the home can make it their own without needing to change the cabinets.
Clean and crisp lines provide a pleasing foundation that makes you feel like you could spend hours gathered in the kitchen telling stories and baking cookies with the kids.
White is also a great color to help liven up a dark space. Because white reflects the light that hits it, your kitchen will appear brighter and more inviting than the dark brown kitchens of years past.
Clean and crisp lines provide a pleasing foundation that makes you feel like you could spend hours gathered in the kitchen telling stories and baking cookies with the kids.
White is also a great color to help liven up a dark space. Because white reflects the light that hits it, your kitchen will appear brighter and more inviting than the dark brown kitchens of years past.
Subway Tile
We’re seeing a ton of subway tile in both kitchens and bathrooms. It’s probably one of the more prominent features of South Jersey’s 2018 kitchen design trends. That’s because it pairs well with just about any type of cabinet or color.
That’s because subway tile refers to the shape of the tile – an elongated rectangular shape reminiscent of New York’s subways. The traditional subway tile is a white glazed ceramic three inches tall by six inches long. But subway tiles have evolved over the years and now come in all colors of the rainbow and in different materials. One of our favorites is painted-back glass subway tiles. These give a beautiful glossy depth to the backsplash that other materials simply can’t provide.
That’s because subway tile refers to the shape of the tile – an elongated rectangular shape reminiscent of New York’s subways. The traditional subway tile is a white glazed ceramic three inches tall by six inches long. But subway tiles have evolved over the years and now come in all colors of the rainbow and in different materials. One of our favorites is painted-back glass subway tiles. These give a beautiful glossy depth to the backsplash that other materials simply can’t provide.
Undermount Sinks
While we’re still seeing a ton of farmhouse apron front type sinks, there has been a noticeable uptick in undermount single basin sink installs. We think both are still fantastic options and look great in just about any modern or country style kitchen. And because there are so many finishing options, you’re bound to find the perfect sink for your individual style.
What we’re definitely not seeing, though, is double or triple-basin sinks. If you’re worried about resale, we strongly recommend a single basin as it’s vastly more appealing to buyers.
What we’re definitely not seeing, though, is double or triple-basin sinks. If you’re worried about resale, we strongly recommend a single basin as it’s vastly more appealing to buyers.
Mix & Match
This trend has been around for a few years now, and is still a major trend in 2018. Using contrasting colors for the cabinets and kitchen island gives a dramatic effect in just about any kitchen setting. It’s a great way to add style and avoid having a “flat” kitchen design.
We mostly see this in kitchens with white shaker cabinets. Typically, homeowners will opt for a brown or gray kitchen island to contrast the white cabinets. We also tend to see the countertops designed in this same fashion with different colors or even completely different materials used for the island than what’s used for the perimeter surfaces.
We mostly see this in kitchens with white shaker cabinets. Typically, homeowners will opt for a brown or gray kitchen island to contrast the white cabinets. We also tend to see the countertops designed in this same fashion with different colors or even completely different materials used for the island than what’s used for the perimeter surfaces.
Goodbye Granite, Hello Quartz!
While granite was once an incredibly popular option for just about any kitchen, we’re seeing less and less of it used in 2018. That’s because there are so many better options out there that are just too appealing to just about any design preference. Quartz, Quartzite and Marble are our most frequently used surfaces.
They’re easy to care for and stand up to just about anything you can throw at them. And not to mention they just look better! And while these materials come in a lot of color options, we almost exclusively see white with grey veins being used. This pairs very well with the all-white kitchens that are so popular in South Jersey this year.
They’re easy to care for and stand up to just about anything you can throw at them. And not to mention they just look better! And while these materials come in a lot of color options, we almost exclusively see white with grey veins being used. This pairs very well with the all-white kitchens that are so popular in South Jersey this year.
Bright & Light Colors
Bright colors are making a comeback! Especially when paired with the trendy design elements we’ve already pointed out; bright colors can create a beautiful and energizing space that’s perfect for any family.
This orange kitchen is truly a show-stopper. We paired it with white subway tile, leathered black surfaces, and tons of stainless steel. It’s hard to argue against this color as it just works.
This orange kitchen is truly a show-stopper. We paired it with white subway tile, leathered black surfaces, and tons of stainless steel. It’s hard to argue against this color as it just works.
Reclaimed Wood
Salvaged barn-wood beams look amazing next to these white subway tiles. The natural beauty of the wood pairs so well with bright white and really helps bring this design into a cohesive atmosphere that’s perfect for accent walls and bringing some art into the kitchen where it’s typically not found.
When we remodeled this early 20th century home, we removed some divider walls and used some of the original wood to create these beautiful shelves. And the homeowner’s excellent sense of interior design really helped this design pop with her excellent choice of accessories.
When we remodeled this early 20th century home, we removed some divider walls and used some of the original wood to create these beautiful shelves. And the homeowner’s excellent sense of interior design really helped this design pop with her excellent choice of accessories.
Designing Your Dream Kitchen
Still not sure if these South Jersey kitchen design trends are right for you? Stop by our showroom in Tabernacle for more design inspiration and to speak with one of our designers to discuss your kitchen remodel.