#1 One big room. Open floor plans to broaden the kitchen into the hub of the home. Go ahead, knock down some walls!

#2 Gray is the new white. Warm gray hues are the new neutral of choice.

#3 Man-made quartz is the new granite. It isn’t natural and it may be a bit more expensive but it looks great and is easier to care for.

#4 Revamped triangle. Once considered the only way to lay out appliances with the sink, refrigerator and range on the triangle points, kitchen designs have evolved beyond three standard directions.

#5 Wood is still the engine of the WOW factor. Painted, stained, glazed or natural, you just can’t beat it.

#6 Green is key. Green materials, energy saving appliances, manufacturers with green factories, LED lighting….do your part. It matters.

#7 Charging Stations. Desks consume too much real estate and seem like dinosaurs with all the mobile devices. Have your designer figure out a cool looking charging station instead.

#8 Destination Islands. They are becoming bigger, prettier and more functional. The anchor of the kitchen/great room.

Happy renovating,

Laura