(ThyBlackMan.com) A home is so much more than just a roof over your head. It is a place in which the raw clay of experience sculpts memories. It is a vehicle through which you can communicate your own personal style through the decoration and furnishings. And, let us be honest, it also represents a sizeable investment upon which you are ultimately going to want to see some sort of return. Whether you will be likely to put your home on the market in the coming year or not, it is nonetheless prudent to make changes to your home that will not only enrich your experience in the home but add value to the property. Of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen represents the happiest of mediums. It is a place where cakes are baked, the kids are fed and where the morning coffee is enjoyed with gusto while the music of the radio eases you into a waking state. It is also going to be one of the most significant selling points when prospective buyers come to visit. With that in mind, let us have a look at some of the “must have” kitchen trends of 2019 and beyond.
It is all about streamlining.
Whether you are attending to this project yourself or contracting a dedicated professional, you should approach the project in terms of making the most significant statement possible with the least time, effort and cost. This means that many choose to use the surfaces and 
cabinets as a starting point. While there is still demand for farmhouse style kitchens, trends are swaying more towards the streamlined with simplicity and minimalism being the order of the year. This allows you to open up the space you have and to make it look larger and brighter while also affording you more room in which to work. Upper wall cabinets are on the way out to be replaced by sleeker and more efficient storage solutions down below.
Of course, “streamlined” can quickly become a euphemism for “boring” so it is important to be daring with the materials you select. Rough cut wood, natural stone, and stainless steel tube are popular solutions for adding character without creating clutter.
Appliances with style
If you are a little sick of the sight of stainless and brushed steel appliances (and plain old white just is not an option), the good news is that new and more visually engaging finishes are on the rise. New appliances are bringing a splash of color to the market with vintage reds and blues becoming fast favorites. New functions are lighting up the market as much as new looks. The steam oven is well and indeed the “must have” appliance of the year. Not only do they cook food faster and with more of the nutrients intact, but many also have Bluetooth connectivity enabling you to operate them from your smartphone. The future is definitely here!
Flooring and surfaces
When it comes to kitchen countertops there is no denying that quartz is still king, it is naturally antimicrobial, extremely hard wearing and needs very little in the way of maintenance. On the floor, the previously undisputed champ, hardwood, has an up and coming contender on its heels in the form of ceramic tiling. The beauty of ceramic is its ability to be crafted to mimic any material from hardwood to natural stone but with the inherent low maintenance and durability of ceramic. It is also easy to clean and hygienic.
Accessories
This is where you can have all the fun. Opt for a neutral palette for decor and appliances but add in a splash of color and a huge dollop of your personality with accessories. From tea towels and dishcloths to kettles, toasters, and microwaves, accessories are the key to changing your kitchen from show home to real home. Add in plenty of green plants – succulents and draping plants on wall shelves are still very much the order of the day and inject some life into the kitchen. If you are prone to killing off greenery, just buy some good quality artificial plants – we promise that no one will be able to tell the difference. Just remember to dust them off once in a while!
Whichever of the year’s kitchen design trends you decide to incorporate into your new look, you will undoubtedly add value and appeal while making the kitchen a fun and relaxing space for all the family. What are your favourite kitchen trends?
Staff Writer; Peter Jackson
