Kitchen Style Predictions for 2012

There are plenty of exciting new kitchen trends in kitchen designs for 2012. The favorites, stainless steel appliances, colorful back splashes, kitchen islands and granite counter tops will still be quite popular.

They will be joined by some fresh new looks. A very modern, sleek look will become popular this year along with some unique storage ideas.
Open Floor Plans

An open floor plan that runs from the kitchen to the living areas is better for interacting with family and entertaining guests. The kitchen has long been the favorite room in the house to socialize, and eat. In addition to the open plan, kitchens will have built in seating areas with benches to accommodate everyone, along with the possible seating at the bar or island. This will make for easy interacting with the chef.
Islands

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The island will lose a bit of popularity this year, there will be not so many islands but rather a floating bar area that opens up to the rest of the room. This will be especially trendy in smaller kitchens where an island takes up space. Over-sized islands will still be desirable in big kitchens, because they add to the storage area. The type with seating on one side will be choice. Granite counter tops will be popular in colors like black, white, tan, cream and other neutral or earth tone colors.
Storage and Convenience
Kitchens will have a desk area, primarily for organization. This is another trend to bring the family all together, rather than have a separate office. There will also be built in storage in every space possible, such as under the stove, above the refrigerator, underneath bench seating and in the island. Kitchens will be a functional room and family area all in one, offering comfort and convenience to all.
Color Schemes
To go with the modern theme, popular colors will be black and white. Rather than the back splashes and granite counter tops popping in a different color, they will also match the cabinets. Cabinets will have silver or brushed nickel finish on the hardware. Wood will still be popular as well, but still sport the modern hardware. Appliances will begin to match with cabinet finishes to create a more open feel, although stainless steel will still be desirable as well. Neutral colors like brown, cream, and tans will also be sought after, as well as metallic like bronze, silver and gold.
Kitchen Style Predictions for 2012