We’ve seen a lot of variation in the kitchens of homes for sale in the Phoenix area, and many of them, even in New Construction homes, are beginning to adopt a retro look… sleek-surface cabinetry, bright accent colors, polished metal hardware and fixtures. Even lighting has taken on a nostalgic look.
Comeback Kitchen: 3 Chic ‘Old Is New Again’ Trends
By Suzanne De Vita
Kitchen design’s trending more behind the times than ahead of the curve, with once-dated features like colored appliances and tile countertops resurfacing in new, of-the-moment styles.
One of the comeback kids is the enclosed kitchen, reimagined as a flex-space that opens today, closes tomorrow.
Why closed-off? For those of us who’d rather keep meals and messes behind closed doors, an open layout is less than ideal. Appliance noise, too, can be difficult to suppress—an issue in homes where offices or other quiet spaces are adjacent to the kitchen.
Brass accents are also falling back into favor. The garish, gleaming gold fixtures of yesteryear have reemerged with a dull, soft finish, in everything from satiny faucets to antique-looking lighting.
Why the change of heart? Like copper, brass is a timeless metal—the new, understated patina, less polished than its predecessor, contrasts glossy modern surfaces like stainless steel, playing into the mixed-metals movement while maintaining its classic appeal.
If walls could talk, they’d say wallpaper’s back, too—imparting a retro vibe on an accent wall, mimicking a natural surface as a backsplash, or offering a hint of sheen in open-faced cabinetry.
The reason? Personalization. The décor in our homes is deeply connected to our inner selves—and with the concept of home more broadly defined than ever, claiming a space is important. Wallpaper, now infinite in color, pattern and texture, is one way to make that statement.
These three trends are proof that if we wait long enough, everything comes full circle. What was out—a separated floor plan, brass finishes and wallpaper—is now in.
What’s making a comeback in your kitchen?
This post was originally published on RISMedia’s blog, Housecall. Check the blog daily for top real estate tips and trends. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2016. All rights reserved.
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