Kitchen Trends 2014

Summertime is a natural season to start thinking about making changes to your home. When it comes to the kitchen, trending designs and materials are as explosively stylish as we’ve ever seen!

We could try and describe some of these hot trends - but it’s usually more fun to show you. So, here are some pictures (thanks to the wonderful world of Pinterest) that neatly sum up what designers are saying about kitchens in 2014.

1. Black Kitchen

Even though light colors and natural wood and stone are hot right now, designers are praising the dramatic and elegant look of black for the kitchen - especially when paired with the equally trendy brass and copper fixtures and hardware.'

2. Blue Kitchen

It seems like a bit of a commitment, but a blue-hued color scheme for the kitchen is making waves in the design world. Here's a rather dramatic example, but we're digging it - especially the glass-paneled cabinets and bar-seating. This design soaks in summer and could just make colder winter months a little more bearable. 

3. Exposed

More and more designers are praising the beauty of open-shelving...and if it turns out like this, we're all in. This particular example also takes advantage of another trendy material - stone. Added bonus - those of us who tend to be a little, well, cluttered, will have some motivation to keep the shelves organized. 

4. Light colors 

The breezy, cottage look is always charming, but this year, it's also trending. Here's an example with a homemade, cozy flair. Sometimes, some paint and a trip to the antique store can work wonders in a remodel!

5. Marble Kitchen

Marble is always a popular material. Nevertheless, it's being highlighted again and again in design blogs. Here, we see a few popular kitchen design tips rolled into one: marble countertops matched with a marble backsplash. It's a subtle move that works well in tying the space together. 

6. Kitchen Sconces

Under-cabinet lights are going the way of the dinosaurs. Replacing them? Sconces, like the ones shown above. Just another example of how much kitchens are opening up this season!

7. Mixed Materials

This one's a sort-of grand slam in trendy kitchen design. Here, we see three extremely popular materials - reclaimed wood, granite and natural stone - used in perfect harmony.

8. Wall Designs

Finally, this year, designers are encouraging redecorators to get creative with kitchen wall space - especially backslashes. Here's a lovely example with a brick pattern. 

Are you considering a kitchen remodel? Are you considering any of these styles in particular? Leave us a comment and let us know what you're thinking about doing!

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8 Awesome Pinterest Examples of Radiant Orchid

There’s nothing demure about Pantone Color’s 2014’s “Color of the Year.” The muted blues, greys and silvers of years past have now been replaced by the appropriately-named “Radiant Orchid.”

This aggressively named and hued purple, often with jewel-red undertones, is already making appearances in celebrity spring fashion and the runway, receiving rave reviews along the way.

Now, it goes without saying that this vibrant color isn’t for everyone...BUT, if you’re interested in exploring how stylish Pinterest users are getting on board with this year’s color, we’ve put together eight images we think capture the essence of Radiant Orchid quite nicely.

Matching walls, curtains and upholstery mix to create a strong statement for this sitting room. (Courtesy of Pantone Color)

A rustic take on 2014 is made with orchid stain and an ornate rug. (Designtricks.net)

This elegant decor showcases the versatility of Radiant Orchid, as well as some natural color and fixture companions. (Thanks to blog.homeandstone.com)

This guest bedroom pops with spring color and soft accent pieces in complimentary colors. (Thanks to spacecasedesign.com)

This one...is a bit of a project and commitment. It’s also, in this blogger’s opinion, really awesome. For the more adventurous home decorator, it’s a thought. (Pin from ameblo.jp)

A little paint creates this soft, romantic take on Radiant Orchid for a guest bathroom. (Found via Carolyn Pollack Jewelry)

This bedroom is a nice example of how even a color this bold has a goodly amount of complimentary companions. Accent pieces and splashes of Radiant Orchid might be just the ticket for a whimsical childrens’ room. (Pin from Baby Deco)

And finally, the minimalist approach with simple, clean, white companions. (Gleaned from Google+)

Alright, now that we’ve shown you a few ideas, would you ever consider redoing any room in your home with Radiant Orchid? Too much? Leave us a comment and let us know!

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