The kitchen is the heart of the home, and has finally made it’s way out from the back of the house. As home builders in Omaha, we know how important it is to have a kitchen that functions the way you need it to, but also looks great and is smart. Today’s trends in kitchen design reflect both functionality and the desire for a pleasing aesthetic. Homeowners may not incorporate all of these top trends in kitchen design, but adding some when they build a new home is sure to make their kitchen more appealing and better functioning.

Kitchen Trends We Love

Automation

More and more we’re seeing appliances and fixtures that operate automatically rather than all the time or when someone turns them on. Hands-free faucets and motion sensor lighting is a perfect example of home automation done right. Busy cooks with sticky hands or an armload of groceries love these automated features in the kitchen.

Blending Home Styles

Today’s kitchens are now in the main living area of the home. When we build a home in Omaha, the kitchen, dining area and great room are all in one open space. It stands to reason that the design of the kitchen would match the decor of the great room. Counters, islands and cabinetry now match built-ins in the living area for a consistent decor that can be used throughout the home.

Neutral Palette

You may have noticed that many homes today feature a neutral color palette. A neutral kitchen won’t look dated in 5 years when trends change. Neutral doesn’t have to be boring, you can add a pop of color with less permanent fixtures like drapes or window covering or you can go bold and install a brightly colored sink – more widely available now that this has been trending for a while.

The Pantry

The pantry used to be found in larger more luxurious homes, not anymore. Most homes designed today have a pantry for storage and organization. Not only does a pantry provide a place to keep dry goods, cans and bulk items, but it also provides a place to store appliances that might not be used regularly but that still need easy access. Keep your countertops clear by placing small appliances in the pantry.

Top Shelf Storage

Using the tops of cabinets, if they don’t run up to the ceiling, as additional storage space. This is flexible space that can be used to show off decorative serve ware, baskets, houseplants or your collection of Fiestaware dishes.

Uncluttered

Thanks to the pantry and other features of the home like rear foyers or fruit rooms, kitchens are less cluttered than every before. The minimal look not only keeps things organized but also tidy.