{"id":10965,"date":"2021-02-09T15:36:15","date_gmt":"2021-02-09T15:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/?p=10965"},"modified":"2021-02-10T16:39:13","modified_gmt":"2021-02-10T16:39:13","slug":"remodeling-the-heart-of-the-home-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthyaging.net\/magazine\/winter-2021\/remodeling-the-heart-of-the-home-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Remodeling the Heart of the Home 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

T<\/span>he world has certainly changed, and everyone is rethinking how they live and work. Now, more than ever before, older adults as a group are opting to stay put and update their homes rather than leaving their communities.<\/p>\n

\u201c2020 didn’t just disrupt lives – it completely changed the way people lived,\u201d according to the Home Improvement Research Institute<\/a> (HIRI),\u00a0 \u201cWe all spent more time than ever before in our homes as school went online, companies transitioned to remote work, and online shopping became the norm. This trend made people focus more on where they live.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staying in is the new \u201cgoing out,\u201d and home updates have become a priority. The top remodeling choice continues to be the kitchen, not only because it is \u201cthe heart of the home\u201d but a valuable asset to a future sale.<\/p>\n

The pandemic brings the kitchen even more to the forefront. The kitchen has become the center for more than just daily cooking. It is being used to learn new skills (sourdough, home brewing, anyone?) for a creative Zoom backdrop, office, and classroom.<\/p>\n

Throughout the home and especially the kitchen, homeowners want more storage, nixing the open-concept floor plan that was so popular years ago, according to a recent Houzz Kitchen Trend<\/a> study. Remodelers are opting for vinyl over hardwood flooring.<\/p>\n

In terms of color, the study found neutral with hints of gray, white, and beige wall surfaces are popular. However, the study also noted that some kitchen renovators are going for somewhat colorful, alternative looks, including blue walls, gray flooring, multicolored backsplashes, and black appliances.<\/p>\n

KNB Builders<\/a>, kitchen and bath specialists, share these ideas and trends:<\/p>\n

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An example of sustainability, stylishness, and nature: this countertop and cabinetry are entirely from reclaimed wood. The use of greenery reinforces the earthy color tones. The absence of shades and exposed bulbs provide light that plays a hidden role in bringing together the elements. The competing wood grains makes it feel and appear natural and not artificial. Photo: KNB Builders.<\/p><\/div>\n

1) Sustainability<\/h3>\n

With the increased interest in sustainability in housing development, there will be future pressure in 2021 and beyond to create more harmonious spaces with nature.<\/p>\n

Organic materials will be a design highlight, with reclaimed, rustic, or raw woods rising in popularity once more. Reclaimed woods, used in cabinetry and countertop schemes, alludes to a kitchen space that\u2019s more textured, warming, and creative. Uses of exposed beams, pillars, or brickwork are practical and popular.<\/p>\n

More homeowners are opting for designs in the kitchen that don\u2019t seem to be \u201cartificial.\u201d<\/p>\n

2) Bring Nature Inside<\/h3>\n

Many kitchen renovations are focusing on bringing the beauty of the outside indoors.<\/p>\n

There are two key ways your kitchen can connect with your garden: external access through large doors or a window for a view.<\/p>\n

With expertly installed bifold doors, the outside can become an extension of your kitchen space, rather than an empty accessory to your home. This creates a new social space that effortlessly removes any sense of barrier or boundary in the summertime, with new creative freedoms in how your kitchen can be used.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, and less intrusively (especially if you\u2019re working on a budget), consider framing your kitchen windows with views into the garden. A view outside will beat any picture or painting.<\/p>\n

Use greenery around the kitchen. That might include pruning and using your outdoor plants inside. Lush greenery can give you a project to work on while nurturing your well-being through healthy exercise and activity in the garden.<\/p>\n

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This kitchen has a seating area by the window bay, which provides an exterior view and uses bar stools to repurpose its island for social hangouts. If a renovation is too costly right now, rethink how you use your existing space. If you have countertops that don\u2019t get used, pull up a chair and start a hobby. Photo: KNB Builders<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

3) Multipurpose Spaces<\/h3>\n

Dining tables, countertops, bar areas are also being used as workstations. The kitchen will have more variety of seating options to reflect its newfound functionality. Bar stools are excellent for socializing with friends while doubling as seating projects such as arts and crafts.<\/p>\n

Multipurpose space will transform how we\u2019ve traditionally used the kitchen. In time, cabinets may even stock more than food.<\/p>\n

4) Clever & Compact<\/h3>\n

Large, spacious kitchens are more often a dream than a lived-in reality for homeowners. The ambition to make more space at the expense of design is often tempting. But as cabinetry and style become more compact, homeowners can enjoy fashion as much as function from their little kitchens. Kitchen designers are getting clever with space, mobilizing dreamy kitchen-scapes under the ruse of compactness \u2013 whether it\u2019s a narrow, squarish, or simply a small kitchen space.<\/p>\n

For this design to become powerful, you would have to declutter and focus on alluding to space where possible by having surfaces and workstations clean and free from anything overly ornamental. It becomes bigger only through the illusion of managing space smarter. You can still include bespoke cabinetry items and even an island or breakfast bar but plan to build the space compactly and unified to keep it looking spacious at all times.<\/p>\n

Drury Design<\/a>, the family-owned design firm with over three decades of experience and located just outside of Chicago, offers these ideas.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Drury Design<\/p><\/div>\n

Easy to maintain design materials and features will always be top of the list. This kitchen was designed for an empty nester couple looking to enhance their overall lifestyle: cooking, entertaining, and convenience. With accessible storage abound, height appropriate warming drawers, and modern lighting options for various settings, these homeowners truly combined form and function.<\/p>\n

Natural or organic design is an up and coming trend that we see more and more of. Homeowners are searching for a more biophilic design. Meaning, they are aiming to bring the outdoors in. This can mean earth tones, like deep greens and blues, and large viewing vistas as designed in this space, which is most relaxing when spending days at home.<\/p>\n

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Photo: Drury Design<\/p><\/div>\n

Lighter-colored countertops with a full slab, like in this design, or long subway backsplashes will be on-trend for the next few years, as it is known to open up and brighten the space. This kitchen also includes a prep island across from the range plus a separate entertaining island to optimize traffic and keep guests out of the kitchen work area. The entertaining island includes a beverage refrigerator to encourage guests to congregate and socialize while keeping the host engaged.<\/p>\n

The article’s sources include KNB Ltd., <\/em>Nottingham\u2019s premier kitchen<\/a><\/em> and bathroom specialist with over 30 years of experience, Drury Design<\/a>, and Pella Corporation.<\/em><\/p>\n

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