What's Trending for Kitchens in 2022

2022 has become the year of planning. Rushing is not a choice as we face long leadtimes and supply chain shortages. Now is a great opportunity to take your time exploring all your options if a new kitchen is on the distant horizon for you. I thought I’d share with you some of the elements my clients are loving right now.

What better color could there be for a kitchen by the sea? This is aptly called the Oceanside kitchen by WoodMode

Color

Gray will always be a solid neutral but color is making an appearance in cabinetry as well as appliances. Yes, color is a commitment but if you go with the hues you’ve always loved you will never tire of them. Think back. If you wanted to paint your walls red when you were a teen and today you love your scarlet convertible chances are you will always love that color. Not convinced? Play it safe and limit colors to the changeable elements of your kitchen such as barstools, pendant lights and dishes. These things are easily replaced when you crave a fresh look.

White But Not

Alternatives to white by Dura Supreme

White has always been a thing in Florida and for a long while it’s been the rage everywhere. Now we’re opting for light beiges, sandy tones, linens and greiges. In other words, light neutrals that “read” as white. Think cabinets, countertops, walls and anywhere else you would automatically choose white.

The Heart of the Kitchen

Precis multi-level workstation sink by Blanco covers all the bases

You’ve heard that the heart of the home is the kitchen. I’ve always thought the heart of the kitchen is certainly the sink. It’s ground zero for two major functions, food prep and clean-up. The new workstation sinks make both of those jobs easier. Brands such as Galley, Kohler and Blanco offer an array of accessories and sizes that will allow you to customize to your heart’s content.

Fabulous Faucets

Touchless Sensor Commercial Pull-Down Single Handle Kitchen Faucet with QuickDock™ by Kraus

Now you need a great faucet to go with that state-of-the-art sink! I’m loving the new industrial-style versions which pull out, pull down, spray and can even be touch-free. Don’t be afraid to mix your metals. Just make sure they complement each other. This can give you a much more interesting and creative look too.

I love the warm version of this white with sexy veining - Brittanicca by Cambria Quartz.

These are just a few ideas to get you going. Do they resonate? Drop me a line or give me a call if you’re looking for a big change or just the right detail to bring your kitchen to the next level.

Make Wellness a Winning Ingredient in Your Kitchen

Recently I had the pleasure of collaborating with Poggenpohl Kitchens and Florida Design Magazine to chat about Wellness in the Kitchen.  I was honored to participate on a panel with designers Eric Small of Poggenpohl, Alena Capra of Alena Capra Designs and our moderator Daphne  Nikolopoulos, Editorial Director of Florida Design Magazine. The event, held at DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas) was a part of the DCOTA Fall Market.

Wellness was the hot topic at DCOTA (Design Center of the Americas) Fall Market event.

When it comes to the kitchen, wellness incorporates a broad spectrum of topics encompassing safety, healthy eating, accommodating aging and more.  I have a feeling we’re going to hear more and more about this especially at the upcoming KBIS 2020 (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show). Get a head start right here with the best ways to make wellness a win in your kitchen.

The wellness panel and our hosts at Poggenpohl’s DCOTA showroom

MINDFUL MATERIALS

Using our resources efficiently includes selecting renewable resources whenever possible and doing the research to make sure you’re using responsibly grown and harvested woods.  Brands that do this tout it so it’s easy to find on their websites.

Renewable resources like bamboo also reflect a tropical contemporary vibe. Photo by Peppermint Wind. Cabinets by Brendan Donovan

People are also more aware than ever of chemical sensitivities so it pays to educate yourself on subjects such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) .  Formaldehyde is often a culprit but mold is also a possible issue. It’s important to use materials that don’t promote bacterial and mold growth, especially on work surfaces.  Quartz, because it’s non-porous, does not trap bacteria or mold.

“There is artfulness in every aspect of crafting a kitchen. It’s not just in the aesthetics, but also being mindful about wellness and function. That is the Artful Kitchens philosophy.”

NATURAL LIGHT

Light doesn’t only fill an obviously functional purpose, it also has a significant effect on mood.  The correct lighting can transform a space! In a re-design, consider whether your space allows for a new or larger window. Another consideration is materials.  Lighter toned and more reflective finishes can enhance available light. You can also opt for a couple glass door cabinets. High horizontal windows, especially in bathrooms, can maximize natural light without inhibiting function.  LED lights also come in a wide range of choices including natural daylight. If you don’t have enough natural light add some strategically placed recessed lights or attractive pendant light fixtures.

Let there be light! There is a reason why sinks are so frequently located under a window. Natural light is healing as well as functional. Counter tops are white quartz. Photo by Peppermint wind.

FRESH FOOD

Eating natural, fresh farm-to-table is gaining in popularity.  This changes our storage needs in the kitchen. If possible, I love to customize the refrigeration and locate it where you need it.  For example, a set of under counter refrigerator drawers in the food prep zone works well as a supplement to the main fridge. Also, designate open shelving for produce that should not be refrigerated.  Think baskets for onions and potatoes.

Fresh produce at the Saturday morning Lake Worth Beach Farmer’s Market. Photo by Gloria Sollecito

VENTILATION

When I’m designing a new kitchen I always try to educate my clients on the importance of good ventilation, especially if you’re using gas.  One study claims that up to 48% of people don’t use ventilation when cooking because they don’t consider it necessary. Trust me, it is. Have you ever dusted remote areas in your kitchen and discovered that grease film? It’s definitely real.  The best way to go, if you can, is to vent to the outside. Other options are called recirculating which means that smoke and grease pass through a filter and returned to the room. These are just a few thoughts on the subject. We could have a long conversation about this!

This 3D rendering I created shows a modular styled range hood that integrates with cabinets with contemporary styling

ELDER CONSIDERATIONS

Having elderly parents makes me very cognizant of these needs.  Yes, simplicity and accessibility are important but even color and pattern are also crucial.  As we embrace technology it doesn’t help those who can’t figure it out, old or young! Look for controls that are intuitive and easy to see.  Visit a good appliance showroom, touch and feel. Many brands will help you learn how to use your new appliances. This is another long convo topic.

Clear intuitive appliance controls such as in this example by Electrolux are an elder consideration in the kitchen.

These are, of course, just a few of the things to incorporate in a kitchen design. A big thank you to Florida Design Magazine and Poggenpohl for including me in this fabulous event!

Search Artful Kitchens Blog for Creative Living Inspiration

Kitchen Case Study: Old Florida, New Vision

One hundred years ago Addison Mizner brought Spanish style to Florida.  Incidentally, the state's written history begins with the arrival of Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon in 1513. Functionally, the tall open arches, windows and loggias typical to that architecture invite sea breezes within and were the perfect antidote to our hot steamy summers prior to air conditioning.

The range hood picks up rich wood tones of the new floor. Counter tops are quartz by Silestone. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

Mizner subtly adapted his designs to suit Florida and its warm climate. Although inspired by the art of Spain and Italy, his structures bear his own stamp and are a defining feature of what we think of today as Palm Beach style.

Addison Mizner’s design for the Cloister Inn, now the Boca Raton Resort & Club, relied on his signature Mediterranean Revival style.

Photo courtesy of the Boca Raton Historical Society

Source

Mediterranean Revival style lives on reminding us of Mizner and his contribution to the Palm Beach landscape.

Addison Mizner with his pet monkey, Johnnie Brown 

Courtesy of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County

Source

I was recently delighted to be a part of a kitchen remodel in one such home located in Boca Raton.  The homeowners were looking for an updated and functional kitchen for their family.  At the same time, they treasure and acknowledge the history of their hundred-year-old home.

Setting the Scene

See a new kitchen I designed in a hundred-year-old Addison Mizner home in Boca Raton. It's a bit of Florida history + updated style! For more about this interesting project visit my blog at ArtfulKitchens.net I would love to help you with your project too!

Design wise I saw my biggest challenge as taking the existing kitchen space plus a butler’s pantry area and making them into one decent sized unified kitchen full of function. At the same time, it had to feel fresh yet look like it belonged in the house.

Challenges of an Older Home

The previous main sink location before we combined the two rooms

Denali Construction Corp, with architect Adriana Finnvold, expertly addressed issues with the foundation which were discovered during demo.  They also were able to remove the wall separating the existing kitchen and butler’s pantry. Since we were removing a hallmark arch we added one on the entry to the dining room as well as one in the hallway.

Design Thoughts

The existing wood floor was in poor shape so it was replaced with a similar but darker wood with slightly wider, more updated planks. We picked up the rich finish with a matching range hood hood, traditional but clean lined.  Floating shelves in the same wood material tied it all together and added a modern touch.

Floating shelves add a touch of modern. Photo by Shanna Morgaine

Function & Flow

In order to really integrate the old butler’s pantry, I decided to locate the main sink and clean up work area there below an existing window looking out on a courtyard garden.

New main sink and clean-up work zone in former butler’s pantry area

The relocated main sink and clean-up zone with a new arch to the dining room. The apron style sink is the iconic IKON Silgranit sink by Blanco. Photo by Shanna Morgaine.

The old kitchen sink became a prep sink, closer to the refrigerator allowing the two separate functions of food prep and clean up to happen simultaneously.  Voilá we now had a two cook kitchen.

We also added some glass doors and took the cabinets up to the ceiling for maximum storage. A peninsula provides additional seating for the breakfast area. Bernier Cabinetry by Devine Design Kitchens & More brought this design to life with their careful planning and expert installation. I always say the best projects are great collaborations.

Some Final Words from a Happy Client

My client dishes on exactly what she loves about her new kitchen! Gloria@artfulkitchens.net 561-254-7736

See more photos of this kitchen here in my portfolio.

Art for the Kitchen & Bath

If you know me you know I'm always thinking about art and artfulness. When it comes to incorporating creativity into the home, I love finding paintings and ways to showcase sculpture and artisan items in a seamless way, especially in kitchens and baths. I recently attended ICFF Florida (International Contemporary Furniture Fair) in Fort Lauderdale and right off the bat I noticed the amazing work of Lee Brock! She makes original digital paintings directly on metal which makes them a natural for the heart of the home. I thought it would be fun to get to know her.

Paris Rain from Lee Brock Art & Design Paris Collection

AK- What is your inspiration?

Music, culture, history, nature, science, good design and other artists. Making art centers me, like meditation, it is cleansing for me.

AK- Do you accept custom commissions? What is the process for this type of order?

Yes, I do. At this time I am only offering commissioned work with the digital process. The digital images in my catalogs can have custom color themes applied to them, with outcomes dependent on the file type. A discussion in person is always a great way to get a commission started. My studio is in Fort Lauderdale and is a good place for a meeting. That said, communication can also be over the internet. The biggest hurdle with the digital files is getting the colors correct. It is important that samples from the print company I am working directly with are actually seen - in the clients hands - during the process. These are printed on PVC and are part the overall cost. I am always open to creating new designs for clients who have some particulars in mind. 

"Box Full of Winter" It's not what you think it is!

AK- Do you have a favorite piece?

Right now it is “Box Full of Winter” (above). Most viewers see a bouquet of flowers, which is fine, but it is really about air-conditioning. For me it portrays that feeling of coming into a lovely air-conditioned building after being out in the hot tropical weather of South Florida. 

Lee Brock, she also does works on paper. Here she is with her silkscreen prints

AK- What is your background and how did you get into making prints on aluminum?

I grew up in the US and in Europe. I had a natural ability to draw realistically early on. In my teens I discovered abstract expressionism and have been exploring it in many mediums ever since. However, I pursued cooking as a career and not art. I spent some 30 years making art with food. Privately I continued to paint and draw. I left cooking in 2012 and got an associate degree in graphic design at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale. Three years ago I started painting digitally on an iPad while I was traveling. Printing these digital images on the white aluminum came about from exploring the commonly used substrate options available. None of the other finishes created the clean modern look I wanted. One day I was discussing options at a print company I work with and I saw a white aluminum sign blank, the kind that is used for street signs. Eureka! The bright white gloss finish reflects ambient light and color, adding a subtly changing effect into the printed design. I choose images that will work well with this effect. Being waterproof and washable are added benefits I hadn’t thought of. 

Riverside from the New York Collection

AK- I have seen your beautiful catalog.   Do you work on any other materials besides aluminum? 

Yes I do. I love painting and drawing on paper. I often like to work fast and automatically and paper is perfect for that. I am not painting on canvas with oil at this time because of space restraints. I am painting on canvas with acrylic. I adore making monoprints, etchings and screen prints. I have a screen print project I want to get started with soon. I am also a photographer.

You can find more of Lee's beautiful work in her catalog right here.