Page 8 - Real Estate Now Jan-Feb 2022

Understated shapes
Clean and simple are two words you could use to describe the current trend in cabinet shapes. Flat front, a European
style of cabinet, provides a uniform, unbroken silhouette throughout the kitchen or, if you want, just a tad more
detail. The shaker style—or square paneled cabinet—still provides a simple canvas to try out your bright colours or
your neutral blue.

If you’re really looking to shake things up, you could try no cabinets at all. Open shelving along the top might require
a more aesthetic display of your plates and glasses, but they can turn your kitchen from a place of food prep and dirty
dishes into an art gallery with plenty of breathing space.

Welcoming back wood

Driven by Scandinavian design
and the resurgence of vintage,
wood made a comeback in 2021
for kitchen cabinets. Whether
it’s reclaimed, alternative wood
types like bamboo (which people
love for its sustainability and low
environmental impact) or warm-
toned oak, natural finishes and light
colours are taking over.

Different is good
As vintage and eclectic interior
design become more popular,
mixing and matching hardware in
the kitchen is one of the top trends.
Choosing a different metal or finish
from the rest of your appliances
will provide a bit of shine to your
cabinets, break up monotony, and
make your kitchen uniquely yours.

Make these kitchen cabinet trends your own

You can jump on these kitchen trends without investing too much time or money. The quickest and least-involved
way would be replacing your hardware with fresh knobs and handles in a metal that’s entirely different from the rest
of your appliances.

If you’re willing to put in a bit more time and effort but still stay within a tight budget, try painting either your upper
or lower cabinets to add the two-tone flair that’s so popular this year.

Or, if you really want to switch things up, try removing a few doors from your upper cabinets for a partially open shelf
look or add some removable wallpaper to the backs of the cabinets to make your upper cabinets pop.
Finally, for a low-effort but striking effect, add under-cabinet lighting using LED strips for additional shine and
functionality.
We don’t often think of our cabinets when looking at design trends, but they’re a great way to add personality and
uniqueness to your space! ■

8 | REAL ESTATE NOW | denise@BCislandhomes.ca