When it comes to modern home design, the kitchen has become the “heart of the home.” A central gathering spot for the family, a place to host and entertain, a workspace to get things done with a cup of tea. Looking ahead, home design experts say the kitchen will continue to take on an even more important role in the home.
It wasn’t always this way, says Taylor Darling and the Interior Design team at Santa Cruz Green Builders, a design-build company that specializes in residential remodeling and new construction in Santa Cruz.
“Going way back in history, kitchens were often located in the basement where food could be prepared out of sight,” says Darling, a co-founder of the company. “By the 20th century, the kitchen was elevated into the home, but even then it was often hidden in the corner and behind closed doors.“
Today the trends have flipped, and Darling expects the kitchen of the future to become even more central as people consider updating their mid-century Santa Cruz home. “The kitchen is where people spend the most time in their home, and it’s also where they spend the most money,” he says.
We asked Darling and the Interior Design team at Santa Cruz Green Builders to weigh in on their top trends for the future of kitchen design that every homeowners should consider when remodeling their kitchen or building a new home in Santa Cruz.
1. Electric Induction Ranges
Gas stoves have long been the standard in high-end kitchens, but the future of homebuilding in Santa Cruz is electric, Darling predicts. Foodies fear not. Advances in technology have elevated the electric induction range to perform equal to or better than a gas appliance, while also offering a safer and cleaner option.
“You get the same control and power of gas, sometimes even better, but there’s zero gas exhaust entering your home” says Darling. “Not to mention, you get the easy-to-clean solid surface.”
2. Frameless Modular Cabinetry for a Sleek Look
Say goodbye to ornate, bulky cabinets and hello to streamlined, frameless modular cabinet designs, says Interior Designer Genevieve Absey. “Frameless cabinets became popular in Europe but we’re seeing our clients choosing them more and more.”
Frameless cabinets have more usable storage space than traditional face-framed cabinets, Absey explains, and they can cost less, while also presenting a more clean, contemporary and uninterrupted aesthetic.
Absey also suggests cabinet doors will wane in favor of more drawers and pull-outs. “No doors,” she says. “Drawers are much more easy to access and operate, and allow you to utilize every inch of storage space.”
3. Natural vs. Engineered Countertops
“I would say natural materials are making a comeback,” says Cody Work, an interior designer on the team. “People were crazed about engineered quartz for a while but we are seeing more requests for natural countertops like marble and soapstone.”
When consulting with homeowners on countertops, Work notes they are often are weighing the pros and cons of natural versus engineered materials. For example, leaving a cut onion or lemon face down on the countertop for too long may leave a mark.
“The fact that natural stone patinas is actually what attracts people to it,” Work says. “It makes a house feel more lived in and timeless.”
4. New Trends in Kitchen Appliances
Stainless steel kitchen appliances may be the workhorses of your kitchen, but they don’t have to stand out. In the kitchen of the future, appliances are designed to blend in, seamlessly integrated into the kitchen cabinetry, all three designers agree.
Hidden refrigerators, panel-ready dishwashers, warming drawers, and beverage fridges provide great function while also helping kitchens feel less cluttered and more cohesive. These upgrades enhance both convenience and luxury, catering to the way people truly use their kitchens.
“My kids love getting drinks out of our beverage refrigerator,” Darling adds. “And it’s nice to have the fridge not be the go-to place for everything.”
5. More Windows, More Natural Light
Nothing elevates a kitchen like ample natural light. Expansive windows, skylights, and glass doors are becoming key features in modern kitchen design, as those products continue to improve and offer great energy performance.
One design trend that’s helping to make room for more windows is a reduction of upper cabinets, Darling says. Instead prioritizing that wall space for floating shelves to display art and objects, or adding more windows.
6. Don’t Skimp on Sinks and Faucets
One sink is no longer enough in the kitchen of the future. Homeowners may want to consider multiple faucets and sinks to streamline cooking and cleaning: A prep sink on the kitchen island, a pot filler over the stovetop, and even a dedicated hand-washing station are becoming must-haves, and not just at the high-end. “It’s all about optimizing workflow and convenience,” says Absey. “When you have multiple people cooking, extra faucets make a huge difference.”
Designing for the Future
“When we are designing a new kitchen, we are thinking about how it is much more than a place to cook. We want to build a timeless space that is efficient, beautiful, and adaptable so it can easily be updated over time. The kitchen should enhance everyday living and make your day more enjoyable.”
By embracing some of these ideas, you can design a kitchen that is not only more stylish and functional, but will also stand the test of time.
Santa Cruz Green Builders is located at the Old Sash Mill, 303 Potrero St. Suite 45-105 in Santa Cruz. Visit their website online at www.santacruzgreenbuilders.com
