modern kitchen architecture 04As you prepare to transform your kitchen from the old to the new, there are some current trends worthy of consideration. This year, it seems that all the new gadgets and kitchen remodeling features are smaller, faster, sleeker and greener replacements to previous solutions.  We’ve listed a few that you may want to incorporate into your project.

Induction Cookers

With the new induction cooker, you’ll no longer find yourself yelling, “stay away from the stove, I just used it and it is still hot!”  This sleek new stovetop alternative is a smooth heating surface that generates heat in the pot or pan, rather than on its surface. The pot or pan is made of a ferromagnetic metal which, when placed on an induction cook surface, works with an oscillating magnetic field. The surface never heats up, but the contents of the pot do—in record time.  In addition to the built-in cook top, induction cookers are also available as portable appliances (great gift idea).

Built in Trash Compactor

If you don’t already have a built-in trash compactor, they are certainly an item to be included in your kitchen remodel. These have come a long way in recent years, and now include odor management, anti-jam and tilt sensors, sound insulation, child locks and wood panel features. Depending on the bells and whistles, they could run you anywhere from under $500 to over $1,000.

Stainless Steel & Glass

Maybe the focus of your kitchen remodel is not all sexy new gadgets, but you still want to keep a sleek look. Stainless steel bolsters the look of professionalism and sophistication, and you can spread this look around to the sink, refrigerator, dishwasher, or even countertops, cabinets and backsplashes.  Just make sure you don’t go too overboard incorporating all of the aforementioned.

Glass can be incorporated into the kitchen through backsplashes, glass cabinet inserts, skylights, and now even countertops.  For a softer look to stainless steel cabinets, do a combination of steel and glass.

Going Green

There’s no denying it, ‘green’ is in – and not just the color.  Eco-friendly cabinets, countertops and floors are now being made from recycled materials and/or passing extensive environmental standards tests. But, it’s more than just cabinets, countertops & floors.  You can now buy energy efficient appliances and waste reducing products (including refrigerators that keep your food fresher, longer).  Incorporate some green into your kitchen and your neighbors will be ‘green’ with envy.

Lighting

Track lighting over your kitchen island (if you don’t have an island, think about getting one) is also something to consider for your new remodeling project.  In addition, you might also want to look into relatively inexpensive under-cabinet lighting. For a modest sum, well within the $100-$200 range, you can create a subtle, low-lighting atmosphere to make your kitchen more accessible when the meal moves to another room, or when snackers return for late-night refrigerator raids.

Flooring

Certainly your wave-of-the-future kitchen remodeling project will depart from the traditional laminate or tile flooring, and carry you forward into hardwood, rubber, concrete or even brick options.  One of the most inexpensive new options is polished concrete, which can be any color and made to mimic upscale marble or granite.

Kitchen styles are always changing, but the fundamentals stay the same.  Make sure you include a working layout and features that you’ll actually use and enjoy.  Don’t overspend on gadgets or styles that you can’t easily afford, because you never know what will be invented next year.