Kitchen Remodel Trends: Stainless on Its Way Out?
By: Leslie Pandey, Senior Content Writer/Editor | July 14, 2008
I recently stumbled upon this MSN article on kitchen remodeling trends for 2008. Most of the new trends weren’t a surprise to me (“green” is in, whirlpool tubs are out). But what really jumped out at me was the hunch that today’s stainless steel appliances may be going the way of those avocado appliances from the ‘70s. Meaning, on their way out. The article says that “concealed” appliances — tucked away behind cabinet doors — are gaining in popularity.
I must say, I’m skeptical. Sure, stainless steel appliances are a pain to keep smudge-free, but everywhere I look, I’m still seeing loads of stainless. One click over to the Dueling Digs kitchens section, our source for kitchen remodeling ideas, and you’ll see that the trend is still going strong. Stainless still reigns supreme in the most popular kitchens, such as this airy San Francisco kitchen and this Carlsbad, California beauty.
So what did we do? We called in the professionals. Seattle interior designer Theresa Benny of NB Design Group said:
“We love stainless, and can’t imagine it going out of style. Of course, we do pretty modern, clean design, which stainless is perfect for. We have designed kitchens with custom wood overlay panels, for the fridge or dishwasher for instance. We really try to steer our designs away from trends. Stainless finishes are classic and timeless, which follows our design motto too.”
So there you go — stainless is still “in” (and probably will be for a long time), but custom overlays are also a popular option.
What do you think? Is stainless here to stay?
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- Categories: Home Improvement
Comments
4 Comments so far
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Andrew on July 14, 2008 12:47 pm
Totally. Never really liked SS. I think frosted glass will be next design fad.
Alex (the editor) on July 15, 2008 8:30 am
Amen! We called this a long time ago, and totally think Stainless has been used to death. It will still work in many a kitchen, but it is on the way out just like those God awful brown shades of Granite. The two words together, “Granite and Stainless” are a thing of the past.
Hitting the Links | Redfin Boston Sweet Digs on July 16, 2008 2:16 am
[…] Is stainless, from granite-maple-and-stainless, on its way out? [Zillow Blog] […]
Regina on July 17, 2008 7:38 am
I came across a survey of designers recently that said 91 percent of designers liked stainless steel. Question is, do buyers?
Maybe I’m a bit old-fashioned, but I never cared for stainless steel. It’s cold and uninviting, and doesn’t reflect my personal taste. Ditto for breakfast bars, which isn’t a practical choice for someone of my height. Try getting in and out of a high bar stool at 5 feet tall.
Stainless is overused, and now all new kitchens look alike. I don’t want my home to look like a model for a magazine cover. I prefer a kitchen that exudes warmth and looks like someone actually cooks there.