When many of us renovate our homes we have the aim of staying in this home "until they come and take me away on a stretcher." In other words we feel that this is the last kitchen renovation or bathroom remodel that we will ever do. To this end some of us even personalize our remodel with concrete kitchen countertops, dark tile floors and a mirrored backsplash. Once it's finished we step back and say, "Now that's me!"

However, every home changes owners at some time or another. Time or personal situations dictate this inevitable change. If you want proof just remember Aunt Edna's home with the 1970's motif " green shag carpet with matching olive green appliances and flowered wallpaper " and how hard it was for here to get a decent price for the home when she moved into a retirement community. Therefore, the key to renovating is to look ahead. It doesn't have to be very far in the future but find out what will be around in 5-10 years and what are the fads.

1. The Cold Heart of Steel of No More

A few year's back kitchen contractors were unveiling stainless steel as the new wave of kitchens. Since many of the "Me Generation" of the Baby Boom were beginning to retire in the early years of the new Milllennium many of these new retirees were lining up to go to cooking school because gourmet cooking was the newest pastime. Kitchens became outfitted with commercial gas ranges, oven hoods and sinks. Above the cabinets and islands were all the trappings of a restaurant: pots, pans, utensils. The kitchen became a no-nonsense series of workstations with only the cabinets and the lighting to soften the look.

Stainless steel requires polishing to look like the appliances on the show room floor. So does the countertop, huge range hood and large sink with extended drip tray. Just like with the rest the home the average person does not want to devote a lot of time to cleaning when a quick wipe will do.

2. Cabinets Shed the Uniform Look

The "minimalist" look of symmetry matched the industrial appliances, forming a uniform back of cabinetry which highlighted the fully-functional kitchen. However, this was the commercial way of doing business in a kitchen. The same food preparation can also be performed in in an atmosphere which is not as austere.

This is why kitchen designers have looked to rural Europe, rather than the Pedini perfection of the urban work places, for new ideas. For centuries the farm kitchens of Italy and France have been capable of feeding large families in a warm and inviting atmosphere. So the new kitchen designs are featuring an ornate, furniture-style cabinetry in two or three styles that do not necessarily match. For example, the main cabinets can be a different style than the island or islands, which also can be different from each other.

This is a pendulum swing from the previous designs and it is not recommended for long-term stability. Why spend the money going to a Tuscan-style, dark cabinet when you may have to either rip them out or stain them in a few years? Look for a classic style, either a wood with a neutral graining (not oak, it's too busy) or a plain color that can be painted in a few years.

3. Countertops

Looking down the road there's no question that granite will still be a major contender for countertops. The marble will be popular to a certain extent while travertine and other up-and-comers like soapstone and bronze may stay around but are too expensive when the future is unsure. If you are choosing laminate go for a rich, but light, color. And remember, the nice thing about laminate is that it's cheap enough to be changed out if you want to repaint or redesign the kitchen in a few years.

Corian, other acrylics and concrete are as expensive a real stone and are subject to marring and, in the case of acrylic, staining. Concrete countertops are beautiful but make sure you don't personalize them with artsy materials. Buyers will realize the cost to take out the counters and replace them with something more mainstream.

4. Flooring

Tile is always a safe bet with flooring but don't make it too busy or dark. The coloring in tile should pick up the accents of the kitchen and stick with pieces no large than 12." If the area is small a lighter tile is recommended but an increase in area shouldn't mean a comparable darkening of the tile.

Cork will also stand the teat of time as the world moves more toward green living. The fact that the product is a renewable resource will add to the warmth and softness on the feed to endear home buyers. Laminates are never recommend for a kitchen but the new sealers make wood a viable choice. As well, a good-quality, cushioned-linoleum floor in a neutral color will not turn off buyers and will besy on you, as well.

5. Lighting

Track lighting has seen its day but small work lights are popular because they get illumination right where you need it. These are under-the-counter and in-the-cabinet LED's or small halogens lights. A large overhead fixture is desirable with medium lighting being carried by sconces. The large fixture can be changed out easily in a few years to a current style without much cost.

For more information on designing the kitchen of the future contact Renovation Experts.