Kitchens have set the style for homes for the past century. New innovations for the home usually began in the kitchen as it was, and still is, the most used place in the home. In addition, in northern states it was the primary source of heat for the home so family gatherings were never held too far away from the area.

After the the Second World War refrigerators replaced ice boxes and electric stoves replaced the coal and wood models. The kitchen began to take on a the form that we now know with sink, fridge and electric stove. This"golden triangle" has been the basis for kitchen design ever since.

Designing for the Future

One of the most frustrating parts of renovating the kitchen is to look forward to see what the future will bring. No one wants to spend $20,000 on a kitchen to have it looked dated in 5 years. This also does not bode well with those who want to sell their home as buyers tend to base a lot of their decision for buying on this area of the home.

So what do we think will stand the test of time and still be fashionable in 2013?

1. Increased Space

People tend not to eat in the kitchen anymore so the space that used to be dedicated to the kitchen nook or kitchen table is now being used for food preparation and storage. This is especially important as pantries are becoming popular. And if there is no extra space in the home the next logical move would be to eliminate all non-food activities elsewhere – and this includes getting rid of that old kitchen nook.

Space is also being created by going into adjacent rooms. Some designers have moved washing rooms and bathrooms to other other locations to make way for a kitchen expansion. The only other way would be to push out and add the space that way. But this is frightfully expensive and only should be considered with a wholesale home remodel as structural changes would be necessary.

2. Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets are the first glimpse that anyone gets of a kitchen as they are right in the line of site. If you have questionable cabinets that could easily turn off a buyer when you go to sell but, more than that, they would drive you crazy for years. This includes quaint and folksie styles like knotty pine. If nothing else these should be painted with a good melamine paint in a color that will reflect your decor.

New cabinets should not look busy. They should blend in with the other items in you kitchen and so oak and maple should be passed over for a beech or other rich wood. If you don't want wood then choose a color that will fit in with both your kitchen and surrounding home area.

The newest trend in cabinets is not just exterior looks, but personalized storage. The other consideration is accessories: open shelves, built-in wine rack, china displays, small drawers. Find the right add-ons that make efficient use of cabinet space and don't forget roll-out trays, bread boxes, small appliance garages and spice drawers.

3. Sinks

The stainless-steel sink will never go out of fashion. If you are changing yours out go for one deep enough to take pots and/or one that has a drain board. These will stand the test of time. The basin-style sinks are fads and chances are will not be appreciated in the years to come.

4. Flooring

Tile flooring is just hitting its zenith and will be around a while. However, it is very hard and if the grout is a light color it will get dirty so go with a neutral grout color. Tile is also the best material as a surface for radiant floor heating. The material will hold the heat and spread it evenly throughout the room. Other flooring like vinyl comes in a great variety of colors and designs and is cheap to install. If you decide to go this route you can replace it in 5 years without beating on your wallet.

5. Countertops

Granite and marble are two of the most requested materials for kitchen surfaces. However, besides being expensive they require maintenance and sealing or else will discolor. And, like tile, they are not forgiving to dish wear. Acrylic-based countertops are also popular but are almost the same price as real stone.

A new product which mixes epoxies with crushed stone is also making inroads. This material requires no sealing and is impervious top heat. As well, it can be formed over your present countertops without taking them off. But for those of you who want simplicity laminate is still a good choice. Like vinyl flooring it can be easily, and cheaply, replaced in 5 years for a new style and color.

6. Lighting

Lighting is very important in a kitchen because food preparation requires close in-work. An overhead fixture works well for ambiance and work spots that concentrate on specialty areas make sure that bright light only goes where you want it. In addition, under-the-cabinet lighting helps out with food preparation and in-the-cabinet lights for large storage areas.

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