No area in the home has changed so dramatically in the past few years as the kitchen. And much of this change has to do with the rapid gains in technology both in appliances and in materials. And while the changes still are going on they are slowing somewhat to give designers and kitchen remodel contractors a chance to catch up.

What is really exciting in kitchen design is the break from the European minimalism design. Oh, it's still popular but so are other styles which incorporate everything from rural European to a chef-style kitchen complete with different surface for various jobs.

Cabinets

Furniture: Style-wise, kitchen cabinets have become more like furniture. The rich detailing of curved posts and the hand-carved look of the moldings look like they could have been made in an upscale furniture plant instead of a cabinet shop. And to augment this style many designs are forgoing the hardware, just like they did in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

Personalized Storage: Many homeowners are looking back to the odds-and-ends that their grandmothers use to keep in the kitchen: specialty plates, fine china and knick-knacks. These have been either handed down or the new homeowners have begun their own traditions which include wine racks, spice shelving, roll-out trays, lid holders and a host of cubby holes.

Use: But besides the changes in style there is the utility too. For example, stoves have gotten wider to encompass the extra burners so this reflects on the space between the cabinets. Now, rather than being a removable appliance the stove becomes a fixed entity much like the new large fridge/freezer units. The island is still a useful part of the cabinetry and there might be 2 of them.

Appliances: Most appliances, like refrigerators, are larger and more useful. They can either take up half a wall or be divided into drawers for under-the-counter use. Exhaust fans are more powerful and dishwshers are taking on a more commercial look and use. Any colored appliances will be out of date in a year so refrain from these.

Countertops

The desire for horizontal working space has never been hotter than it is now. In fact, because each work area in the kitchen has a different task, a modern kitchen may have 2 or three different surfaces. For rolling dough there is nothing like granite because of it smooth, hard surface. Conversely, a butcher block for chopping and cutting can adorn either another part of the counter or stand with its own legs as it did for hundreds of years.

Laminate: This material still accounts for the lion's share of counters. It is available in an infinite number of colors and styles and is easy to install.

Natural Stone: For discriminating tastes granite is still the jewel in the crown. Although it does have to be sealed granite finishes off the kitchen in a wide, glossy ribbon. Marble and soapstone are also popular but require special sealants.

Concrete: Cement is poured in molds either at the shop or on site to make this a personalized counter surface. Color can be added, as well as designs and artifacts. After it is cured it can be polished to a dazzling finish.

Sinks

When one thinks of sinks it's as though the fixtures are an afterthought. In the past it was porcelain and and for 50 years it was stainless steel. However, now countertops can go uninterrupted into the sink or over top of the sink because the sink is a composite or natural stone just like the counter. Farmer's sinks – also called “apron sinks” - are making a comeback and can be manufactured so they go under the counter. For the serious kitchen the stainless-steel commercial sinks are popular in 2 and 3 sink combinations. These can feature a deep-basin sink as one of them.

Faucets and Fixtures

High, swan-neck faucets are very convenient cleaning or filling a big pot. In addition, wand-type sprayer-faucets come right out of the fixture for ease of washing or cleaning plants. Water filtration systems, garborators and instant hot water systems are also popular.

Flooring

Similar to a bathroom the floor of a kitchen must be sealed to avoid water seepage into the joists below.

Tile: Tile is a durable flooring, comes in a wide variety colors and designs and can be sealed. In addition it can be warmed with a radiant in-floor electric or hydronic system for a cost-effective heating source.

Cork: This renewable resource comes from the bark of the cork tree which is not harmed by the process. The bark is made into tiles which are glued together for a soft, war and waterproof flooring.

Vinyl: This material took over from linoleum as the the workhorse of the kitchen. Like tile it is available in a wide variety of styles and colors, as well as finishes. If properly cleaned it will last for many years.

Lighting

Lighting in a kitchen has changed from one huge overhead fixture to the inclusion of medium and working lights. The overhead had changed back to the traditional, flowery light which provides a utility glow to the are. When working in the kitchen track-lighting is still popular as is under-the-cabinet lights and pin spots for hi-lighting specific areas.