SINKS
High-tech centres: sinks with integrated stainless steel counters on either side are large enough to act as built-in drainboards, work surfaces or to perform tasks such as defrosting a steak.
Accessories for sink centres: built-in cutting boards that double as extended work surfaces and wire racks.
Apron-front sinks: still popular in country or traditional looks, whether in fireclay or given a modern update in stainless steel.
LIGHTING
Energy efficiency: as important as illumination or style.
Multiple light sources: task, overhead and accent; allow you to customize the lighting level for the task at hand.
Dimmers: for all the light sources in the room, now de rigueur for both energy savings and mood.
Advances in technology: will make incandescent, and soon even halogen, a thing of the past; LEDs, though limited in light output individually, can be used in multiples to provide a clean, white light in task areas, such as under the upper cabinets or as accent lighting inside glass-front cabinets (where
their cool-burning quality makes them very safe to use).
Chandeliers: add an elegant touch overhead, especially if fitted with new dimmable CFL bulbs.
FLOORING
Natural, sustainable materials: such as bamboo, which grows so fast that it is considered a renewable resource, or cork, which does not harm the tree when harvested. Where hardwoods (and other woods) are used, a new commitment to sustainable harvestingand manufacturing, from forest to floor; consumers are asking questions and educating themselves.
Radiant heat: especially under 'cold' floors, such as stone or porcelain tile; comfortable underfoot and can actually reduce your home's overall heating costs.
HIGH-TECH
The kitchen is becoming by far the most technically advanced room in the house, from appliances with built-in computers that can be programmed to store and integrate all kinds of information to built-in TVs, computers, music and entertainment units or "smart" house controls for such things as
temperature, humidity levels and lighting.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Energy-efficient appliances: even compared to just a few years ago, providing more and better features.
Smaller appliances: with the capacity and/or efficiency of larger units: water-saving dishwashers, induction cooktops, fridge and cooking drawers, dual convection/microwave ovens.
Lighting technologies: LEDs replacing incandescents and halogens, while providing more focused, brighter light.
State-of-the-art manufacturing methods: consider sustainability from raw materials to the finished kitchen, (through fair-trade sourcing and labour, reduced or reusable packaging, sound manufacturing methods and/or reduced waste).
Environmentally friendly paints, glues and varnishes that reduce outgassing and other chemical-based hazards.
Read more in Kitchen & Bath and Kitchen
1 Comment
Another new thing I've come across is KNIFAWAY. It is a knife storage solution and fits INSIDE a kitchen cupboard door. That way, my knives are hidden (and I was able to clear my counter of that unsightly big knife block)yet easy to access. It is very inexpensive yet works perfectly (what more could you ask for?). This is the best kept secret!