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A Fresh Look at Kitchens

A modern farmhouse design incorporates natural and contemporary elements. Brass hardware and lighting are trending in a fresh, new way.

Yankee Custom Builders in New Canaan, CT, is a customer-centric residential general contractor serving Fairfield and Westchester counties. A portfolio of beautiful homes under his belt, Justin Meneguzzo, president of the company, shares with us his tips on keeping your kitchen on trend.
What are your favorite kitchen design trends for 2019? Trends in 2019 are currently moving towards more natural design and earthy colors. Along those lines, slab backsplashes instead of tile, storage that is tucked away to allow for more windows, “restaurant” style sinks that are longer and have multiple faucets and drains. Built-in banquettes that can also double as a homework area for busy families are trending, too.

What are the most high-impact features of a kitchen? French ranges can be customized to a variety of unique colors and finishes. Turn something utilitarian into the jewel of the room. Also sculptural range hoods utilizing different materials like plaster, wood, metal or a combination of all can provide a striking compliment to the range. Special finishes on the island, like different stone, natural wood, metal legs can open up a range of possibilities.

Light and medium grays combine in this modern kitchen for a pleasing contrast.
Light and medium grays combine in this modern kitchen for a pleasing contrast. (Neil Landino)

What advice do you have for homeowners in determining where to splurge and save in their new kitchen? Areas we suggest saving: quartz and other manmade countertops have come a long way in appearance and are low maintenance; and a found table or piece of furniture can be used as an island. Splurge on customized storage solutions (knife blocks in drawers, tray cabinets, spice racks, appliance garages, garbage drawers. The more you can hide away the better. Your kitchen will always look perfect. Also, splurge on integrated refrigeration that blends with the cabinetry for a seamless look.

Black and white are both traditional and contemporary in this transitional-style kitchen.
Black and white are both traditional and contemporary in this transitional-style kitchen. (Neil Landino)

If you want to stay on-trend, how can you make selections that are fresh but resale friendly? Paint is one of the most cost effective ways to stay on trend and it is easy to change. If you can pick more neutral countertops and backsplashes, it allows you to change the color of the cabinets and walls as trends change.

Yankee Custom Builders: info@yankeecustombuilders.com, 203-588-1556

The range and backsplash tiles provide a pop of on-trend blue to this transitional kitchen.
The range and backsplash tiles provide a pop of on-trend blue to this transitional kitchen. (Jane Beiles)

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