Sleek Storage

Cabinetry impacts so much of the available space in the kitchen that the look and function must be given careful consideration for a cohesive kitchen design.

Cabinetry is the backbone of the kitchen design due to its role in what is a highly functional space. The kitchen requires surfaces for working, spaces for appliances to cook and house food, and ample storage to hold all the necessary tools. All of these functions are made possible through cabinetry, which means it's usually the first element to be determined. Making cabinetry selections such as finish, color, layout and door style can establish the design of the rest of the space. Aesthetically, rather than specific trends toward a particular cabinet color or finish, there's a move towards mixed finishes and a broader range of options.

A clean aesthetic, open shelving for accents and customized storage solutions are also top trends for kitchen cabinetry, according to manufacturers recently surveyed by Kitchen & Bath Design News.

Outdoor Expansion

As outdoor entertaining increases, outdoor kitchen spaces are becoming more elaborate, incorporating the same elements included in the indoor kitchen. This means storage is more important, and a lot more thought is put into the outdoor cabinetry.

In the outdoor space, darker colors and natural tones are popular, but vibrant colors are also working their way into the space.