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Top Trends in Modern Kitchens

by | Mar 9, 2016 | Living Urban | 0 comments

Many Portland neighborhoods are populated by older homes that help to give the city its characteristic charm and retro vibe. However, just because you’ve purchased a Craftsman or Victorian style home doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t give it some modernism, especially where the kitchen is concerned. If you’re looking for ways to update your kitchen, here are just a few of the top trends you might want to employ.

Sustainable Materials

Hardwood floors are definitely trending in Portland lofts, but the price certainly isn’t. Luckily, reclaimed woods are becoming more readily available. With a lower price point and the patina of age, these materials are preferable to many homeowners. Vintage tiles are also an option, and as for countertops, materials like colored concrete and recycled glass surfaces are less expensive than natural stone, far more convenient in terms of usage and cleaning, and definitely more eco-friendly.

DIY Tile Design

Portland condos, like any condos, can feel a little cookie cutter. The good news is that you don’t have to do a complete remodel to add some personality. Instead, head to a site like Fireclay Tile and get busy with the Color-It! tool that lets you choose from dozens of patterns and colors to create your very own custom tiles for your floor, counter, or backsplash.

Gold Revival

Brass fixtures (not antique, but bright) harken back to another era in kitchen decor. Yet golden accents seem to be making a comeback, with brass, copper, and even rose gold on the menu. Apparently homeowners want a warmer touch in the kitchen after the long dominance of cold stainless steel. Whatever the cause, Portland modern homes can enjoy an easy makeover by updating faucets or adding golden-hued accents like pots and pans, coffee makers, and even trash cans trimmed in gold.

Smart Home Amenities

Automation is the name of the game in modern kitchens, with touch taps and even motion-sensor faucets becoming the norm, not to mention lights that turn on and off automatically when you enter or leave a room. But these eco-friendly fixes are far from the best you can do these days. With smart home technology you can have a connected kitchen – one that syncs with smartphone apps to tailor lighting preferences to your presence or even play music. Plus, you can remotely control lighting, thermostat, and appliances when you’re on the go. You’ll never again have to worry about whether or not you left the oven on.

photo credit: Home-Designing