- There are several trendy styles of kitchen décor. French country and cottage styles incorporate rustic finishes and eclectic pieces. Tuscan kitchens feature warm and robust colors and architectural features such as arches and skylights. Mid-century-modern kitchens have clean lines and ample counter space, while bohemian-modern kitchens feature homey touches and bright colors. Contemporary kitchens offer sleek lines and the latest in gadgets and finishes. The new eco-design trend is characterized by organic cotton textiles, natural wood finishes and integration of nature into the room.
- The basic essentials of kitchens do not vary widely, because nearly everyone requires a stove, oven, refrigerator, sink, storage and counter space, but there are many variations. Some kitchens are eat-in style, with ample room for a table and chairs, while others may only offer a corner window suitable for a breakfast nook. Many apartment kitchens are galley style, leaving no room for furniture. Regardless, you can use paint, textiles, accessories, cooking utensils and containers to create or extend a look.
- Kitchen palettes tend toward the light and bright, with window coverings that are more minimal than those in the bedroom, living room or bathroom because there is less need for privacy. Walls can be white, antique white, mellow yellow, faded cornflower blue or gray with blue undertones. Wooden cabinets, cupboards, shelves, floors and beams may be painted or left unpainted and stained.
- All types of kitchen designs strive to make an intelligent use of space over design elements. After all, a table does no service if it's too big to allow people to walk around it comfortably. Large overhead cupboards can get in the way of a tight kitchen space, because they do not allow people to lean over counters as they prepare food. In very tight kitchens, there may be design innovations such as in-cabinet and under-cabinet appliances, swing-out tables and built-in shelves.
- Television programs such as "Divine Design" and "Spice Up My Kitchen" showcase hot trends in kitchen makeovers. Some popular features include tile insets, open floor plans between the kitchen and dining areas, repurposed and refinished pieces, and eye-catching lighting options such as chandeliers.
