Here are five Vienna kitchen remodeling trends to keep in mind as you start planning your own kitchen improvements. A kitchen update is a project most homeowners choose to pursue because they want a cooking and social gathering spot that’s modern, visually appealing, and functional. From using different cabinet, countertop, and flooring materials to replacing outdated lighting and plumbing fixtures, there are many things that can be done to achieve these goals.

1. Smart Kitchens

A “smart kitchen” simply refers to the use of the latest available technology with everything from appliances to fixtures. For example, you might opt for motion sensor faucets that turn on when hands are detected or lights or appliances that can be controlled with your smartphone or tablet. With appliances, in particular, more homeowners are investing in refrigerators with touchscreen features and stoves with smart sensors that adjust cooking temperatures as necessary.

2. Hardwood and Ceramic Flooring

Because of its durability, natural beauty, and versatility, hardwood flooring has long been a favorite choice for homeowners, which is why it’s still trendy today. In kitchens, it can serve as a perfect complement to other sources of wood in your design, like your countertops and cabinets. A popular trend with hardwood floors, especially ones in kitchen-dining areas, is to paint them in vibrant, bright, or bold colors. Ceramic tile flooring is an equally trendy choice for kitchen makeovers these days. Ceramic tiles are appealing because they can replicate many other materials. You’ll also have a lot of flexibility with tile sizes and shapes.

3. Quartz and Granite Countertops

A choice you’ll likely have to make during a kitchen remodel is your preference for countertop materials. The top two trendy options are quartz and granite. Quartz is a good choice if you regularly use your countertop since it’s a highly durable material. Quartz is also available styles that include traditional cream and taupe designs, brighter yellows and greens, midnight black and rich reds, and swirl and intricate deep mix patterns. Aside from being made from a super earth-friendly material, granite countertops are appealing because they are easy to repair and complemented by a high sheen that naturally enhances the colors and patterns.

4. Dark, White, and Gray Color Schemes

White is still a popular color scheme with kitchen colors, partly because of the ability to incorporate so many different other colors in your kitchen design with wall colors, cabinets, and various accent pieces. If you prefer more versatility and some depth with color choices for your cabinets and other main kitchen features, explore various shades of gray. Both white and gray color schemes can produce a fresh, modern look. Darker color schemes are also growing in popularity in kitchens. Darker cabinets and countertops or backsplashes and floors with richer, darker tones can give a kitchen a rich, luxurious look. Darker blues and varying shades of red and purple are especially trendy today.

5. Dressed Up or Concealed Range Hoods

This one is actually related to another trend that’s not going away anytime soon – open shelving in kitchens. If you are going to go with open shelving as part of your remodel, this means you’ll have a void where upper cabinetry would normally go. Take advantage of this space by dressing up your range hood. Many homeowners are exploring options such as copper sheeting complemented with rivets and straps. On the other hand, if you want to play up your cabinetry, another trend worth considering is a concealed range hood that keeps the focal point on your other kitchen features.

A kitchen remodel that’s done right could earn you a return on investment of at least 70 percent of your original costs should you decide to sell your home. Even if you have no plans to move any time soon, a kitchen update can result in a space that’s more in line with your current living preferences and needs. A home remodeling contractor can help you determine how to incorporate some of the trends discussed here into your own kitchen improvement plans.

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