Top Kitchen Cabinet Trends of 2018
The year 2018 saw a surge in kitchen renovations, and with it, a renewed focus on cabinet design. Homeowners sought styles that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the latest trends in interior design. This resulted in a diverse range of cabinet styles, finishes, and materials gaining popularity.
Shaker Cabinet Style
The shaker style remained a top choice for its timeless appeal and versatility. This style, characterized by its simple, clean lines and recessed panel doors, seamlessly blends with both traditional and modern kitchen designs. The shaker cabinet’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to create a sense of warmth and sophistication, while remaining adaptable to various color palettes and hardware choices.
Modern Cabinet Style
Modern kitchens embraced sleek, minimalist designs, with a focus on functionality and clean lines. Modern cabinets often featured flat-panel doors, integrated handles, and a limited use of ornamentation. This style exuded a sense of contemporary elegance, reflecting a preference for streamlined aesthetics and efficient use of space.
Traditional Cabinet Style
Traditional cabinet styles continued to hold their own, offering a classic and enduring look. These cabinets often featured intricate details, such as raised panels, ornate moldings, and decorative hardware. Traditional cabinets provided a sense of warmth and sophistication, often incorporating rich wood tones and finishes.
Cabinet Finishes and Colors
The color palette for kitchen cabinets in 2018 reflected a move towards both neutral and bold choices. While white remained a popular choice for its ability to brighten and enlarge spaces, homeowners also embraced bolder hues like navy blue, gray, and green. These darker colors added depth and sophistication to kitchens, creating a dramatic and modern feel.
Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware played a crucial role in defining the overall aesthetic of a kitchen. In 2018, there was a growing preference for minimalist and functional hardware. Brushed nickel, black matte, and oil-rubbed bronze finishes were popular choices, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to cabinets. Sleek, linear handles and knobs were favored over ornate designs, further enhancing the modern and minimalist feel of many kitchens.
Cabinet Materials
The materials used for kitchen cabinets in 2018 reflected a balance between durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Wood remained a popular choice, with maple, cherry, and oak being favored for their natural beauty and durability. However, homeowners also embraced alternative materials like laminate, which offered a more affordable and durable option, mimicking the look of wood without the high cost. Painted finishes also gained popularity, allowing for a wide range of colors and styles, adding a touch of personalization to kitchens.
Functional Features and Innovations
In 2018, kitchen cabinet trends went beyond aesthetics, focusing on enhancing functionality and incorporating smart features. This shift reflected a growing demand for kitchens that were not only stylish but also practical and efficient.
Enhanced Storage Solutions
The year 2018 witnessed a surge in demand for innovative storage solutions within kitchen cabinets. These solutions aimed to maximize space utilization and create a more organized kitchen environment.
- Pull-out drawers: These were highly sought-after, offering easy access to items stored at the back of cabinets. They provided a clear view of the contents, eliminating the need to rummage through cluttered shelves.
- Spice racks: These were integrated into cabinets, creating a dedicated space for spices. This eliminated the need for separate spice racks on countertops, freeing up valuable space.
- Hidden storage compartments: Cabinets with built-in compartments, such as drawers within drawers or pull-out shelves, offered discreet storage for items that were not frequently used. This helped to maintain a clutter-free appearance in the kitchen.
Integration of Technology
The integration of technology in kitchen cabinets was a defining trend in 2018. Smart features and integrated appliances brought a new level of convenience and efficiency to the kitchen.
- Smart cabinets: Some cabinets incorporated smart features like motion-sensing lights that automatically illuminated the interior when a door was opened. This provided hands-free lighting, enhancing visibility and convenience.
- Integrated appliances: The integration of appliances like coffee makers, microwaves, or even refrigerators into kitchen cabinets was a growing trend. This streamlined the kitchen design and offered a more cohesive aesthetic.
Innovative Cabinet Designs for Space Optimization
Kitchen designers and manufacturers addressed the challenges of limited space and awkward layouts with innovative cabinet designs. These designs maximized storage capacity and created a more functional and user-friendly kitchen environment.
- Corner cabinets: These were designed to optimize the often-underutilized corner space. They featured pull-out shelves or carousels that allowed easy access to items stored in the corners.
- Vertical storage: This approach maximized vertical space by incorporating tall cabinets or pantries. This freed up valuable floor space and provided ample storage for larger items.
- Under-sink storage: Under-sink cabinets were redesigned to offer more efficient storage options. This included pull-out drawers, tiered shelves, and adjustable organizers to maximize the space beneath the sink.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: Top Kitchen Cabinets 2018
In 2018, the kitchen design world was embracing a new wave of consciousness, with sustainability and environmental responsibility taking center stage. Consumers were increasingly demanding eco-friendly options, and manufacturers were responding with innovative solutions.
Top kitchen cabinets 2018 – This shift towards sustainability wasn’t just a trend; it was a fundamental change in the way kitchens were being designed and built. Consumers were becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, and they were looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. This awareness extended to every aspect of their homes, including their kitchens.
Recycled Materials and Eco-Friendly Finishes, Top kitchen cabinets 2018
The use of recycled materials was becoming increasingly common in kitchen cabinetry. Manufacturers were incorporating recycled wood, bamboo, and even recycled plastic into their designs. This not only reduced the demand for virgin materials but also helped to divert waste from landfills.
Eco-friendly finishes were also gaining popularity. Water-based paints, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) varnishes, and natural oils were replacing traditional, more environmentally harmful finishes. These eco-friendly options offered a healthier and more sustainable alternative for homeowners.
Energy-Efficient Cabinet Construction
Energy-efficient cabinet construction was another area where sustainability was making a significant impact. Manufacturers were focusing on using insulation and energy-saving lighting to reduce energy consumption. Some companies even offered cabinets made with recycled materials that were specifically designed to be energy-efficient.
- Insulated Cabinets: Cabinets with insulation helped to improve energy efficiency by reducing heat transfer, keeping kitchens cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This reduced the strain on HVAC systems and lowered energy bills.
- LED Lighting: LED lighting was becoming the standard for kitchen cabinets, offering significant energy savings over traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights were also longer-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Recycled Materials: Some manufacturers were using recycled materials like post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic in their cabinet construction. This practice diverted waste from landfills and reduced the demand for virgin materials.
Companies Prioritizing Sustainability
Several companies were leading the way in sustainable kitchen cabinetry. These companies were committed to using eco-friendly materials, implementing sustainable manufacturing practices, and offering products that were both beautiful and environmentally responsible.
- Method Home: Method Home was known for its commitment to sustainability, using recycled materials and eco-friendly finishes in its cabinets. They also offered a wide range of sustainable kitchen products, including countertops and hardware.
- IKEA: IKEA was a global leader in sustainable furniture, and their kitchen cabinets were no exception. They used recycled materials, sustainable wood, and energy-efficient construction methods to create a range of affordable and eco-friendly kitchen solutions.
- Shaw Cabinets: Shaw Cabinets was another company that prioritized sustainability. They offered cabinets made with recycled materials and used water-based finishes to minimize environmental impact.
Remember those sleek, minimalist kitchen cabinets that were all the rage in 2018? They were all about clean lines and functionality, and that’s where a lazy susan attached to cabinet door comes in handy. It’s the perfect way to maximize space and keep everything organized, making your kitchen feel as chic as those trendy cabinets.
So, you’re thinking about updating your kitchen? Top kitchen cabinets in 2018 were all about that farmhouse vibe, and you can’t go wrong with a tall farmhouse cabinet with sliding barn doors to complete the look. They’re practical, add a touch of rustic charm, and just scream “cozy” – perfect for those intimate gatherings with friends.
Whatever style you’re going for, don’t forget to check out the latest trends in kitchen cabinets for 2023, you might find some amazing new ideas!
