Today's Kitchen is "the New Living Room"

It might seem odd that a businessman like Jack Kellerman would be so attuned to what's in style - but he is. The president of Kellerman Kitchen & Bath says that kitchen trends are like fashion and pop culture.

"Just like hair and clothes, things change," Kellerman said.

Instead of being strictly a functional place to prepare, cook and serve, kitchens have become much more.

"Now people are creating a whole ambiance with their kitchens," Kellerman said. "Kitchens are being designed so they're open to the rest of the house. On holidays or if you're entertaining, everyone is going to end up in the kitchen."

In other words, kitchens have become "the new living room," he said.

Homeowners have adjusted to the shift.

"People are starting to spend a lot more on their kitchen," Kellerman said. "They want to get it designed just perfect."

One of the biggest considerations when designing a kitchen is cabinetry.

"Fifteen years ago, almost every kitchen was stark white," Kellerman said. Then came the stained wood phase. Now cabinets have glazed finishes, which reflect an "Old World" style.

But Kellerman said there is something new on the horizon: the European style. The theme is simplicity. Cabinets aren't as ornate, as the look is clean, sleek and modern. Kellerman predicts this style will replace the Old-World look, but not for a few years.

As with most trends, people eventually get tired of them, and that holds true for countertop materials.

"More and more people are asking, 'What else is there besides granite?'," Kellerman said, referring to the dominant material on the market.

An emerging alternative is quartz, he said. It is more consistent and harder than granite and comes in many colors.

Another big trend is furniture islands. They can be a great place to utilize the most cutting-edge appliances and gadgets.

For example, Kellerman noted the new microwave drawer.

"You open it and you can look down into it. It's a good use of space," Kellerman said.

Other appliances are following the drawer trend, such as refrigerators and dishwashers.

Ice makers are also big.

"Once you live with an icemaker, you can't live without it," Kellerman said.

For refrigerators, the cabinet-style panel has lost its appeal, replaced in popularity by stainless steel, Kellerman said.

And forget flat-surface electric cooktops. These days people are installing industrial, professional ranges. Some do it because they like to cook; others like the look, Kellerman said.

Stove hoods have become an opportunity for creativity and architectural appeal. Materials include copper, stone and more.

Behind the stove is a new gadget: the pot and kettle filler, or water faucet. This trend is sure to make home chefs happy by cutting out a trip to the sink.

At the sink, the latest craze is the faucet/sprayer combo, which saves space and is visually pleasing.

As for floors, a new, practical material is gaining in popularity, and that is Amtico, Kellerman said. This product authentically mimics styles like wood and ceramic, even creating three-dimensional effects. In addition to being waterproof, it doesn't splinter, warp, fade, stain or swell. And, "it's not cold under your feet," Kellerman added.

A great factor to consider that is not only practical but adds aesthetic appeal is lighting.

"People are starting to realize the importance of lighting," Kellerman said.

Strategically placed lights can add a special touch, whether under countertops, in cabinets or above cabinets.

The possibilities in kitchen design are endless and exciting. However, abundant choices can have a pitfall, Kellerman warned.

"You can have the nicest cabinets, the most beautiful countertops and the best floors, but when you put it all together it doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be a beautiful kitchen," Kellerman said.

(c) 2007 Advocate; Baton Rouge, La.. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.