2023 TRENDS IN KITCHENS - THE HEART 0F THE HOME

                                            

A lot of what we see has been around for a little while in some cases and a long while in others but the kitchen is heating up in 2023.

Islands are taking on different shapes and colours. We see stools either facing each other or along one side and around the end so you can sit and talk easier than just all in a line facing one way.  Islands continue to be at times a different material or colour as well as the countertop than the perimeter cabinetry. Many islands are completely different from the perimeter and are free standing and look like furniture pieces, some are rounded at one end. Islands are available that are made of different material than the perimeter cabinets.  They can look like a piece of furniture and some can even be moved.

Perimeter cabinetry can be two different materials between the upper and lower, also incorporating a mix of a painted surface and a natural wood for interest. Open shelving continues but you need to be very tidy or it will drive you nuts if everything is messy. The white kitchen will always be popular and in style, as well as a gray, but many of us have wanted to change to more dramatic cabinet colours like deep Green, Navy, Charcoal and even Black. To achieve a kitchen with colour without going too intense we see greyed blues and greens.

When renovating a kitchen it seems that everybody wants an island and the bigger the better. In reality not every kitchen has the needed space for an island when considering the rest of the kitchen.  You need space to open cabinet doors/drawers, appliances nearby and of course stools. There is a resurgence of the kitchen table in the middle of the room much like what we would have seen long ago before the island invasion. Tables can work for meals but also for prepping and other tasks. Many people select a table that is counter height with stools.

Some popular styles are - Modern rustic style – Natural wood and natural stone

Elegant farmhouse style shaker style cabinets still very popular, apron sinks, stone  backsplashes 

Modern Spanish style – terra cotta floor, island with butcher block, hand painted backsplash tile

The opposite to going dark and dramatic are the warm and soft palettes – Natural light wood cabinets, bronze and brass, light flooring such as a white oak. Wood can live well in a kitchen 

Some of the changes are Commercial style faucets, hands-free/touchless faucets, workstation sinks which have a professional look, and include straining, chopping, drying etc. in a variety of sizes. Again the apron or farm sink and faucets can be stainless, fireclay or now there copper options, oil rubbed bronze. Many kitchen renos add the pot filler over the range. Wine fridges and refrigerator drawers are gaining popularity. 

Induction cooktops - are becoming more popular as they cook quicker and more evenly. They heat up the cookware rather than the stovetop which also is more energy efficient.  Many types of pots and pans can work, however its best to check your cookware with the options that will work.

I could go on and on about all the amazing kitchen options available but this short post gives you the ideas to start thinking about a kitchen change even if only a small update.

Good lighting is very important in every room, but even more so in a kitchen.  There are so many options available that would be another post.

                                    

Dark base cabinet with shelving rather than uppers

Dark wood perimeter cabinets with white waterfall island

Light pastel blue/green cabinets with wood flooring

White perimeter cabinets with dark wood island

Dark blue/navy white countertop

Green lower cabinets with white uppers and white peninsula

Charcoal cabinetry with furniture style wood island

White with freestanding island with shelving

Rounded end of island with seating facing across and the eating portion lower

Farmhouse/modern rustic style featuring wood beams

Natural wood cabinets with wood ceiling beams

Matte black commercial style faucet

Hands free/touchless faucet

Pot filler

Different materials for Farm/Apron front sinks

2023 PAINT TRENDS and SUGGESTIONS

I thought I would follow my last post on colour with the suggested colour trends.  If you are looking for a change this is the year. As we move out of the Covid years somewhat, we may be bored of our homes having spent so much time inside.  Some of us may have used that time to do a few projects if we were able to get the necessary supplies/materials. If not we can start now.  I have been cruising through magazines, TV  decor shows, on line and home furnishing retailers and colour and lots of it is everywhere.

Here are some of the themes/ideas -- 

Greens – they bring the outside in, the darker greens are strong, however we see green pastels as well.  Kitchens are gaining colour in cabinetry which will be discussed in my kitchen post.

Brown and green speak to nature and bringing nature into your home is being mentioned a lot.

We will continue to see pink from the past few years especially a dusty pink which  is soothing

Dark navy is a sophisticated rich colour and by paring two dark unexpected colours is dramatic , for example – chartreuse and dark blue.

Pairing any shade of blue with white and silver is crisp and fresh. Blue and white are classic and work well in any style

The neutral combination of black, white, gray ,neutrals paired with black and white are always in style

Purple is back especially in bedrooms as it looks peaceful, luxurious and romantic.

Black and white are timeless. They create drama and a wow factor.

Brown and blue are on the way back and work in either a modern or traditional look and are more saturated than previously used.

Going dark like black or charcoal can create a space that is contemporary and dramatic, however I believe mixing black and antiques with some gold would be amazing. It can be restful.

The light neutrals will always be in favour for their ability to be used throughout a home to create a continuous flow through the rooms, as well as a calming effect especially with open plan homes.It gives the opportunity to experiment with pops of colour.

Lighter beiges, creams and white are still popular, especially if there is texture. For example a light, warm gray, or a warm white can be sophisticated and refined.

Pale gray

Blue & White

Charcoal gray

Blue and White

White

Charcoal

Dark and dramatic

Black and white

Deep Blue

Neutral throughout

Purple lavender

Black

Bright purple & Chartreuse

Soft neutral

Dark & cozy

Focal wall

Check back to see additional decor posts featuring kitchens and baths

 

2023 Back at it

Welcome back !!

I started this blog in 2009 to correspond with my design and decor business. Just prior to and during Covid showing up we moved.  It was to happen just prior to Covid but plans change. I wasn't doing much on my blog at that time, but there were a few interesting posts in 2021 and 2022 in the archives.

I planned to retire, however I had some former clients contact me and I couldn't resist doing some small projects. So... here I am working on a couple of projects and getting back to my blog now and keeping up with what is happening in design. I never really stopped checking out design and decor trends.  I am passionate about this business so I may get my feet wet in my new town which is Dundas, Ontario.

I will be sending this post to people who were following my blog way back as well as other contacts I have kept up with. I am hoping you will start to follow again but if you don't wish to,  just ignore or let me know and I can remove you. 

All the best in 2023.

Jeannette

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2023

Welcome to 2023!

I have been a  little behind in posting this past few months but I am back in the saddle as the saying goes. Unfortunately my computer is still on a break, however I believe it is back now.

Every year the Colour Marketing Board announce what they deem to be the colour of the year.

All the large paint companies also offer the colour of the year from their palettes.  This year the CMB has selected Viva Magenta.18-1750.  They describe it to have vim and vigor.  It comes from the red family which expresses strength. It is bold, brave and fearless and promotes optimism  It connects to nature which is a theme throughout the design industry as well as all other areas such as graphics and design, fashion, beauty, home furnishings and accessories.

I have to say it is a very uplifting and cheerful colour which we can enjoy after the past few Covid years.

Below are a few bright photos which certainly are alive and fun. 

My next few posts will be about the 2023 Trends to look forward to.

Home Decor in Dundas ON

Dundas ON is booming this summer with new shops.  I love everything about this town however I am focusing on gift and home decor shops in this blog.  Being an Interior Decorator/Design Consultant I am very excited about this shop.

WELCOME TO OLIVER AND CO home

Oliver and Co. Home - 56 King Street W., Dundas, ON. L9H 1T8 opened it's doors for a grand opening on July 16.  The first thing you will notice is the beautiful entrance, painted in the loveliest greens, along with a black awning. There are large windows with displays to welcome you to come inside.   This store has so many beautiful items it will take a while to see everything.  Products change regularly so it will always be interesting to drop in. The quality of the merchandise is excellent. I have already been twice.  I love the type of products they carry. The products lean to a French aesthetic, combining elegance, simplicity, comfort and beauty.  This can  work well in all or most settings. There is something for everyone looking for a gift or a little something to treat themselves. There are many different decor items ranging from candles, linens, topiaries, soaps, toss cushions, art, lanterns and much more. 

The store displays are incredibly creative. I found it so beautiful I did not want to leave.

Great job Kathryn and Mike !!

Below are a few photos I took during my visit.

New Retail Store in Dundas Ontario - Tessi & Co.

 Greetings everyone !!

Well summer arrived in all it's glory with blazing temperatures.  Much better than cold and snow.  I have been a little under the weather for a few weeks however I am now up and out checking the new gift shops and home decor stores.

Tessi & Co. in Dundas - 43 Cootes Dr., Dundas, ON L9H 1B5

Located in a rustic building and having many different offerings.  This store carries indoor plants, upcycled fashion, jewellery, vintage furniture, art, consignment items  gifts and much more.  The store is a collaboration of many creative small businesses in one store.  There are several rooms to browse through. I had to return a 2nd time to get a good look at everything they carry.  I know I will be returning again and again to check out new merch and pick up goodies for friends and of course pour moi.

Below are some photos I took of the store beginning with a huge statue of a leafy lady at the entrance created by the person who takes care of the plants in the store.

This is a fun and interesting shop!!

                                            WELCOME TO TESS & CO

2022 colour of the year

 As always the Colour Marketing Group Have named the colour that will be seen in 2022.

ANNOUNCING THE PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2022

PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri

“The Pantone Color of the Year reflects what is taking place in our global culture, expressing what people are looking for that color can hope to answer.” added Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. “Creating a new color for the first time in the history of our Pantone Color of the Year educational color program reflects the global innovation and transformation taking place. As society continues to recognize color as a critical form of communication, and a way to express and affect ideas and emotions and engage and connect, the complexity of this new red violet infused blue hue highlights the expansive possibilities that lay before us”.

Encompassing the qualities of the blues, yet at the same time possessing a violet-red undertone, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri displays a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages courageous creativity and imaginative expression.

At this time of year every well known paint company selects their own personal colour of the year.

This is exactly what we need - a little joy after the past two years of covid19 and to help our spirits as we move through this year.