"The kitchen is the center of activity for families," said
Jones heads a team of 20 design professionals who oversee interior merchandising and specifications for approximately 1,100
"Most homebuilding companies don't have an internal design voice like we do. It's usually very construction driven," Jones said. "We talk with homebuyers and learn what they want and where they want it to happen. We talk with our homeowners about what they love and what they would change in their current homes – and we use those ideas when designing new homes."
Meanwhile, Jones said the kitchen as "an aesthetic impression" has evolved with clean lines, ample storage, easy to clean and uncluttered spaces. "The kitchen is now a driving force in defining the decor of the home overall."
Seeing Is Believing: Jones said that
"Only 20% of homebuyers have the confidence to visualize and colorize the space. Most homebuyers we talk with tell us they want help in designing their home because going through all the options themselves is a lot of work and stress," Jones said. "This is why showing the latest trends and demonstrating what's possible is so important."
Kitchen Trend Highlights
- Islands: New kitchen layouts and designs are open and island-centric, using multi-functional spaces that allow everything from homework, to craft and work projects to dinner and entertaining. To keep the clutter off the island, but near the kitchen, Pulte has also introduced new home designs that feature Pulte Planning Centers™ for the family. This multi-functional space is close to the kitchen – the main living area of the home - and gives families the room they need to manage their busy lives and stay organized. The designs are the result of considerable consumer research and feedback.
- Color & Appliances: Two-tone colors and contrasting colors on cabinets, counters and appliances are an emerging trend in kitchen design.
PulteGroup is rolling out new Black Ice and White Ice appliances offered by national partner Whirlpool. The new appliance designs are the outcome of extensive consumer research showing kitchens are trending toward more timeless, contemporary styling.
"This is the biggest visible news in the appliance world in years," Jones said, adding that the new look was inspired by popular cutting edge high tech gadgets like Smartphones.
- Storage: The trend in homes is smarter use of space where families spend the most time. For smaller spaces, innovative storage solutions are important, such as: larger deeper drawers in lieu of cabinets on the lower surfaces; pop-up cabinets for heavier kitchen appliances like mixers; vertical pull-out drawers for large trays; shallow storage compartments in previously wasted areas under the sink or stovetop.
"Right now it's all about style and selections meeting convenience and multi-functionality in the kitchen," Jones said.
- Additional Kitchen Trends:
- Oil rubbed bronze fixtures
- Tile with natural-looking materials and larger formatted designs
- Glazed cream colored cabinets
- Painted cabinetry in grey tones
- Contrasting wood floors
- Larger islands that serve as nook spaces
- Space in the kitchen that allows for connectivity
- Contemporary cabinet hardware
- Quartz solid surface manufactured surfaces – "they are becoming favored as much as granite and are expected to continue to gain popularity"
About
For more information about
SOURCE
Jacque Petroulakis, +1-480-391-6169, Jacque.Petroulakis@pultegroup.com