The new year is a time for renewal and trying different things, which is why so many of us choose to start new projects around that time. If you’ve been thinking about adding some new appliances to your kitchen, then there’s no better time than now to get that started. Whether you’re completely redesigning your kitchen or just adding to your repertoire, here are a few modern kitchen appliance trends that you can use for inspiration as you start making plans for the new year:

Built-In Appliances

Open-concept kitchens have been a popular design for several years now and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Gone are the days of cramped kitchen counters covered in appliances of all kinds, replaced with spacious kitchens that flow naturally into other rooms. As part of this particular design trend, more and more people have been opting for built-in appliances that are integrated into the counter space instead of sticking out or taking up room somewhere else. If you’re looking for a cooking area that’s a little more adaptable and open, consider finding appliances that are built-in instead of freestanding. Microwaves, stovetops, and ovens are all popular built-in appliances that can be tucked neatly into the existing counter space.

Kitchen Islands

If you have enough space, a kitchen island is a great way to give yourself a little more counter space without compromising your open kitchen plan. An island can also act as a symbolic barrier separating the kitchen area from the rest of the room without having to actually block access in any way. These days, lots of people are integrating their ranges into kitchen islands to centralize the workspace and allow them to engage with the rest of the home while they’re cooking. An island is also a great place for a kitchen sink if you already have your stovetop set up somewhere else.

Appliances with Bright Colors

For a long time, pristine white kitchens were the dominant trend in design, but these days things are starting to change. White can be a little sterile, and more and more people are looking for ways to express a little more personality in their homes, including in the kitchen. Appliances in dark, bold colors can add a great contrast to your kitchen, or more neutral or soft colors can create an inviting feel. Alternatively, you can always just mix and match to create a kitchen vibe that’s all your own.

Stainless Steel

On the other hand, if you’re getting enough color from your kitchen counters, tiles, and backsplashes, stainless steel appliances offer a classic look that never goes out of style. Stainless steel complements just about any other color scheme, and it also holds up well to the inevitable messes that cooking brings. Because steel is a lot less porous than most countertop materials, it’s extremely easy to just wipe clean when you’re finished cooking. Refrigerators, stovetops, and microwaves are a few appliances that look great in stainless steel.

Natural Colors

Another great way to breathe some life into your kitchen is to emphasize natural tones. It’s never a bad idea to add some plants to any room, but that’s especially true if you’re trying to create a warm, lively kitchen. If you have the time and the inclination, the kitchen is a great place to keep an herb garden. You can also pick up some mixing bowls and other dishes in natural colors to help emphasize that vibe. If you have non-patterned tile or backsplashes, then getting some mixing bowls with patterns is a great choice.

Smart Appliances

If you want to bring your kitchen into the 21st century, then now is a great time to check out some of the new smart appliances on the market. Smart fridges have been around for a little while now, but in recent years they’ve been joined by all kinds of other connected appliances. Smart toasters help you make sure your bread is always perfectly brown, and new smart stoves and ranges allow you to focus on other things while you’re cooking. You can even pick up an automatic mixer to save your arm when you’re baking.

Multi-Use Appliances

As trends continue to move towards a more open kitchen plan, open counter space continues to be sought-after. Help clear some of the clutter out of your kitchen by picking up some multi-use appliances that combine a few different things into one package. Stand mixers are a great replacement for a handful of appliances, and there are plenty of combination ovens out there that include convection cookers, air fryers, and all kinds of other features. You can open up some flexibility as well by aiming for cordless appliances that can be placed just about anywhere in the kitchen.

Commercial-Style Appliances

If you’re ready to step your cooking game up to the next level, there are a ton of professional-style appliances out there at consumer prices. Of course, these appliances can be a little more expensive than the standard models, but they offer plenty of features that you can use to cook more complicated meals and dishes. If you already have the standard consumer kitchen of your dreams but still find yourself yearning for more, consider taking a look at some commercial-style appliances.

What About the Old Appliances? When you re-do your kitchen, you might be surprised by how much junk is left over. Not only is there construction debris if you’re changing your counters or other design elements, but you also have to find a way to get rid of the old appliances you’re replacing. That’s where junk removal services come in. With a company like Junk King Portland, you can get all the clean-up taken care of without having to lift a finger yourself. You can get a free cost estimate from Junk King by giving us a call at (503) 549-4734, using our free online price estimation tool, or by setting up an in-person assessment today.