5 Home Trends That Will Simplify Your Life

Are you searching for home projects that will improve your daily life in addition to upgrading the look and feel of your home? The latest trends are right there with you, making for a more relaxed atmosphere and even healthier eating! Here, award-winning designer Toni Sabatino shares five design trends that will help you get things done and be happier and healthier at home.

1. “Hidden” Kitchens

Today’s open kitchens allow you to see in from other areas of the home, like the living or dining room. So, whether you’re reading on your couch or paying your bills, the sight of your refrigerator magnets, microwave or cluttered shelves can keep you on alert. Hidden kitchens put those things out of sight, and out of mind, so you can be more productive and relaxed at home.

“The open kitchen trend encourages lots of hidden storage and fully integrated appliances for a streamlined look,” Sabatino Says. “Tall walls of storage and appliances paired with a large island and seating for prepping and entertaining continue to gain popularity. Cabinet manufacturers are creating solutions that hide cooking and sink areas as well.”

2. Organic Modernism

Organic modernism blends minimalism and modernism with natural elements. Nature is rejuvenating and keeps us grounded when we don’t have time for a walk or hike. And minimal, modern décor cuts the clutter for less visual stimulation.

“I think simple, clean lines using organic materials is a trend that will stay with us for some time,” Sabatino says. “Wood, stone, iron, matte black and tiles in colors found in nature create a neutral, contemporary look. Accented with industrial-look kitchen furniture and open shelving, this style is sophisticated and family-friendly, as the finishes generally have great durability.”

3. Smart(er) Appliances

Appliances are getting so smart that they can nearly anticipate our needs. Now, smart home features and smart appliances can communicate with one another and operate based on direction from your phone, data and the environment. For example, you might program your shades to close and your fan to spin when your home reaches just the right temperature.

“There are now numerous appliance manufacturers that offer connectivity through your phone or with voice control,” Sabatino says. “This convenience helps you multitask and save time. New smart features allow for download of recipes and network-enabled diagnostics for service.”

4. Wireless Charging Stations

How many times have you been working off of a recipe on your phone in the kitchen, only to have it die mid-stir? Nowadays, we’re getting our long charger cords off of the counters – and away from the splashing sink water. Charging wirelessly through our countertops helps us reduce clutter and inconvenience.

“I think the convenience of wireless, invisible charging stations in kitchen counters will become mainstream,” Sabatino says. “We are never far from our phones, and it seems safer and more convenient to be able to charge wirelessly.”

5. Healthier, Easier Cooking

Cooking takes time, patience and a little bit of skill – and many of us are far too busy to cook from scratch or a meal plan. We need faster, more efficient options, which sometimes aren’t very healthy. New convection steam ovens and induction cooktops make fast, healthy cooking much simpler. And they’re now more accessible and easier to integrate than ever.

“Steam cooking retains nutrients destroyed by microwave cooking and is also a very efficient way to reheat food without changing the texture,” Sabatino says. “Convection adds the browning option to steam cooking to create healthier, crispier, juicier dishes in less time than a standard oven. Induction is very easy to operate and boils water faster than gas.”