Sometimes the cutting edge fashion of kitchens and baths from the country’s more influential designers aren’t always adopted by the market. Homeowners in one geographical area respond differently than other areas due to local traditions, flare, and community sub-culture. So we thought we would reveal to our readers what we’re seeing as the real trends here in Raleigh, NC and the surrounding areas with respect to practical kitchen remodeling projects.
Kitchen Remodeling Trends
What’s In:
- Full Slab and “Skinny Shaker” Cabinets: The majority of homes in this area are transitional in style, with others reflecting traditional, modern, industrial, or country farmhouse influences. However, homeowners are increasingly drawn to modern cabinet designs, particularly full slab and “skinny shaker” styles. Full slab cabinets feature completely flat doors, offering a sleek, minimalist appearance. The “skinny shaker” style (also called a petite door) is a refined variation of the popular flat-panel shaker trend, one of the biggest cabinet trends in years, featuring very narrow rails around the door perimeter for a sleek, elegant look. While these styles are not as widely available as traditional cabinet options, Azalea Kitchens offers multiple cabinet lines that feature both full slab and petite door styles, often at price points similar to mainstream designs.
- Push-To-Open Doors and Drawers: In line with the minimalist approach, we’re seeing a growing demand for “Push-To-Open” doors and drawers. These designs eliminate the need for traditional hardware, like handles or knobs, and create a streamlined, modern look. While this design choice is popular in Europe, it is less common in the U.S., which often surprises our European and Middle Eastern clients. The mechanism for drawers is more intricate than that for doors, contributing to slightly higher costs.
- Open Concept Kitchens: The trend to open the space to better connect the kitchen, dining room and living room is still going strong. Some influential designers had called an end to the trend but we’re still getting asked for it and we think it’s useful in many homes. As a licensed NC General Contractor remodeler, we’re moving walls all the time to accommodate such needs.
What’s Out:
- Traditional Decorative Elements: Many traditional decorative elements like drywalled soffits, drywalled pantries, false turned posts, fluted panels, and corbels are falling out of favor. Homeowners are seeking cleaner, more modern lines that offer a timeless appeal without the excess embellishments.
- Bar Height Walls: We are cutting down (or more often removing) bar height walls. Instead, many are opting for countertop-level overhang seating, which creates an inviting, multifunctional space that connects the kitchen with the rest of the home.
- Staggered Wall Cabinets: The once-common staggered look at the top of wall cabinets has gone out of style. Now we’re seeing a trend toward cleaner, more uniform lines at the top of cabinets to enhance the modern aesthetic.
- Tile Flooring: We continue to recommend no tile floors in kitchens. Homeowners are choosing a single flooring style to create a more cohesive and inviting atmosphere throughout the home.
Bath Remodeling Trends
What’s In:
- Vertical Shower Tiles: Vertical tiles are making a big splash in bathroom design. Installing tiles vertically can create the illusion of higher ceilings and a more spacious shower area.
- Taller Shower Niches for Pump Bottles: Homeowners are opting for taller shower niches to accommodate larger, pump-style shampoo and conditioner bottles.
- Integrated Dry-Off Benches in Wet Rooms: Wet rooms are gaining popularity, and with that, comes the trend of incorporating a dry-off bench within the space. A wet room is a fully waterproofed area that includes both the shower and other elements without partitions. The addition of a dry-off bench offers both convenience and a spa-like feel, providing a comfortable seating area to dry off after a shower.
What’s Out:
- Large Spa Tubs and Deck Drop-In Tubs: Large spa tubs, especially the fiberglass ones, are being replaced by more modern, free-standing tubs. Acrylic tubs have made free-standing models more affordable, making them a popular choice for homeowners seeking a stylish and functional tub.
- Wainscot Height Wall Tile: Wainscot height wall tiles are being replaced with cleaner, more modern wall treatments.
- Large Mirrors: Large, single mirrors are giving way to smaller, separate mirrors over each sink. Whether powered (backlit) or more basic in design, separate mirrors offer a more personalized and functional approach to bathroom design.
Lighting Trends
In both kitchens and bathrooms, LED recessed ceiling lights on dimmer switches continue to dominate as the primary lighting source. These lights provide diffused, ambient light and can be adjusted for optimal brightness. In addition to recessed lighting, we’re seeing more pendant lights, task lighting, and popular under-cabinet and in-cabinet LED lighting to complement the overall design. Our recessed ceiling lights are always equipped with dimmer switches and light color-selectable options, allowing homeowners to customize the lighting temperature (Kelvin scale) to suit their preferences.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we look ahead to 2025, we anticipate these trends will continue to shape kitchen and bath remodeling in the Raleigh area. Homeowners are seeking designs that reflect their modern lifestyles while still honoring local traditions and preferences. If you’re ready to transform your kitchen or bathroom, we at Azalea Kitchens are here to help you navigate the latest trends, offering quality craftsmanship and expert advice every step of the way. Contact us to bring your vision to life with a remodel that perfectly suits your home and lifestyle.
