Throughout history, the kitchen has been considered the most prominent room in the house. It’s the place where families mingle, delicious meals are prepared and eaten, lively discussions are held and, of course, cherished memories are made. It’s the go-to gathering spot for guests, encouraging social conversation and fostering a sense of community. Without a doubt, the kitchen is the heart of the home.
And because the kitchen holds such an elevated status, many of today’s homeowners are placing a high priority on their kitchen decor. Kitchen remodeling allows them to transform their ho-hum kitchen into a multifunctional space that reflects their own unique style and taste.
According to Jennifer Castile, designer and owner of Jennifer James Inc., a luxury kitchen and bath showroom in Eugene, the most important part of any kitchen remodeling project is the design. “A good design is the foundation for the project and how you choose to work within that space,” she says. “It’s about having a good flow and it’s about opening this area so that the kitchen becomes an extension of the living space.”
Kitchen trends, she says, are moving away from the classic triangle, where the stove, sink, and fridge are arranged to be accessible for just one person. “In the last 20 years, we’ve been moving toward work zones by trying to create space that multiple people can work in. This way, everybody can do a function in these areas so people aren’t stepping on each other.”
Castile points out that current kitchen trends call for oversized sinks (some as long as seven feet) that allow space for all types of prep work such as washing and chopping vegetables. Some remodels place cooking burners on both sides of the sink so that several people can be involved in the meal preparation at the same time. Folks are even opting for an additional sink used strictly to place dirty dishes. Another popular sink feature is the HydroTap, a specialized faucet system that dispenses filtered boiling, chilled and even sparkling water on demand.
Other kitchen trends, Castile says, include cooktops such as Tulip, Pitt and Invisacook brands. Tulip stovetops use gas or induction, while Pitt is gas only and Invisacook is strictly induction with no visible burners. All are designed with a sleek, minimalist look and can be tailored to fit individual kitchen styles and cooking needs.
As for countertops, Castile says today’s homeowners want to use materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting. “Many are choosing countertop material that goes up the wall to the cabinetry, which makes for a very clean look,” she says, adding that power outlets can easily be tucked away.
High quality cabinets and cabinet accessories are essential to any modern kitchen, Castile says. “Today’s cabinets feature roll-out drawers for easier access and hidden compartments for trash and recycling. And there’s a lot of fun colors in cabinetry right now, with the lighter stains being a little more popular.”
When it comes to flooring, Castile says, luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, and Marmoleum (which is made from linseed oil and cork) are the more popular choices. “They’re all extremely durable and water resistant, and they offer a lot of opportunities to display personalities and personal style,” she adds.
Castile, who also owns Castile Construction with her husband, Forrest, says kitchens are her favorites rooms to design “because I understand how a kitchen functions, and I want to create a showpiece for my customers. I want their personalities to shine through in their project to help them express themselves.”
Her primary objective as a designer is always to make the remodel work for the homeowners, Castile says. “I want to guide them through the process so they can meet their vision. I want to give them a space that’s more than what they imagined.”
Jennifer James, Inc.
1350 Chambers St.
541/554-1527
