Trends

Get the Latest Appliances at UAKCSee the Newest Appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen CenterIt seems like there is a long time between trends in appliances, and then suddenly everybody has something new going on. Now is one of those times when new trends seem to be taking off. Here are two big trends that could be with us for a while.Black Stainless Steel We've written about Black Stainless Steel before (see link below). It's got a good chance of being successful. It's very doubtful that it will replace Stainless Steel, but that doesn't mean that it won't carve out a niche of its own. Probably the biggest downside is the lack of consistency among brands. KitchenAid's Black Stainless Steel is a true black finish on metal. Samsung's Black Stainless Steel has a shiny luster (seems like a clear coating). LG's Black Stainless Steel looks more like a gray than black. Nevertheless, consumers seem to like these finishes. Time will tell.NEW APPLIANCE FINISHESConnected (Smart) AppliancesIt's happening folks. Smart appliances are here. There isn't just one solution, but a whole range of features available on appliances that "connect" our appliances with us or other devices and perform a variety of functions. Unlike a new appliance color or finish, there is less of a need for brands to adopt a common platform (though it would be nice). We're seeing appliances that connect with your smart phone, appliances with cameras inside, and appliances that will email you if you leave the door open.

3 Kitchen Trends in 2014 Here's what has been trending in kitchen design: Contrast A little more than a decade ago appliance manufacturers called it white-on-white. White appliances with chrome trim had been de rigueur for years, so the early movement to solid white was a big deal in the beginning of the last decade. Kitchen cabinets, countertops, sinks and even faucets contributed to the solid white kitchen. Even today, an all-white kitchen is not unusual or out of place. However, for several years, we've seen the ever popular white kitchen complemented with contrasting yet subdued colors, in particular grey. Now, contrast is becoming more bold with black showing up in islands and base cabinets, stainless steel sinks, and chrome, or even gold faucets. Color Along with non-white cabinets, sinks, and faucets, 2014 saw more solid contrasting colors on kitchen walls not just gray or black, but also bright colors and pastel shades. Thanks to specialty appliance manufacturers such as Smeg, BlueStar, Bertazzoni, and even Viking, many appliance color options are now available even though stainless steel continues to dominate. Changes in upper cabinets and islands. Upper cabinets are sometimes being replaced by shelves, and occasionally disappearing entirely. See the limited use of upper wall cabinets in the photo above. Islands have been around for a long time, but we're seeing more use of islands for seating, and even tables and chairs as substitutes for islands. What can we expect in 2015? There will be more of the same as