A Look at Oregon’s New Kitchen Trends

Being headquartered in Portland, Ore., we here at CountertopResource.com keep a close eye on the latest news in the state that affects countertop trends and countertop fabricators. We know that while Oregon fabricators are only a fraction of our total readership, but we also understand that what goes in one state often goes for many others, especially the ones surrounding the source of the news.

Earlier in January, The Oregonian published an article that takes a look at home design trends for 2020. The information provided was based on consultations and interviews with representatives of Neil Kelly Design-Build in Portland and the House Plan Company in Eugene.

Among the latest findings are that homeowners are looking at livability, environmentally friendly materials and splashes of color rather than the blacks and whites that have recently been so prevalent.

“2020 is a new beginning, and many people feel inspired to update their homes,” said Barbara Miller, design director at Neil Kelly. “Trends and predictions provide a starting point, but we recommend a realistic and thoughtful approach when considering design for your individual home.”

In the livability category, it seems like we will be looking at large, open spaces that can easily be rearranged or redesigned in the future, depending on the changing needs of the homeowner. While many are looking at smaller-sized homes for new construction, the average footprint of a new house is still slightly more than 2,000 sq. ft.

When it comes to color, Neil Kelly’s clients want bold accents and warm textures. Some clients are also being influenced by traditional Pacific Northwest and Asian designs with repurposed wood or artisan tile.

In the kitchen, colorful appliances are taking over, but matte black and graphite remain popular. Kitchen islands are expected to be long and up to 5 ft. in width, which allows for friends and families to gather while meals are being prepared. These large islands are also great for children doing homework and completing projects with enough space left over for everyone to charge their phones and other electronic devices.

Rather than walk-in pantries, customers are demanding concealed prep spaces that include additional countertop space. In addition, breakfast nooks and bars are predicted become increasingly popular and will come in a range of shapes and sizes. Along with a range of sizes, newly styled countertops made from eco-friendly materials that mimic quartz or that have antimicrobial properties will be high in demand.

Next month, we will take a closer look at kitchen and countertop trends from around the country, and we look forward to delivering our findings from a range of respected sources.