(NC) While the hottest trends might not always match your personal taste, there’s likely something that will inspire you to try something new. Whether you’re planning to do a complete kitchen renovation, or just looking to add some trendy touches, here’s what you need to know for your next kitchen update:

Fun with colour. Say goodbye to boring all-white kitchens. Contrasting colours are big this year and since the kitchen is the social hub of the home, it’s the perfect place to get creative. If a full colour overhaul is too big of a commitment, consider mixing things up with tuxedo cabinets or two-toned cabinetry.

Quartz is queen. Quartz is gaining popularity due to its ability to look like natural stone without many of the drawbacks. It’s man-made and available in a variety of colours and patterns. It’s nearly indestructible and non-porous, so it will not retain bacteria, making it easier to clean.

Smooth finishes. Speaking of countertops, straight edges allow for a timeless look. Seamless and smooth is a big trend, including in the cabinet-fronts that now have less hardware and more subtle edge-pulls.

Functional minimalism. We saw a lot of open shelving last year, but that left little room to put away daily items. Now we’re seeing a mix of open shelving for aesthetics, as well as hidden or enclosed storage for more practical items. You can achieve this look by having clean lines mixed with natural textures like wood, brick and concrete.

Mixed metals. From matte black to brushed bronze, we’re seeing a variety of metals being used. Kitchens can now have different metal finishes for their fixtures, hardware, lighting and accessories.

Find a contractor to make your vision a reality at homestars.com.

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