Nobody likes cleaning the kitchen. Luckily, with a few mindful choices, you can create a low-maintenance kitchen that minimizes the amount of time you have to spend dusting and scrubbing. If you’re building a new home or considering a remodeling project, keep reading to discover six expert tips for creating a low-maintenance kitchen.

#1. Invest in Easy-to-Clean Cabinets

A key element of any low-maintenance kitchen is easy-to-clean cabinets. If your goal is to save time on household cleaning, choose cabinets with flat doors and minimal detail. Ridges, molding, and decorative elements tend to trap dust and crumbs, making cleaning a more challenging task. 

For even less to scrub, consider flat, flush cabinet ends, which are easier to clean than matching ends. Not only do flush ends provide a sleek, modern appearance, but they also eliminate some tricky-to-clean details. 

As far as finishes go, opt for a stain instead of paint. Stained cabinets are easier to touch up than painted cabinets; plus, the wood grain can disguise scratches and stains. For the ultimate low-maintenance kitchen, go for a dark stain to further camouflage imperfections.

#2. Build Cabinets All the Way to the Ceiling

Leaving several inches between your upper kitchen cabinets and the ceiling was all the rage in the 1990s; however, that empty space is a magnet for dust and dirt. Because of this, more and more homeowners are opting for ceiling-height cabinets, eliminating this hard-to-clean area. Not all kitchens are suited for ceiling-height cabinets, though. For high or sloped ceilings, floating cabinets may be best.

In addition to contributing to a low-maintenance kitchen, ceiling-height cabinets maximize available storage space. You may not be able to easily reach the top shelves of your cabinets, but they’re still a great place to stash items you don’t need to access very often, like holiday decorations or the fancy china you only pull out on special occasions.

#3. Avoid Open Shelves

Open shelves may be a great way to show off your carefully curated collection of cookbooks, heirloom dishes, and decorative knick-knacks, but they’re notoriously difficult to maintain. Without the protection of a cabinet, everything on your shelves is at risk of being damaged by food splatters, grease, water, and dust. To keep open shelves clean, you have to be especially vigilant, which is not conducive to a low-maintenance kitchen.

If you want to spend less time cleaning but still show off your stuff, consider a glass-front cabinet instead. This classic option protects your belongings while still allowing them to be visible. Glass doors still require more maintenance than traditional wood, but they’re still easier to clean than open shelves.

#4. Non-Porous Stone Countertops

Investing in high-quality, non-porous stone countertops makes all the difference when it comes to creating a low-maintenance kitchen. Quartz countertops are known for being especially durable. This “engineered stone” is made from a combination of natural crystals and added dyes and pigments, which are formed into slabs with extreme heat and pressure. The result is a strong, non-porous surface that’s resistant to wear and tear.

To ensure your stone countertops are safe from moisture damage, scratches, and stains, periodic resealing is key. While the resealing process takes about 24 hours, it makes maintenance a breeze, saving you time in the long run.

#5. Stone Backsplash

Tile backsplashes may add visual interest and texture to your kitchen, but the grout between the tiles is definitely challenging to keep clean. Because it’s porous, grout collects stains, debris, and bacteria. To eliminate pesky grout in your kitchen, extend your countertop up onto the wall instead, creating a stone backsplash. This isn’t just much easier to clean; it also creates a seamless, modern aesthetic.

#6. Opt for an Induction Stove

Rather than a gas or electric stove, consider installing an induction cooktop. They’re flat and easily wipeable; plus, they only heat up when an induction metal is placed on the heating element, protecting you and your children from accidental burns. You can even incorporate an induction cooktop into your countertop, enhancing the sleek appearance of your low-maintenance kitchen.

Low-Maintenance Kitchens by Out of the Woods

If you’re excited about the idea of a low-maintenance kitchen, contact Out of the Woods to learn more about our custom countertops and cabinets. We specialize in creating tailored solutions for homes and businesses all over Northern Utah. With a little help from our team, you can create the low-maintenance kitchen you’ve always dreamed of.

The world of interior design is always changing and evolving, meaning homeowners often find themselves at a crossroads: should they follow the latest trends or stay true to their own personal style? If you’re considering a kitchen remodel this year, keep reading to learn about some of the kitchen trends predicted for 2024, plus the pros and cons of forging your own path vs. following the crowd when it comes to custom cabinets and countertops.

Predicting 2024 Kitchen Trends

While it’s impossible to predict trends with 100 percent accuracy, the National Kitchen & Bath Association has compiled a list of kitchen trends they predict will take the world by storm this year. These predictions include:

Gold Finishes

When it comes to hardware, gold finishes are set to become increasingly popular in the coming months, followed by stainless steel and black. Instead of smooth, shiny gold, though, many homeowners are choosing brushed, matte, or satin finishes for their cabinet hardware and faucets. 

Stone Backsplashes and Quartz Countertops

Rather than being made up of individual tiles, backsplashes made of solid stone slabs are on the rise. In addition to adding a touch of luxury to your kitchen, the lack of grout lines makes them easy to clean. 

One of the most popular stone choices for both backsplashes and countertops is quartz. It’s stain-resistant and heat-tolerant, making it a great choice for anyone who wants an elegant aesthetic without sacrificing durability.

Wood Grain Cabinets

Instead of painted cabinets, natural wood finishes are coming into vogue. White oak, alder, and walnut are great choices due to their beautiful gain patterns. When it comes to cabinet styles, be on the lookout for more modern, contemporary, Scandinavian, and midcentury designs.

Optimized Storage

Cabinets that optimize storage are in high demand. Custom cabinets are a great way to optimize storage since they take advantage of all the available space. To achieve a greater level of organization in your kitchen, you can also utilize cabinet accessories such as drawer inserts, racks for pots and pans, or pull-out storage for garbage and recycling bins. 

Kitchen Islands

This year, you’re likely to see bigger kitchen islands that feature more storage, plenty of seating options, electronic features, and more meal prep space. In addition to serving a functional purpose, these enhanced kitchen islands can also serve as a focal point in kitchen designs, creating visual interest.

The Allure of Following Trends

Now that you know some of the kitchen trends and design details that are set to rise in popularity this year, let’s discuss some of the reasons you may want to follow them. One of the most compelling reasons to incorporate trendy details into your kitchen is that it can increase the resale value of your home. Potential buyers are often drawn to recently updated homes, perceiving them as more appealing and move-in ready. 

Another reason to follow design trends is because they’re a great way to infuse your home with a fresh, modern feeling. Social media, home improvement TV shows, and magazines are filled with examples of the latest trends, providing inspiration on how to update your home. Plus, following kitchen trends means that you’re more likely to find a plethora of readily available options for materials and finishes, especially when it comes to custom cabinets and countertops. 

Sticking to Your Personal Style

While the allure of trendy designs is compelling, there are also many reasons to choose details that align with your own personal style. Kitchen trends may come and go, but when you opt instead for designs that express your unique personality, your home remains relevant and appealing to you in the long term. 

In addition to aging gracefully, home designs that reflect your personal style create a deeper emotional connection to the space. Every element — the wood finish for your cabinets, the type of stone for your countertops, and the hardware you choose — reflects your individual sense of style and contributes to a comfortable environment.

Finding the Middle Ground

The good news is that when it comes to trends vs. personal style, you don’t have to choose one or the other. There are ways you can find a balance between the two, combining the benefits of both. For example, you can opt for a timeless foundation, using classic materials and designs, and then incorporate trendy accents you can more easily update with changing fads.

Another option is to interpret trends through the lens of your own individual style. Utilize elements of current design movements that resonate with you, creating a space that feels both contemporary and uniquely personal.

Update Your Kitchen With Custom Solutions

If you’re looking to update your home this year, trust the experts at Out of the Woods to provide custom cabinets and countertops that bring your vision to life. Whether you want to follow the latest kitchen trends or create a space that expresses your personal style, we can help. To get started on your custom solutions, feel free to reach out to us today.