Kitchen trends we're seeing include bigger windows with more natural light, less upper cabinets in the main kitchen and larger/ more storage cabinetry in the walk-in pantry. On some projects, we're calling them "service kitchens" instead of pantries, since it allows for more of the messier cooking while still maintaining a clean kitchen for entertaining.

We're also designing more architectural elements in the kitchen ceiling. Previously, ceilings were left untouched as the focus was on the architectural elements of the kitchen cabinetry, but now clients are willing to spend more on a kitchen ceiling focal point, whether it's a beamed ceiling, or even a coffered ceiling.

Many of our clients are requesting combi ovens-- that's a steam and convection oven in one. Steam cooking is healthier, and most foods cook faster in this mode yet you still have the convection option for simple baking and cooking.