10 must-haves for the luxury kitchen

Wall oven

Exotic wood countertop

The kitchen is the heart and soul of the home, where friends and family gather and so many memories are created. When it's time to remodel this vital space, be sure to consider current trends and new innovations; products that will bring efficiency and beauty—and even some luxury. Here are 10 “must have” kitchen trends to consider if you’re planning a luxe remodel.• • 

 

Bosch 800 Series dishwasher

Induction cooktop

Built-in refrigerator

Walk-in pantry

Farm sink

Bamboo flooring

Pot filler

WALL OVENS

 

GE's latest line of wall ovens looks beautiful and serves up features that make it easier to whip up a gourmet meal. Are you always on the go? You can wirelessly control the oven's mode, temperature, and timer from your smartphone. GE has even made cleanup a snap with self-cleaning oven racks and a quick-cleaning Steam Option. Welcome to the future of cooking.

EXOTIC WOOD COUNTERTOPS

Sources in the know tell us that kitchen trends this year are all about exotic wood countertops and cabinet veneers. Brooks Custom, based out of New York, offers a variety of exotic and domestic woods, including zebrawood, African mahogany, lyptus, and teak.

SUPER-QUIET DISHWASHERS
 
Don't be fooled by Bosch's newest 800 series dishwashers—at 38 to 42 dBA, they're simply so quiet that you won't even realize they're on. With Energy Star compliance, a half-load option for small loads, built-in water softener, and a full-color clear text display, these dishwashers are so convenient, you just might look forward to cleaning up after dinner.

INDUCTION COOKTOPS
 

Induction cooktops, like those from Jenn-Air, offer precise temperature control and heat up more quickly than traditional gas or electric cooktops. A bridge function provides the flexibility of turning two separate cooking zones into one larger zone to accommodate wider cookware such as griddles or poaching pans. This cooktop is so smart, you barely have to lift a finger.

BUILT-IN REFRIGERATORS

Craftsmanship is the hallmark of GE's Monogram Collection, which includes built-in refrigerators designed for those who want serious storage with a customized look. Humidity-controlled vegetable compartments and sealed snack pans maintain freshness, while upfront electronic controls with a digital readout facilitate precise temperature settings for maximum efficiency.

TILED BACKSPLASHES

A new backsplash is a great example of a stand-alone cosmetic project that can dramatically transform a space. Fireclay Tile of San Jose, Calif., uses recycled materials and innovative manufacturing techniques to produce a range of ceramic, glass, and brick tiles that can breathe new life into your kitchen.

 
WALK-IN PANTRIES

Although walk-in pantries conjure up idyllic notions of home canning and preserves, today's pantry is more likely to have such modern conveniences as a microwave or wine refrigerator nestled among the canned goods. In planning a pantry, focus on simplicity, organization, and location to ensure that items are efficiently stowed away and accessible.

FARM SINKS

To complement midlevel upgrades and improved countertops, many homeowners are opting for the stylish and rustic apron-front sink. Kohler's newest apron-front sinks, available in enameled cast iron (in various colors and textures) or stainless steel (in single or double bowls), are a surefire way to lend farmhouse charm to any kitchen.

ECO-FRIENDLY FLOORING

Bamboo flooring's popularity as an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood has grown almost as quickly as bamboo itself. Teragren, a worldwide leader in bamboo flooring, offers a multitude of prefinished options in traditional and contemporary styles. Available colors range from Super White to Charcoal, in a nod to one of this year's biggest kitchen design trends: mixing light and dark elements.

POT FILLERS

Anyone who has worked in a restaurant is already familiar with the advantages of a pot filler, but these convenient devices are quickly becoming a mainstay of home kitchens across the nation. The Traditional Pot Filler from Delta reduces back strain caused by carrying heavy pots of water, saves time, and adds a professional touch to the kitchen.