I have recently come to the realization, the man has a lot to say when it comes to the kitchen now a days. We have moved past the time of pastels and more feminine curves of the appliances, to more masculine kitchens. Why is this? Well more and more men are loving cooking and therefore have a lot to say about their design elements.
I grew up watching cooking but never really was forced to be super hands on. Maybe because I tended to play with my food and pretend I was a chemist. Anyways, to contrast that my boyfriend grew up in the kitchen with his mom and grandmother, learning to cook everything and eventually becoming a chef for a short while. Needless to say, though my skills are definitely there to make something good, he has taken over the duties because not only does he make better food and more of an array of flavors, he just simply loves cooking. And I love eating.
So I am finding this is the trend with many couples I meet. The woman usually says, “Well thats his place he does most of the cooking.”
SO after that gigantic ramble session. What does this mean? Well, men are wanting a more functional kitchen for themselves. The finishes are a little darker, cleaner lines, simpler. Things associated with more the more masculine side. I can’t remember the last time I did a raised panel door. Only thing I see is some of them still stick with white cabinet doors.
Some have gone as far as wanting taller base cabinets. These are super custom so that gets the price point up there but the taller man who seems to be a tad pickier than the others will sometimes pipe up and say that is a wish of his. Personally as a taller person, I could get behind this trend, but to many other women, this could be rough.
I recently read an article on wall street journal, well some of it because its a paid subscription and I really could see where she was going with it. I noticed comments that others are running into this new man cave thought. What do you think? Anyone else seeing this trend?
Here are some looks that have caught my attention this month. I certainly have tons more but I can’t overwhelm the system and upload them all. I just feel like design can be anything you want it to be. Of course there is “bad design” where its just completely not functional, but as long as you stick to what you like, there really is no going wrong. Well unless you talk to a real estate agent, they might not agree. There is beauty in consistency and there is beauty in the unique.
My adventure into my own remodel has begun I had this master bathroom with a tiny shower that would never look clean due to the fact that whoever installed the grout got dirt in it, two tiny closets that just were not very successful at holding my stuff, and a vanity that just didn’t scream master bathroom. Now I know these are all complaints that are my own doing and the bathroom was functional, but not for me. So after a free day, it was ripped out.
Now here is where I caution you all. PLAN PLAN PLAN. Sure its fun to smash the things that bug you to bits, but where do we go from there? Always have a final destination in mind. When you go at it all willy nilly, the process will be frustrating. Be patient, ask questions, don’t be afraid to try and learn things throughout the process. You may find you can get something thats more functional or what you didn’t think was possible. Then you will be ready to start.
It is a really dirty, dusty, awful process tearing into your home. Make sure you get the final result YOU want.
Be resourceful, do your research, don’t be afraid to ask, and have fun. I know I am.
-Kristina
