A: Auto-Open

Photo: Courtesy of Blum

When your hands are full with groceries, the last thing you want to do is risk dropping them when opening drawers to put them away. Enter the Blum Servo-Drive, available from Homeowners Design Center. Thanks to a special electrical drive, drawers open automatically with the light touch of the drawer front.

B: Built-Ins

Photo: iStockPhoto.com

Space is at a premium these days. Incorporate some savvy space-saving tricks to maximize your kitchen. Recessing appliances such as ovens and microwaves can save tons of space.

C: Concrete Floors

To be more specific, polished concrete floors. “They are very trendy when it comes to incorporating glass or stone aggregates,” says Dedra Hinano Nahinu, CKD, Allied ASID, of Interiors by Hinano LLC.

D: Drawers

Photo: Courtesy of DeWils

Everyone is going for a sleeker, modern look. “Appliances are coming out with varying dimensions so they can better fit into new design,” says Breck Dangler of Dangler Designs. “Dishwasher drawers, refrigerator drawers and microwave drawers help to create separate work stations.” Deeper drawers in cabinetry are also on the rise. “We have seen more requests for deep drawers for better storage of pots and pans,” says David Steele of Pacific Craftworks. Pictured here: Expressions Appliance Front from DeWils Industries.

E: Easy Cleanup

“Maintenance requires time, and we run out of time, so why not spend it where it matters most?” Nahinu asks. She recommends Spectralock grout, which is mold- and mildew-repellant, as well as Silestone® or other quartz-based countertop brands. Brett Kappelle of Barker Kappelle Construction also likes quartz countertops. “Because they’re nonporous, they have less staining and are easier to clean than granite and marble. They’re also more color consistent,” he says.

F: Flat Panels

Lucky we live Hawaii, where we can keep our windows open all year-round. But open windows also allow dust to enter the home. Because we need to clean our cabinets more often, simple lines and flat-panel doors are growing in popularity. Because they’re devoid of ridges and grooves, they’re easier to clean. Not to mention, “People are looking for a simpler look,” says Alex Butchart of Highline Kitchen Systems. “There is a big push toward the flat-panel look because it’s very modern.”

G: Glass Backsplash

This hygienic, reflective material helps your kitchen shine and can even help make a small space seem larger. Butchart recommends using one-sheet glass over glass tile to make cleanup even easier.

H: Holistic Design

This approach to design incorporates feel and functionality as well as environmental concerns. A holistic designer takes into account everything from how the colors affect a person’s energy to the environmental impact of the design. “We like to study the whole family because the kitchen is the place they gather together,” says Glenda Anderson of Details International, who specializes in holistic design. “We are making harmony in the house.”

I: Island-Integrated Cooktops

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Who wants to face a wall when they are preparing meals? With more people moving to great-room-style kitchens, homeowners can now socialize while they are cooking, especially when bar stools are situated around the island.

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