The other day I went out previewing some houses with my real estate broker extraordinaire mother-in-law here in Greenwich. We saw homes within the $1.5 million range (ouch, right?) which could get you a new construction home with approximately 2,500-3,000 square feet.
I couldn't help notice that many of the houses, all built by different builders, had very similar kitchens. Key elements were repeated - white cabinets with glass doors, honed carrera marble countertops, kitchen islands in a natural wood finish, and white subway tile backsplashes. In fact, the same light fixtures pictured here were in three different homes.
So, I'm wondering...is this kitchen the "kitchen of the moment" in other parts of the country or is it just a CT thing? While I love all of these elements (well, maybe not those light fixtures in particular), I wonder if this look is fleating? I'm starting to second guess my decision to use subway tiles on my backsplash after seeing them everywhere. I know they are "timeless" and have been used for ages, but they may just be too popular for me.
21 comments:
I feel your pain! LOL I am starting to feel it's getting trendy. ouch! Here in N.C. it's the same. It's all so "in" now, does that mean it will be so "out" later? It's a lot of money for a trend.
Its definitely trendy now but so is EVERYTHING vintage. There might be a backlash which leans super modern but I would never like that no matter what was in fashion...so Im not too worried about it.
About 10 years ago, a professional decorator told me that stainless was "everywhere" and would be passe in a few years. My thoughts were that since stainless has been used in restaurants and industrial spaces forever, it wasn't going anyway. I think the same applies to colors like white and materials like marble and plain tiles. They might be less popular as fads come and go but they will never be truly 'over' as they are simply beautiful and practical in any time.
Just my two cents.
And if you really tire of your subway tiles down the road, its not a major renovation to swap them out. So you're covered either way.
I have become tired of looking at kitchens. They all look like sterile white "operating" rooms; all the same, with no personality at all. One million dollar family could move into another million dollar families kitchen and you would never know the difference. Doesn't anyone have color, personality, vitality and fun? Why is everything white?? Same goes for a mulitide of living rooms, bedrooms, etc. Boring...I've actually deleted many blogs because of this. I want some personality in my house!!
MrsL made very good points. I feel that something like subway tiles always come full circle, b/c they're classic.
I think white kitchens w/ natural stone counters will always be en vogue. However, the style of the cabs, the type of stone, the fixtures--those all could evolve w/ changing tastes thru the years.
Also.....we see more "rustic" style kitchens here in Colorado, so I covet white kitchens like these!
it's not just out in your part of the world. I'm in Canada and when we were shopping around buying our place this summer and fall, that style of kitchen was everywhere in the showhomes.
However, we are going with very dark espresso cabinetry ourselves... so even though the white looks nice, I've come to terms with the fact that it's not practical for our messy selves!
I agree with Mrs. Limestone. I dont think this is trendy like ducks and country blue were in the 80's though. It's truly a vintage look, but a timeless one as well.
i think it's a new england thing! here in texas they ALL have dark granite counter tops and dark stained wood cabinetry with oil rubbed bronze hardware. the backsplashes are light tumbled marble. lighting - wrought iron! not my style, i'm a new englander at heart!
It's not just a CT thing...I've just put in a white/stainless/marble kitchen here in Toronto :) Is it trendy? I don't think so. I consider contemporary kitchens with flat panel doors, glass tile backsplashes, and quartz countertops much more trendy. I think the white kitchen is a classic look which has longevity. You'll always see it in use, in one form or another.
ITA! Whilst looking for kitchen photos for DP, I noticed that so many kitchens looked identical! Although, I am guilty of really loving the crisp, clean look!
Here in Nor Cal, it's all about wood stained cabinets with granite tops. No marble here. I think it's probably regional or a coastal?
I like the idea of subways, but am into more ivory tones than white now-adays.
Thanks so much for visiting me at my blog...and for the kind comments. It's always nice to link to a new site, and I'm off to enjoy yours!
Are you still a student, or have you graduated now?
I think the important thing is to go with a look that *you* like rather than what's the current rage. We built our house six years ago and I chose white subway tile for my kids' bathrooms. I really like it and think it's a timeless look that is never really *in* or *out.* I used painted white beadboard for the backsplash in my kitchen. I still like how it looks, but if I ever replace it, I think I'd go with beveled white subway tile.
oh definitely trendy - and very ct. at the same time. subway tiles are everywhere!! van day truex always said a kitchen couldn't be anything other than white. i'm actually longing for white in my home a bit hard with a 3 yr old. are you loving fairfield county - i am from ridgefield but i live north of boston. much luck to you in school! meg (www.bluelimephoto.com)
Ultimately, I think you just have to go with what you love and what makes you happy. You're going to be using your kitchen every day and if you love the look of marble then I wouldn't worry about what's going to be considered chic in a decade or two. And truthfully, I think the white kitchen and marble is such a timeless look and so easy to make your own with accessories and lighting fixtures that I can't imagine it'll ever go the way of the avocado-green refrigerator!
I know how you feel. I think Something's Gotta Give really started it all. But you have to go with what you really love. Me- I can go white, white & more white & I'll still love it even when it's not so in.
Did you see the Cote de Texas kitchen post from last week? It was spectacular, and went through at least a dozen kitchens, dissecting the style.
White marble countertops, white cabinets, white subway tile are very popular here in Atlanta. However, a soft muted tone in the cabinets is also seen more and more, such as a soft gray or green.
Since Christopher Peacock has a base out of Greenwich, I am sure this style is especially popular in Greenwich and Fairfield County. I grew up in Fairfield County, so I can relate to your comments about price range - I am amazed there is anything new in the $1.5 range!
Is it true that Greenwich is now allowing 'for sale' signs? Literally, a sign of the times.
Thanks for your input and opinions, Everyone! It's interesting to know what's in vogue in other parts of the country.
Things That Inspire: I did see Joni's great post about kitchens the other day - loved it. You know, I haven't noticed "for sale" signs in Greenwich...yet. Home prices have dropped, but not nearly as much as the rest of the country. Oh and those new construction homes for $1.5m are typically horribly built. It's not until you get into the $2m range that you get something nice.
Hi there. I like your blog its really beautiful. I hope you will post more. Thanks.
Have you looked at the flat panel doors here?
Kitchen of the day, however I did a lot of research, the white is timeless. European timeless. I just did mine this way, no subway and I used mexican hexagon tile on the floor. I did it this way so that I wouldn't get sick of it I felt like Mrs. Limestone it was simple, and timeless and I love the clean look of white. I think it's all so personal!
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