Your local news source ::
      Select a community or newspaper »


Search Chicago Homes Search Chicago Jobs Search Chicago Autos
Hot trends to make your kitchen cook
October 15, 2009

Do you feel drab when dishing up dinner? Bored during breakfast? Here're nine hot trends to spice up your kitchen.

Freestyle. Because we're spending more time in our kitchens, there is a move away from the all-or-nothing "fitted" look of continuous counters. Look for more freestanding pieces of furniture or features with furniture-like qualities, such as a cabriole leg holding up a kitchen counter.

Artistic upgrades. In the ongoing effort to customize kitchens, almost anything goes. Now range hoods are works of art, literally. Already beautiful as well as functional, hoods can now be customized with panels you choose. Cupboard doors can be replaced with accent doors.

Going green. Eco-friendly products aren't going to go out of style anytime soon. And now there are more ways that you can go green in the kitchen, too, from energy-efficient dishwashers to environmentally sound flooring options made of reclaimed wood and tiles.

Oh-so-organic. Forget straight lines and right angles, organic shapes are in.

Asian fusion. With international style so popular at home, it's no wonder that the Asian influence is still going strong in the kitchen. Look for drawer pulls reminiscent of bamboo, built-in teriyaki grills and Japanese-style sliding pantry doors in the kitchen.

Drawer designs. Move over, refrigerator drawers and dishwasher drawers, and say hello to the microwave drawer. Yes, that handy appliance, popcorn button and all, now comes in a drawer.

High-tech. Advances in technology continue to offer us out-of-this-world options, including an oven that can be programmed to keep food cold until it's cooking time. You can even change the cooking directions from your office computer. Don't have enough freezer space? Technology can help you turn a fridge drawer into a freezer in no time.

Built-ins. Built-ins are convenient and sleek, two must-haves in today's kitchens. Think steamers and strainers, high-end coffeemakers, professional ice machines and wine coolers, knife racks, spice holders, ring holders, fondue pots and ice beds for shrimp.

Glass acts. Glass is everywhere in today's kitchens, from recycled and Depression-era glass tiles to opaque glass on cook tops, refrigerators and cabinet doors. Glass mosaic tiles and Venetian glass light fixtures add light and drama.

Manage your account   Help

BEGIN YOUR SEARCH

For Sale   For Rent     For an Agent

Region/County


Community/Chicago neighborhood

OR
City:


State:
OR
Zip:



Search radius

OPTIONS
Price range:
From to

Bedrooms: Baths:

Reach the readers of almost 100 local Web sites in the Sun-Times Media with an online ad.

Log in   Help

Standard listing - Online Only

  • Unlimited description. See example.
  • Up to 16 color photos.
  • Links to virtual tours.
  • Track your listing's performance.
  • Edit your listings to boost response.
  • Real Estate Agents: Build brand awareness with our Marketing Profile feature.
  • 7 days for $25  30 days for $75
    Create an account or log in to buy

    Spotlight ad

  • Best value: Your ad pops to the top of search results. See example.
  • More page views than Standard and Featured Listings.
  • Yellow highlighting draws viewer attention.
  • 7 days for $125
    Create an account or log in to buy

    Featured ad

  • Ads show up throughout the site. See example.
  • More page views than Standard Listings. See example.
  • 7 days for $50
    Create an account or log in to buy

    Open house

  • Listing has eye-catching icon and list of details at the top.
  • Open house date pops up in a special search feature.
  • 7 days for $100
    Create an account or log in to buy



    Buy a listing in one of our print publications. Print listings also appear on online at SearchChicago.