Two things to consider when renovating or building a new kitchen:  It is the hub of activity in your home, so you have to be practical, and according to realtors across the country, it is one of two rooms that has the most resale value, if done right.

So, to make sure all the research, inconvenience and money is worth it for you, we’ve tapped some local interior designers and, specifically, a kitchen designer for advice on what they see trending in kitchens.

Cabinetry is the focal point of the room and still the most desirable feature of the kitchen.  Melanie Blasingame, Registered Interior Designer at Top’s Appliances & Cabinetry in Lafayette says in choosing cabinets, clients want clean lines either by way of a contemporary look with slab doors or expressed through simple Shaker or Mission style.

Blasingame says mid-century modern and Scandinavian designs are influencing kitchen cabinets.  For those who don’t want “a full throttle contemporary look,” warm wood tones of mid-century can be blended with the light wood grains and gray washes of Scandinavian influence.

The two-tone look has carried over into this year’s cabinetry, where upper wood cabinets are paired with lower painted ones – or vice versa. 

In other areas of the country – not so much in Acadiana – Blasingame says open shelving, made of rough-cut woods, ironworks or metal, is replacing upper cabinets. 

Countertops are next on the list of features important to customers, and Blasingame says quartz is still the more favored material because it is very hard, anti-microbial and virtually maintenance free.  For those on a tighter budget, she suggests not to discount laminates, which have come a long way, with several offering a bullnose edge.  (She personally used a laminate from Wilsonart called Calcutta Marble in her laundry room.)

Kitchen Islands, especially single level, are still very popular serving as a casual dining -or drinking – spot, a storage or food prep area and a place for homework.  “Here again, when possible, I like to incorporate two-tone woods, with the island in a different wood finish from the cabinets, oftentimes antiqued, or having details liking of a furniture piece,” Blasingame says.  Regardless of the finish, a kitchen island is a popular secondary way of bringing the warmth of wood into the kitchen; a wooden range hood is another. 

Hood covers are not only functional, but according to Registered Interior Designer Julie Wooley their aesthetic possibilities help “accessorize” the kitchen.  “Think of your hood as artwork for the kitchen from an architectural standpoint,” Wooley says.  “It can be constructed of metal (like copper), stucco, or wood, and considerations like trim and ornamentation can turn an otherwise basic hood into a show stopper.” 

In fact, Wooley says two things she finds that are often understated in kitchens are hood covers and cabinet hardware. 

Hardware for this year’s cabinets goes from “chunkier” pulls for a more traditional, vintage look to sleek and clean handles, for a contemporary feel, Wooley says.  She recommends choosing hardware that not only looks great and expresses your style, but is comfortable to use.  “Pulls and knobs should be long or large enough to comfortably fit the hand for daily use,” she advises.

Appliancesare showing some styleas well.  While stainless steel is still king in this part of the South, some moms are sold are the sleek matte black appliances like GE’s Café Collection that won’t show every sticky, little fingerprint.  Top’s Certified Kitchen Designer Kim Harman says statement appliances are just coming on the scenes, where colored or white appliances feature rose gold, brass or copper accents.  

Color might be the trickiest aspect of decorating a kitchen, which is why so many still opt for white cabinets and backsplashes, according to Harman.  However, if you find white a little too stark, cool grey tones provide another great neutral, clean-looking option.  Among them:  Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray.  Some realtors say that the right color grey can increase the value of a kitchen.  Harman says unexpected shades like hunter green and dark navy, with an almost grey tone, personify a sophistication and are making their way into some kitchens. 

Lighting isn’t just on the kitchen’s ceiling.  Picture wall sconces facing down onto floating shelves.  Integrated lighting is being incorporated inside and underneath cabinets – and drawers.  What an idea!  Harman says popular overhead lighting includes pendant-type ironworks (especially over islands), cozy farmhouse styles, mid-century modern fixtures, and glass features, like globes.

The options for a new kitchen go on and on.   When you consider these trends and others, just keep in mind “function” as well as “aesthetics” and you’ll end up with a kitchen that you’ll like for years to come – and one with market value.