It’s kitchen time! What’s the latest in kitchen trends? One in particular is that matchy-matchy is out. Different finishes are in… think two or more cabinet colors, mixed countertop materials and even two appliance finishes (done tastefully).

My favorite aspect of this trend is that you jazz up the kitchen and make it your own with unmatched appliances. However, there is a fine line with this one… pick one to stand out (typically the oven/range or the refrigerator) and make it a feature piece in the kitchen. Just because the mix-and-match concept is the latest thing doesn’t mean it’s cool to keep the almond refrigerator circa 1990 paired with all stainless steel appliances elsewhere. When considering a different finish for an appliance think a colored stove or a cool retro-refrigerator.

Step up the trend of a unique kitchen island not just by using a “furniture-like” piece but add a punch of color too.

More than one countertop color or material means your kitchen is right on trend. Tip: try stone, quartz, or any solid surface on the primary countertops and butcher block, bamboo, or another type of wood on the island or even mix two colors/patterns of solid surface countertops.

Another way to carry the mix-and-match trend throughout the kitchen is to use two colors of cabinets. Tip: apply the darker color on the lower cabinets, it creates a sense of height in the room and hides dirt as the lower cabinets tend to get the most wear and tear.

This trend is fabulous for the kitchens that are a makeover in-progress… you can change partial elements at a time and it won’t look out of place. It is also a great trend to make your kitchen space your own or to marry the styles of multiple family members.

The trend of putting two colors of cabinets and mixing countertops as well as other finishes throughout the space is here to stay for a while. Don’t be afraid to give it a try, you will be surprised how the contrast can be so pleasing to the eye as well as very practical.