The irony that I am writing an article on kitchen design is not totally lost on me, a self proclaimed amateur when it comes to cooking. But just as I know fine cooking when I taste it, I can recognize great design when I see it. I am a huge fan of the current philosophy on kitchen design, which is to personalize each space to reflect one’s actual lifestyle and interests, rather than succumbing to the latest design trends.

The kitchen continues to be the social hub of the home and therefore useful to define your look and function for this space. We’ve highlighted 3 popular styles; Green, Minimalism, and New Traditional, to start you thinking about the general design direction to which you gravitate. For further inspiration and resources, we’ve consulted the “the kitchen designer”, Susan Serra CKD, who has outlined some key lifestyle questions to assist your design discovery process.

GREEN: If you’re lucky enough to be starting from scratch, and have embraced the movement to help the earth, the options to “go green” are endless. Many kitchen manufacturers have now married great taste with green design, allowing you to create a responsible kitchen with style. A fresh new look is using bamboo for flooring and/or cabinetry. Bamboo is an eco-friendly material since the crop is extremely fast growing, and replaces itself in 3-6 years. However, all bamboo is not created equal, and like many things that become “fashionable”, exploitation can and does occur. So do your research and shop smart!

Teragren is a leading, reputable manufacturer of fine bamboo flooring, panels and veneer whose products contribute to LEED certification. Their Signature Naturals line offers the traditional random-length look in Vertical or Flat Grains and Caramelized or Natural colors that can fit into a myriad of styles (photo: Kitchen Cabinets Oregon). Check out their new Bamboo Parquet Butcher Block, a fresh interpretation of a kitchen classic.

Henrybuilt is another great online resource that combines style, craftsmanship, and good practices. Their philosophy, “we believe our living environment should be good to the core”, is reflected in their use of sustainable materials, artisan-like design approach, and dedication to seeing the job through from concept to installation. While they have representative showrooms on both coasts, the company has pioneered working-remote practices in the kitchen industry. Many Henrybuilt systems have been designed and installed across the country, successfully addressing both design resolution as well as logistical issues. It’s the next generation “hands on” system in the global design universe.

MINIMALISM: The move to modern kitchens in the U.S., embraced by Europeans for years for their simplicity and utilitarian feel, has finally caught on stateside. This transition can be seen as a by-product of the more frenetic pace in our daily lives. Where American work -weeks have increased and schedules are more jam-packed, our home lives have become a soothing refuge encompassing an almost Zen - like quality. This is where a minimalist kitchen comes in. By creating a clutter free environment, at least in your kitchen, peace can be achieved.

Cutting edge manufacturers such as Poggenpohl and the Scandinavian house Kobenhavn , make a beautiful, streamlined product. Poggenpohl addresses the needs of today’s modern consumer by incorporating state of the art design elements such as hidden storage, built-in entertainment centers and touch screen computer network controls. As we know, the kitchen isn’t just for cooking anymore!