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Clever Kitchens

Inventive trends and clean lines create kitchens both bespoke and beautiful

They say the kitchen is the heart of the home; if you desire to have a beautiful place for family and friends to gather, you’re not alone. As in the fashion world, kitchen trends frequently evolve. Contemporary kitchens feature a host of elements designed to streamline functionality and aesthetics.

General contracting company Weeks and Mitchell established itself as the premier place for home renovations in the Ahwatukee area, and kitchen remodels are a big part of their business. Founded in 2005 by Ahwatukee residents Kevin and Holly Mitchell, the business is a family affair as Kevin’s siblings, Kyle and Kayla Weeks, also work for the company.

Weeks and Mitchell recently opened a new design center located at 56th Street and Ray Road. The facility is a state-of-the-art showroom that highlights the latest in home design and renovation trends.

“Our showroom helps inspire clients from concept to design,” says Kyle Weeks.

Here, Weeks shares some popular kitchen trends that marry form and function.

Island of Drawers vs. Cabinets

Weeks says drawers are more practical for storage than cabinets as they allow contents to be more visible and more easily accessible. “It's easier for you to open a drawer and view what's inside from above than it is to squat down and rummage through to the back of a cabinet,” says Weeks.

Hidden Stand Mixer

“Everyone wants more counter space and small appliances can take up a lot of room.” Adding designated areas in the cabinetry for such appliances can help eliminate the issue.

Pot Fillers

Adding a pot filler near the kitchen stove can help enhance the cooking experience while adding beauty to the space. “We all know what a pain it is to carry a heavy pot of water across the kitchen to the stove, so pot fillers add convenience,” Weeks says. “But they are also a great statement piece and add a beautiful aesthetic to the kitchen.”

Built-in Dog Bowls

Weeks says adding a place for dog bowls in the cabinetry is a way to help keep a streamlined, modern look. “The trend is really about clean lines and functionality,” he says. “Built-in dog bowls give something that would usually just be on the ground its own neat little place.”

Other trends to look for include stacked cabinets with glass panel doors and downdrafts vents for center island stoves which hide in the island instead of coming down from the ceiling.

For more information visit WeeksAndMitchell.com.