In 2016, “I have seen more people who just bought a home and want to remodel their kitchen than I’ve seen in the last ten years,” says Thousand Oaks, California certified kitchen designer Alana Busse.

The cautious and conservative mood in the aftermath of the recession is receding, which also impacts kitchen design itself, observes Denver, North Carolina certified kitchen designer MaryJo Camp.

Indeed, according to a recent Zillow Digs report, trends include a “tuxedo” look, whereby the top and bottom cabinets are painted different, but complimentary colors, and a mixed of hardware instead of all one metal.

Still, many recent buyers “say they will probably move again in five to eight years,” Busse says.

If a remodel today reflects current trends, will it still have appeal to a future buyer? While specific elements do fade from popularity – even granite, which reigned supreme for years, is now giving way to quartz – certain design principles help a remodel hold appeal for future buyers, Busse and Camp contend. Among them:

1. Reflect the overall style of the home

“When someone loves a traditional home, they don’t want a contemporary kitchen,” Busse says. Reflecting the exterior and interior style prompts “people to say ‘what a lovely kitchen’ and not, ‘oh, they did a remodel,’” she says.

2. Say good riddance to clutter

A hidden appliance, like a microwave tucked into a drawer, is a trend identified by the Digs report. While camouflage is popular, counters that are relatively clear and space that’s well utilized but not cramped, will always be integral to a kitchen’s appeal, Camp says.

3. Make quirky touches portable

Owners can indulge their own taste, but “reflect your personality in elements you can change out,” Busse says. A crystal chandelier, for instance, or colorful, hand-painted knobs, can be enjoyed now, toted away later.

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