Smart appliances (and countertops!), clutter busters and more home innovations for 2019.

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Are you planning a new home project for the new year? Before you begin, get the inside scoop on the hottest trends for 2019. 

Toni Sabatino, the award-winning designer behind Toni Sabatino Style in New York, keeps her finger on the pulse of cutting-edge home interiors. These are her top five trend predictions for next year.

1. Hiding kitchen clutter

As much as we love being able to see our living rooms from our kitchens, the view from the other side isn’t always as attractive. From the couch, the sight of blenders, toasters, refrigerators and dishwashers can disrupt the relaxed feel of common areas.

To combat the appearance of clutter, homeowners will be adding more hidden storage and fully integrated appliances for a streamlined look, Sabatino says.

“Tall walls of storage, and appliances paired with a large island with seating for entertaining, continue to gain popularity,” she says. “Cabinet manufacturers are creating sliding and pocket door solutions that hide cooking and sink areas as well.”

2. Smarter appliances

Smart dishwashers and clothes dryers can already text you when they’re finished, but 2019 is the year that appliances will become even more connected and helpful.

“There are now numerous appliance manufacturers that offer connectivity through your phone or with voice control,” Sabatino says. “This convenience helps you multitask and save time. New smart features also allow for the downloading of recipes and network-enabled diagnostics for service.”

3. Organic modernism

Next-level minimal, modern spaces will integrate natural elements into simplified rooms.

“I think that simple, clean lines using organic materials is a trend that will stay with us for some time,” Sabatino says. “Wood, stone, iron, matte black and tiles in colors found in nature create a neutral, contemporary look. Accented with industrial-look kitchen furniture and open shelving, this style is sophisticated and family-friendly, as the finishes generally have great durability.”

4. Wireless charging stations

In 2019, we’re getting our charging cords off of the counters — and away from the splashing sink water. We can now charge wirelessly through our countertops, which helps reduce clutter and inconvenience.

“I think the convenience of wireless, invisible charging stations in kitchen counters will become mainstream,” Sabatino says. “We are never far from our phones, and it seems safer and more convenient to be able to charge wirelessly in the kitchen.”

5. Steam and induction cooking

Convection steam ovens and induction stovetops are growing in popularity as they become more accessible and easier to integrate and use. They make fast, healthy cooking much simpler. 

“Steam cooking retains nutrients destroyed by microwave cooking, and is also a very efficient way to reheat food without changing the texture,” Sabatino says. “Convection adds the browning option to steam cooking to create healthier, crispier, juicier dishes in less time than a standard oven. 

“Induction is safe and efficient, as the power of magnets is used to generate heat and turns the vessel into the heat source. It sounds complex, but in truth, it’s very simple, easy to operate, and boils water faster than gas. Look for induction to make a major impact for its performance, easy-to-clean surface, ease of use and safety.”