What’s Hot & What’s Not in the Kitchen Going into the New Year
With many modern kitchen designs now embracing the new open plan era of living, where the dining room, living room and kitchen all share the same space, it’s important to understand that the entire room is essentially dictated by the kitchen design style you choose.
The colours, layout, materials and functions of the kitchen will have an impact on the rest of the room so making the right choices will only help to ensure the entire space works for every scenario. If you’re considering a kitchen makeover or an entirely brand new kitchen installation in 2018, here’s a selection of the seven most hottest trends that are set to influence your decision making this coming year.
Richer Colours
Contrast has started to become a big thing in kitchens and next year is set to further enhance that trend with many kitchen designs now going for bolder, more daring colours that contrast with the countertops and wall colours.
Clean whites and pale greys are still popular for those insisting on maintaining the minimalist look but overall, shoppers are now daring to add richer hues to their colour palette which is making for some exciting looking kitchen designs.
Step in to any kitchen showroom and you’ll now start to see the introduction of rich, dark plum tones and dramatic purples, to more organic sages and petrol greens. There’s even some pretty exotic colours out there with vibrant oranges like copper, saffron yellow, henna and ginger or richer cooler colours including deep blues and dark metal greys.
Thanks to the improvements in kitchen manufacturing techniques, colour choices have gotten a lot wilder in recent years. So if you have an unusual colour in mind, chances are you can have your wishes fulfilled.
Two Tones
Why have one coloured cabinet when you can have two? The past few years has seen many interior designers introduce different colour cabinets on walls and floors which creates a really interesting juxtaposition. In most case, it really works as the difference in tone creates a visual zoning of the kitchen but also breaks up the lack of colour and creates some interesting textures and contrasts.
Some designers have tried differing wood tones whilst others have opted for darker rich greys or blue base cabinets and lighter wall cabinets. It’s also become very popular to make a feature colour for the kitchen island which really makes it pop.
So the big news is, stay away from the plain whiles unless you want a kitchen that is out of fashion.
Appliance Garages
It seem the more appliances and gadgets we have, the less space we have to store them and no one wants them all on display, cluttering up their beautiful quartz countertop with cables and utensils. Nowadays, smart designs are incorporating dedicated storage units just for appliances with raising doors for easy access.
Whether it’s a humble toaster, a high end espresso maker or food processor, these new flip up storage cabinets make for easy access and far less clutter.
Partitions
For many, the open plan kitchen design is a little too open with noise and cooking smells easily spreading into other parts of the room. Often, there’s little privacy or individual space to prepare and cook food if you’re one for a little peace and quiet.
The compromise is to install glass partitions which keep the open plan feel but section off areas of the kitchen to make for natural zones. This means light is still free to bounce around the room yet the partitions give just enough separation to avoid noise pollution and cooking smoke and steam from entering parts of the room where it’s not wanted.
There’s dozens of design options available on the market and chosen well, they can make any kitchen look amazing.
Induction Cooking
One of the latest technologies that has revolutionised cooking is the emergence of induction cooking. These electric hobs have transformed the way we cook and have made the kitchen a much safer place to be, especially for kids.
Induction elements heat up the cookware faster, making cooking time quicker and more energy efficient, yet they’re extremely safe as the surface stays cool, with the burners automatically switching off when the cookware is removed.
Best of all, they are extremely easy to clean with just a simple wipe of a cloth and with their sleek, ceramic design, they look great in any kitchen.
Bold Patterned Tiles
Thankfully metro tiles have had their day and in their place waiting in the wings are a whole world of colourful, rustic patterned tiles.
Search online and you’ll find a whole range of tiles offering colour patterns, textures, shapes and sizes that will make a feature of your backsplash the talk of the street. No more boring plain subway tiles, now it’s bang on trend to go all out with colourful patchworks, handmade patterned tiles and elegantly beautiful ornate cement tiles.
Metal Hardware & Worktops
Whether you like traditional brass and copper or a more sleek aluminium or stainless steel, metals are making their mark with many kitchen designers bringing industrial chic into many homes. Contrasted with organic materials such as rich woods and marble countertops, there’s a wide range of taps, worktops, handles and sinks to be found, all made from materials once considered passé.
This interesting contrast meets the traditional with the contemporary yet makes for a really stunning look that is not everybody’s cup of tea but will certainly appeal to those looking to make a statement in perhaps a penthouse apartment, inner city dwelling or home remodel.