What's trending in the kitchen design industry
Kitchen design trends have been going through a revolution in the last twelve months.
With so many styles and suppliers to choose from, the kitchen of your dreams is only a phone call or a few clicks away.
An important consideration is choosing a kitchen that will look fresh and contemporary for years to come, rather than following fads and trends.
You have to strike a balance between looking at new trends and deciding what will be, to some extent, future-proof design.
We've identified the key trends in kitchen design, and assessed the merits of each style, including their ability to remain fresh and contemporary for years to come.
Have a look at these key kitchen trends and see what you think.
Long gone are the days when the kitchen was the small, discreet unit in the home.
These days it is now the hub of the home and people are paying more attention to making sure it looks immaculate.
With so many exciting options to make the kitchen stand out, it is no wonder that people are paying more attention to this room.
If you’re thinking of updating your look, there are many ways you can make the kitchen stand out and these trends for 2014 will ensure you stay ahead of the crowd.
Open Plan
The open plan design has been popular for the last couple of years and this trend is only set to continue for the remaining months of 2014 and onto 2015.
It is ideal for entertaining guests, as it allows everyone to talk in a central area, even when one person is cooking.
Open plan also tends to make the whole area look bigger and allows you to use creative ways to blend the rooms together, while maintaining individuality.
Lighting
The look of your kitchen can be completely modernised with some effecting lighting and in this case, less is definitely not more!
Use as much light as you can, without going over the top and with as many sources as possible, including the ceiling light and cabinet lights.
These are particularly appealing for open plan designed kitchens and can bring an extra glow to the whole room.
Environmentally Safe
We are more energy efficient than ever these days and as such, your kitchen should be as sustainable as possible.
Make use of renewable energy and recycle your waste as much as possible.
This isn’t just a trend for the year, it should be part of your daily routine and ongoing for the future.
Two Worlds
One of the top trends for the year is making use of both contemporary and tradition designs and fitting them seamlessly together in your kitchen.
There are many ways to do this but one of the most popular is to use granite/marble worktops with the addition of some vintage details.
You may also want to consider using different styles of lighting to create this same effect.
Decorative Tiles
You can really set the tone of the kitchen by using some decorative tiles to help it stand out.
There all sorts of wonderful patterns and styles to choose from when it comes to your kitchen tiles and these can really help to enhance the whole room.
We are no longer aiming for the subtle approach but instead, the tiling should offer a dynamic and progressive look.
Accessories
In the past, kitchen accessories would be hidden away in drawers or cabinets but with so many exciting styles and colours at our fingertips, why bother hiding?
Use your kitchen accessories to create a statement in your kitchen and to update the whole look.
Even if your kitchen colours are quite subtle, you can add a splash of colour with the right accessories.
This is also a good way to intertwine the contemporary and vintage styles.
What's hot in kitchen design?
Top trends
- Mixing cabinet styles
- Murals
- Solid wood finishes
- Grey is the new neutral
So last season
- Cherry wood
- Granite worktops
- Stainless steel splash backs and appliances
- Tiled splash-backs
Mixing kitchen cabinets
The eclectic mix and match approach of combining cabinet styles is all the rage at the moment, and this trend looks to continue into 2013.
You can create a modern and stylish feel while giving your kitchen a homely atmosphere.
However, be subtle! Keep shades neutral and complementary for a kitchen that won’t date.
Murals
We're not talking about a painting of a bottle of wine and a bunch of grapes here.
These murals are stylish, tiled designs with a subtle and tasteful colour palette.
Use them in nooks and crannies to create interest in your kitchen.
Instead of a picture, choose a texture or a pattern.
A stylish mural will look good for years to come and allow you to add individuality to your kitchen design.
Solid wood finishes
Cabinet making has gone back to its roots with a welcome return to real wood such as oak, birch and walnut.
Bamboo makes an appearance, but cherry wood is definitely off the shopping list for kitchen trendsetters.
Good quality materials never go out of fashion, so embrace this trend and your kitchen will retain a contemporary look and feel.
Fifty shades of grey?
Well, not quite fifty.
Dull, 80’s greys are off the list.
Think more in terms of taupe.
Grey is the new neutral for kitchen design trends and has less upkeep than white, so is very versatile for a family kitchen.
Be careful with this trend.
Grey is an acquired taste and unless you plan to redecorate within a few years, it could be best avoided.
Whatever you decide, get the perfect kitchen by using a trusted tradesperson.
Post a job for a kitchen designer or installer using Top Tradespeople free service to find and compare quotes from kitchen fitters in your area and we’ll look for up to four kitchen experts for your project.
