Seven current design trends that will date your kitchen the most
What does the typical 2016 kitchen look like? Which trends will date and which will stand the test of time? We consulted the experts to ensure your next kitchen is as stylish and timeless as it can be…
Brick Splashbacks
Splashbacks can completely transform a tired-looking kitchen, creating a focal point within your layout. Flip through any glossy magazine and you’ll see that the brick pattern has been hugely popular of late. Yet whatever goes up one season must inevitably come down the next. As Melbourne-based interior stylist and founder of Homeroom Studio Romy Dankner says, “I love a good trend, but when something reaches a certain level of popularity, I tend to run in the opposite direction! My advice would be to keep clear of the dark grout-white tile combination and stick to tone on tone.”
Nordic Light
Typically, Scandinavian design favours pale and delicate colours, including natural and light-finish woods for the kitchen. This minimalist and clean look will be popular for some time, but too much of it can appear bland and monotonous. “Polytec offer some amazing colour options that contrast beautifully with these light tones, allowing their natural beauty to come through,” suggests Dankner.
Pull back on the Scandinavian style. Photo: Stocksy
Stone Laminate
Engineered stone laminate resembles real stone, but is more affordable, less prone to stains and easier to care for. Yet Sydney-based interior designer Jo Taylor steers well clear. “They’re never going to look as good and will need to be changed when the next trend happens. The edges never look right either!”
Built-In Appliances
With open-concept living taking hold, many homeowners desire a seamless flow between their kitchens and living rooms, placing a high focus on aesthetics and using high-tech appliances. “Be careful not to lose sight of the practicality of showcasing state-of-the-art appliances by having the kitchen designed around them,” warns Dankner. “Appliance innovation is happening at a fast rate, so I recommend finding the perfect home for them in the kitchen, like a butler’s pantry or hideaway cupboard, to avoid unnecessary renovating any time soon!” Taylor agrees, adding, “With open plan, it’s good to be able to close the door.”
Metallic Everything
Warmer metallics, be it copper, gold or bronze, have been overtaking silver, chrome and stainless steel, appearing on mirrored splashbacks, pendant lights, cabinet pulls, island counters and tapware. Beware of overdoing it! “Refine your choices to key pieces – standalone beauties look ever so striking contrasted against other finishes and textures,” says Dankner. “It’s in the interest of kitchen brands to ensure you want to revise your kitchen as often as possible so they come up with new ideas!” warns Taylor, citing the decline of traditional stainless steel.
Beware of overdoing metallic. Photo: Stocksy
Thick Island Counters
“Islands counters aren’t just chopping stations – they are the new kitchen table, entertaining hub, display counter and communal cooking hub for foodies,” says Dankner. She recommends moving away from oversized, heavy stone benchtops, some being as thick as 50 to 60 millimetres of late, and onto more streamlined models coming out of Europe. “Thinner counters deliver a beautiful modern look that is super elegant.”
Bold Primary Colours
Bold primary colours, by way of punchy cabinetry, yellow or green glass splashbacks, glossy cobalt blue tiles and red KitchenAids and toasters, are due to be placed on the backburner in favour of soft muted tones. Dankner recommends simplifying your colour palette and opting for less saturated shades. “Select no more than two colours and explore the idea of texture through cladding or material, such as the beautiful veins in marble.”
Source: www.domain.com.au
