The kitchen has become a social area, an extension of the entertainment area of the home. There are no longer rules, so decorate it as you wish; make it an art gallery, make it a living room; this is an interactive space now, not one dictated purely by its functionality.
It’s also getting a high-comfort upgrade. Use natural materials such as wood and marble, and introduce colour, too. A quick fix is to use art and ceramics to enliven the space.
In keeping with this, statement flooring – such as Moroccan tiles – also add character while the splashback is an opportunity to have fun and inject bold pattern into the space. If you do decide to opt for a more monochrome palette, add interest with pops of greenery and burnished metallics, such as brass and copper.
Open shelving is the storage solution of choice, as it lets you create varied displays that are easily changed. It’s all about doing more with less. Similarly, wood-look tiles are a much cheaper option than actual hardwood flooring (and more practical in terms of durability) but still create that warm feeling that wooden floors have.
Image: Jason Leung, Unsplash
Lighting is a key consideration in the kitchen; you don’t want to rely solely on overhead fluorescent lighting but rather try different levels of lighting. Pendants, down lighting and wall-mounted lamps create ambiance in the room when you are not using it for its functionality.
Image: Naomi Hébert, Unsplash
The major trend in kitchens is streamlined design. Appliances in matte black seem to fade out of view, white goods are cleverly disguised behind cupboard doors and cabinetry is handle-less and understated. An island will also provide ample storage and creates a space for interaction and casual dining. The kitchen is the heart of the home and its design needs to fully embrace this.
Image: iAlicante Mediterranean Homes, Unsplash
Featured Image: NeONBRAND, Unsplash
