The kitchen is often the most frequently used room in a home, making it essential that it is not only practical, but also warm and inviting. Some of today’s hottest trends in kitchen design cater exceptionally well to these requirements, as well as making it possible to create a timeless, yet totally unique look.
The use of dark-stained wood cabinets, such as cherry, mahogany, or darker walnut finishes, is still very much on the ‘hot’ list, they are now often combined with lighter wood finishes, such as, oak, light walnut, teak, birch and/or white cabinets.
Cco-friendly bamboo is another product that’s rapidly gaining popularity, as green design is increasingly becoming a standard in the industry. This trend of mixing finishes has the added advantage of making it possible to gradually update a kitchen, rather than having to completely renovate the whole room at once.
An almost limitless range of finishes in composite work and counter tops, like the impressive range of colours in Compac worktops, for example, allows owners to either compliment these wood finishes or add a contrasting splash of colour. Neutral tones of grey, such as the Beach Medium Grey Diresco worktops, or the Gris Serena Quarella worktops, are particularly popular, as they compliment most wood finishes and provide a stylish, classic touch.
Other favourite neutrals include off-whites, whites and a range of muted greens. Pops of colour are then added through unique back splashes, often consisting of recycled glass tiles or coloured glass panels, and accessories. Colours used for accessories and appliances today typically include playful hues of citrus, although bolder colours can be used to express individuality.
A move away from stainless steel sinks to granite composite sinks, which consist of 80 per cent of granite particles and acrylic resin, is also gaining popularity very quickly. Available in a range of shapes, sizes and colours, these durable, scratch resistant sinks are extremely attractive and come in both under-mount and drop-in styles. Where fittings are concerned, stainless steel is frequently replaced with polished chrome.
