How to make your kitchen the envy of your friends

For many, the kitchen is seen as the heart of the home. It’s the place where we cook for our families and entertain guests. Kitchens have evolved rapidly over the past few years and the popularity of kitchen/dining/family rooms have rocketed.

Whether your current layout needs renovating or you simply want to refresh a tired colour scheme, now is the perfect time to plan your dream kitchen. Changing the cabinets, countertops and even accessories can significantly transform the mood in your kitchen.  But what’s hot in the world of kitchen design this year?

1. Green with Envy

   This year there will be a shift away from the pops-of-color trend toward a more neutral and holistic palette for the kitchen. Green is synonymous with nature and serentiy, so, it can be very calming in kitchens.

   Green is such a versatile hue as it is both warm and cool at the same time. A pale green will create a softer and calmer feel, whereas a darker green will create more of a design statement. If you don’t want to go bold with green cabinets, why not have neutral units and paint your walls instead? 

2. Sleek Black Cabinets

   Kitchen trends look set to shift towards a darker, more mysterious colour scheme this year, with black coming out on top in trend reports as the colour palette for 2018.

   Black kitchens are sure to make a bold design statement. You can use black on cabinets, walls or countertops, or even kitchen appliances.
   

3. Two Tone Cabinets

   While white is still the overwhelming favourite shade of cabinetry, colour is creeping back into our kitchens. Blue and grey units are gaining momentum, especially in a combination of two shades of the same colour – for example, light blue for wall cupboards and dark blue for base units.

   Then there’s the option to be a little bit daring, and add a section of bright cupboards amongst neutral units and worktops. I also think that using a different cabinet colour on an island is a quirky idea that looks very modern.

   

4. Herringbone Flooring

   Herringbone flooring was huge in 2017, and 2018 will be no exception. It is a very versatile floor style that works in traditional country kitchens as well as sleek modern kitchens. If you want a really modern look, consider painting a selection of the wooden tiles in an accent colour. Or even create an ombre effect, if you are bold enough!

   So it’s time to look at a warm natural wood finish that adds a bit of pattern to the floor. Again, this is a classic look that really never dates.

5. Marble

   An old favourite material for countertops is back this year. Marble will be big this year, however, there is a step away from from Calacattas and Carraras to a much more subtle, natural look.

   However, you don’t have to constrain marble to countertops only. Think about using marble splashbacks, tiles and even flooring. The pale colour and shiny surface is a great way to bounce light around the space. 

6. Metal Accents

   This year, expect to see more shimmering metallics in the kitchen. Gold and copper will be the stand-out surfaces, giving a luxurious finish to handles, wall tiles, statement lighting, small appliances and even plug sockets.

   You can create striking focal points with brass doors, door handles, ovens, sinks – it’s all about thinking outside the box. 

   How do you feel about these trends? Will you be featuring any of them in your home?

    

   Eve x