Leading trends in kitchen design by Dave Nemeth

Over the years kitchen design, in relation to the rest of the home, has gained in importance with the realisation that this is more than just a functional space; but a key element and extension of living areas where many hours are spent on a daily basis. There is currently, and possibly more than ever, an increased focus on food and cuisine. With TV channels flooded with reality cooking shows, we find ourselves immersed in foodie experimentation and themed dinner parties. Hectic lifestyles and  a lack of quality time has seen consumers spending more time at home and specifically in the kitchen where cooking has become a relaxing and creative past time for both sexes and across all age groups.

With a heavily weighted focus on this once utilitarian space we are seeing some great design aesthetics taking shape in everything related to this area, from counters cupboards and drawers, to the appliances that now look more like modern art sculptures. Technology, as in all spheres, has aided this "next generation"design. From new materials to visualisation software such as Intericad by Furnspace3D, where clients can visualise their new kitchen in photorealism and even walk through the space before a single tile has been laid. This technology, allows for consumers to really push boundaries and become far more adventurous, without the risk factor of it not working out quite as expected in reality.

One of South Africa's leading kitchen designers and manufacturers Blu_Line had this to say: "There is a definite trend in terms of seeing the kitchen as part of the living space and this trend is not only sensible but also relational. The reality is that our environments we find ourselves in are driven and many times overwhelming. With that said, blu_line is not about to prescribe that an integrated living space will eradicate the above mentioned realities but there is something to be said about living and performing functions in a space that is ordered, functional and ultimately relational. It is not enough to only achieve this in the kitchen. blu_line focuses on designs therefore that seamlessly integrate the kitchen with the surrounding spaces, achieving a workflow that enhances the experience of every user."

One of the most popular design trends at the moment is a very slick and modern aesthetic where geometry and straight lines are the order of the day. The focus is on maximising workspace and storage whist creating a feeling of openness regardless of the actual size of the space. High gloss duco'd finishes not only create a futuristic character, but are also hygienically sound and very easy to wipe down as the naturally repel dirt. These surfaces are often coupled with quartz worktops, which are available in a myriad of tones and colours and are currently very popular due to their contemporary look and feel, whilst flamed and honed granite is also a popular material. Still popular on the catwalks, gray continues it dominance in the interior sector with the kitchen being no exception. The timeless quality of this colour ensures longevity as well as a perfect base for almost any accent colour. These accent colours vary from lime green to cobalt blue and fire engine red and although still mostly reserved for the adventurous, are certainly entering into mainstream kitchen design.

Trends are a funny thing whereby whatever we see happening in one direction has a counter trend taking form in the opposite direction. Artisanal products are the order of the day, with everything from artisanal chocolate to craft beer being the products of choice, rebelling against mass production. The rise of industrial spaces is ever evident where there is a stripping away of glamour and the focus is on the tactility and truth of materials. In contrast to the ultra modern kitchen we are seeing an industrial space taking form where reclaimed timber, brass, copper, concrete and even stainless steel work surfaces are the order of the day. This is in fact the "new" contemporary and whilst they look more "rough and ready" they certainly don't have to lack the finesse and quality of their sleeker counterparts. 

Top quality drawer runners, LED lit cupboards and even soft touch drawers are as important in this aesthetic as they are in the more futuristic space. This industrial styling is taken to the extreme in certain cases where the space is devoid of any tiles and simple concrete floors contrast against red brick walls and bare hanging light bulbs. This style has been popularised in many restaurants around the world.

Kitchen appliances have also taken a dramatic turn in design styling and possibly one of the most noticeable directions is the retro styling we are seeing, whereby hi tech meets 1950's. Smeg, the iconic italian brand founded by  Vittorio Bertazzoni in 1948 is certainly one of the most adventurous, bringing out brightly coloured fridges, oven and washing machines which are based on early 1950's design and styling. Many designers are looking to the past for inspiration and retro design speaks against the cheap, mass production of recent years confirming a solid quality that is built to last. These appliances are no longer purely functional,  but play and important role, as feature items within the kitchen space, the selection of the appliances is as important as the selection of the fixture finishes.

The kitchen is certainly one of the most exciting spaces in the modern home and whilst technology continues to race forward at a speed of knots, we can rest assured that they will continue to evolve and excite the sensors. - as seen in Ojekt