Themes we’re seeing coming through for kitchens this year range from warm woods and organic textures to deep, dark colours and bespoke elements.
Natural-wood cabinetry
Unpainted kitchen cabinets are back – in a beautifully sophisticated way. Designers are employing luxurious oaks, walnuts and other dark, rich timbers as a way of connecting with nature and introducing organic textures and colours. They’re complemented by the patina of stone worktops and quarry-tiled floors, and accessorized with brass hardware. Just add touches of suede, leather, wicker and glass for unique textural interest.
Image provided by Richard Grafton Interiors
Understated opulence
It seems the quiet luxury trend is here to stay – but then again, is good quality ever really out of style? This look is all about timeless design, with a subtle appeal that definitely whispers rather than shouts. Let’s just say it’s Chanel, not Shein. Shapes are unfussy, colours are neutral, and natural materials such as oak, wool, linen, leather and brass are the go-to, crafted immaculately and with the greatest attention to every detail.
Earthy tones
The move towards using deeper, darker colours in the kitchen continues, and this year there’s a particular emphasis on earthy shades that evoke the natural world, whether mossy green, earthy brown or warm terracotta. Of these, terracotta is perhaps the most popular, in all incarnations from pale, pinkish-brown through to burgundy. It’s looking to become a staple of kitchen design, complementing all styles from urban to rustic, traditional to modern.
A commitment to sustainability
As environmental concerns become increasingly prevalent, kitchens are naturally incorporating more and more sustainable materials, whether locally sourced, recycled, renewable, low VOC or otherwise ‘green’ in some way. Low-energy appliances and energy-efficient features are becoming the norm, too, from slow cookers and induction hobs to LED lighting.
Image provided by Lana Filippova Interiors
Bespoke, vintage and individual elements
Out goes uniformity and in comes individuality: today’s kitchens reflect our sense of personality and a desire to create a unique place in which to feel completely at home. Mixed materials and layered textures are a big part of this: think reeded glass, marble countertops, polished-brass handles and suede-upholstery, for example. Bespoke elements might include rounded cabinets or a dining nook, while vintage pieces are also highly desirable.
Intelligent kitchens
Smart tech continues to reshape the way we live in every room, and the kitchen is no exception. AI capabilities of all kinds are – if not quite here yet – just around the corner. Switch your oven on to pre-heat from your phone, check how the cooking is going via a built-in camera and adjust the temperature without leaving the sofa. The future is here, and we’re not just talking AI-powered coffee makers and voice-controlled lighting, but also innovations such as fridges that suggest recipes for your leftovers and cookers that are able to add ingredients and even stir your food.
