KEEP ON TREND IN YOUR KITCHEN

Getting back to our earthy roots is one of the main trends for kitchens for the coming year, with timbers, earthy tones, warm zoned lighting and a softer look all taking centre stage in kitchen design as we move away from stark minimalism to warmer, natural looks.

Textured wood finishes or darker kitchen cabinetry contrasted by veined, dramatic chunky worktops, is the predominant design for 2023. Intrinsically, it is a warm and inviting look which will extend beyond the kitchen to living spaces, TV units and sideboards. Mono colours are also fading with contrasting cabinetry proving fashionable as it offers a more homely and warmer feel.

Although each kitchen design is very individual - and our designers are always keen to stress that to potential clients - there is a nod towards duskier elements with black taps, timber wood finishes, glass units and open shelving to give a more Scandi feel. Topped by chunky matt worktops in durable materials, such as Dekton or Silestone, this provides a very stunning and contemporary look.

Modern living demands hi-tech appliances to make it easier and efficient. This is an area where suppliers have excelled and the most important item in the kitchen continues to be the Quooker Cube tap dispensing boiling, chilled and sparkling water. With smart controls on many appliances, these may be the kitchen workhorses but they are now so super-efficient that they make cooking a sheer pleasure. Extraction has leapt ahead in strides with vented hobs and discreet extraction systems that you can hardly even see – or hear.

Temperature controlled wine storage is a clear favourite with an inexhaustible offer of units available, as well as clever, in-built wine coolers in worktops.

Our Senior Sales Designer Carol Cameron says: “Kitchen designs continue to veer towards looking less functional and more aesthetic as they extend beyond the cooking areas and into the living, working and dining rooms. Top of the list for ‘must-haves’ are drinks cupboards or specific bar areas, open shelving and good vented extraction.”!

Having followed the ‘white is right’ mantra for kitchen design for many years, there is a definite switch to darker matt tones. Our Senior Sales Designer Stuart Ross adds: “Warm neutrals in mohair, warm grey, greens, blues or solid timber shades, and textures are very ‘in’ as clients look for a more down-to-earth and natural vibe.

“With living and kitchen areas more blurred, one of the greatest developments is concealed doors into walk-in pantries and utility rooms. By hiding away the functional kitchen items it allows for a more dramatic design for the rest of the room.”

Open plan kitchen designs complete with islands remain the design of choice as family life, entertaining and socialising are all blurred in this heart of the home. Zoned, layered lighting help ensure this pattern is achieved.

Kitchen storage gets cleverer and cleverer each year with large drawers, complete with internal pullouts and inserts, as well as purpose-built, walk-in pantries being high on the kitchen wishlist. Seating remains casual yet stylish with most kitchens opting for breakfast bars and stools or ‘booth’ or banquet seating so fixed to an area which takes up less space and offers wider options.

Going out are cool, gloss finishes, freestanding American fridge freezers, smaller 1 ½ bowls sinks (double bowls are the norm) and sparkly black worktops. All point to how the more showy designs are giving way to a sustainable and less flamboyant look.

To stay on trend, come and speak to one of our experienced kitchen designers, who will develop the latest designs, and offer access to the most modern materials and appliances, which will make your kitchen the heart of the home and your life.