What can we say? We’re feeling hopeful. It’s a Friday and the taxi strike has ended (for now), so we are feeling optimistic about the weekend ahead.

We’re finishing off our week on a high – talking about kitchen trends that we are currently loving. We know that the word trend is upsetting to some people. They see wasted money and a design result that lasts less than 2 year.

However we have a different approach when thinking about design trends. We like to consider them as new approaches to interior design or new opportunities to develop on what we already do. In some instances, trends are forms of design that were not previously available Ito the general public.

With that mind, let us tell you what is inspiring us that the moment…

 

Colourful + Monochrome Kitchens

Image via The Design Files + Listen Progress

Home owners and designers have come to the realisation that embracing colour in an opportunity to personalise their homes and create an expression of their personal styles. From rich jewel tones to soothing pastels, these hues can transform the kitchen into a dynamic focal point. We prefer a saturated approach when you fully immerse the kitchen in your chosen colour, but then change things up with complimentary neutrals and varying textures. This saturated approach allows the eyes to gently bounce around the room and note all the special design details.

Another bonus of this kitchen design, is that it works equally well across different design styles, from a clean and contemporary space through to a more traditional, country kitchen.

 

Wallpaper in Kitchens

Image via Sandberg Wallpaper

Wallpaper in kitchens is considered an unexpected addition, but we love the pattern, texture and colour introduced – all of which elevate the visual appeal of the space. Vinyl and washashble wallpapers are easy to clean, making them suitable for the kitchen environment.

Wallpaper is also a great way to change the personality of a kitchen, from vintage charm to contemporary chic. The black and white kitchen below is a great example of how  much visual interest is added to an otherwise neutral setting, just through the addition of wallpaper.  This is an especially effective way to create a big impact on a small budget.

 

Bold Stone + Marbles

Images via Est Living + Connected Goods

Bold, statement making stones and marbles are  a great example of a kitchen trend that is growing over time. Homeowners and designers are favouring bolder choices, with colourful, interesting swirls and unique veining a must. These unique patterns are a work of art in themselve, turning couture tops and splash backs in captivating foal points. Beyond aesthetics, the durability and heat resistances of composite stones make them functional choices in this hard working area of the home.

 

Pill Shaped Kitchen Islands

Images via Style Curator + The Design Files

 

Rounded shapes do so much for a room – they’re casually soft and calming, and they’re great for traffic flow so you don’t walk into sharp corners. There is a softness to the pill shaped island that is a loved contrast to a typical linear kitchen arrangement.

Incorporating this softer style into your kitchen island creates a wonderful design statement.  If you are working with a challenging floor plan, particularly an open concept plan, the fluidity of a curved island helps make use of space that would otherwise go unused. They also ofer great flexibility when it comes to seating.

Adding curves helps give the island its own presence and act more like a piece of furniture in the space rather than just a utilitarian work space