quartz_graniterra

10 Kitchen Trends That Are Here to Stay – November 2018

Looking to redecorate your kitchen in 2018? You have probably spent your last weeks’ researching kitchen trends and viewing kitchen designs on the Internet. Before you finalise your new kitchen plan, we recommend you to give this redecoration a careful thought if you want it to last for years to come. It is easy to be lured by the latest fashion and choose a kitchen style or elements that will become out-dated in a couple of years. To avoid that, consider the following kitchen trends that are here to stay:

 

1.      Quartz Countertops

Image Source: Graniterra

Image Source: Graniterra

Quartz countertops are often compared to the classical granite ones and win the battle for offering the following advantages: increased flexibility, not requiring sealing and maintenance, being very durable and stain-resistant, and being slightly more affordable.

2.      Open layouts

Image Source: Mascord

Image Source: Mascord

Combining your kitchen with your eating or living area helps creating a beautiful and cohesive space and also offers the illusion of a larger home.

3.      Induction cooking

Image Source: Appliances Connection

Image Source: Appliances Connection

Induction cooking has become increasingly popular in the last years due to the multiple benefits provided by this technology: getting instant heat, saving energy by heating the cookware only, being safer for children and being easier to clean. Not to mention that induction stoves look so elegant and sleek!

4.      Single-level islands

Design lighting in layers. Use dimmers whenever possible to set the stage for whatever mood you are in. MUST CREDIT: Mary Cook Associates.

Image Source: TheDenverPost

There are two types of kitchen islands: single and two-level. The first solution is more pleasing to the eye and provides an overall smoother aspect of your kitchen.

5.      Integrated appliances

Image Source: Sisane.com

Image Source: Sisane.com

You will probably want to hide your appliances in your kitchen cabinets for the same reason that you will choose a single-level island: creating cleaner, uninterrupted lines for your kitchen design. Appliances should match your kitchen style as much as possible or not even be noticeable.

6.      White kitchens

Image Source: tjihome

Image Source: tjihome

When it comes to kitchen trends, there is one style that will never go out of fashion: white kitchens. White furniture is beautiful and stylish and makes spaces look friendlier and larger. You may see it as impractical, but high-quality kitchen furniture is covered with gloss which allows you to easily clean it of dust.

7.      Clean-lined design

Image Source: TheLuxPad

Image Source: TheLuxPad

All the kitchen trends presented in this article have one thing in common, they help achieving a clean, simple design, which is less likely to go out of fashion. Too much clutter and broken lines are disturbing to the eye and are usually seen in perishing design trends.

8.      Wood or wood-alike floors

Image Source: Archivosweb

Image Source: Archivosweb

Natural or natural-resembling surfaces and materials will never go out of fashion because they are tasteful and constant everywhere on this planet. Don’t worry if you can’t afford real wood,  a faithful imitation will do the trick as well.

9.      Big, practical sinks

Image Source: Chinese Furniture Shop

Image Source: Chinese Furniture Shop

Submerging a large roasting pan when you wash the dishes is a breeze when you have a big kitchen sink. Not to mention you won’t splash your kitchen countertop anymore by washing as little as a small tea cup.

10.      Stainless steel appliances

Image Source: The CSS Blog

Image Source: The CSS Blog

These kitchen appliances come with multiple advantages: resisting constant messy use, not attracting lingering germs, suiting multiple decors due to its neutral look, and easily finding coordinating items in the same finish.

The timelessness of these kitchen trends comes from their practicality and simple design; by incorporating these elements into your design, your kitchen will keep its look fresh and relevant throughout the years.

compact_cooking_zone-bora-1030x579

Practical Layout for Latest Kitchen Designs

The way we relate to our kitchens has changed in the last years and this is reflected in the latest kitchen designs.

This area of the house is no longer just the space where one person does the cooking and the rest of the family enters just for breakfast or a quick snack. Kitchens have become larger and more important hubs for family living. Thus, when it comes to kitchen design ideas, activity-based design makes more sense than strict adherence to the old work-triangle concept.

You too must have noticed the way kitchens have changed in the last decade and you are probably wondering how you can design this type of modern kitchen for your home as well. To have a better grasp of the concept, keep on reading to discover how today’s designer kitchens are created:

What activity-based design means

Image Source: Better Homes & Gardens

Image Source: Better Homes & Gardens

This approach involves organizing the kitchen into zones such as refrigeration and food storage, food preparation, cooking, clean-up space, and beverage centre. This type of kitchen is easier to navigate and any cooking activity you complete here runs more smoothly. Make sure each space flows logically into the next step; you wouldn’t want to place your beverages area between the sink and the stove, right?

Compact cooking zone

latest kitchen designs

Image Source: Zone Bora

When you are cooking, you absolutely want to have the most important items within the reach of your hand. The cooking zone should be built into the island bench with cooktop and sink, and should also include storage for pots and pans.

Preparation station

latest kitchen designs

Image Source: HGTV

Designer kitchens pay a lot of attention to food preparation areas, because the success of your cooking depends on your ability to prepare ingredients in an effective and comfortable manner. The preparation station, with an appliance garage (appliances are hidden) should be placed closest to fridge.

Dishwashers

latest kitchen designs

Image Source: Arvelo Designs

For serious cooks or big families, having a dishwasher takes the hassle out of clean up. The dishwasher should ideally be placed besides the sink and it will help you save time, water, and energy.

Convenient storage

latest kitchen designs

Image Source: Houzz.com

Storage area is very important and every kitchen design idea should take this into account. Once you start cooking regularly, you realise you need a variety of pots, pans, and utensils, no matter how versatile you are. These items should be placed in a safe manner and not make you uncomfortable as you walk across the kitchen.

Ample bench space

latest kitchen designs

Image Source: themaker

At the beginning of this post we were mentioning how kitchens have become a hub for families and a place where family members spend time together. It is obvious that a modern designer kitchen should benefit from sufficient bench space to accommodate everyone in the family and this is often one of the biggest challenges designers and homeowners face when completing a new kitchen project.

We hope we have managed to inform you on the latest kitchen trends for practical layouts and serve as a source of inspiration for recreating this vital space in your home.

warm-neutrals-gold-accents-housebeautiful

November 2018 – Top 8 Modern Kitchen Designs

Planning to redecorate your kitchen in 2018? Like most homeowners, you probably want something completely new, cutting-edge, or on the contrary very homey, and you dream of a kitchen design looking just like those pictures you see in interior design magazines. We don’t want to lie to you, it will be hard work, but we can give a helping hand with the following 8 top modern kitchen design ideas:

Warm neutrals and gold accents

kitchen design

Image Source: House Beautiful

If you want to create a boho look for your kitchen (and this is one of the most enduring kitchen trends), choosing the colour scheme is very easy. You just need to combine golds with browns and natural materials. Your kitchen will become the warmest and most attractive spot in your home, we promise!

Bold vibrant colour schemes

kitchen design

Image Source: Livinator

Although a bit more difficult to get this right, vivid colour will never go out of fashion and give you that impression of last-hour kitchen design, whether it’s 1980, 2018, or 2040. This kitchen trend is suitable for more spacious kitchens, though, because it can be too overwhelming for a small area.

Large island benches with plenty of storage

kitchen design

Image Source: HGTV Home

Kitchen islands have become a must-have in the last few years and are part of the latest kitchen designs. They come with many advantages, as multi-functionality and the modern look, but the truth is they also take up quite a lot of space. The solution is to choose breakfast bar seating or banqueting seating attached to the island, so you save some space. There are islands available with plenty of storage options, such as wine racks – you just need to research the market and choose what suits your needs and preferences best.

Open shelving

kitchen design

Image Source: House Beautiful

Storage room is vital for any functional kitchen, but it also takes a good amount of space from this often small area in your home. Open shelving can be used alone or in combination with classic cabinetry to make your kitchen look more airy. You can place the most commonly used items on shelves and have what you need within your hand’s grasp. Moreover, homeowners add their own personality with small accessories and greenery to these open shelves.

Multi-functional trough sink

kitchen design

Image Source: Autoofac

Trough sinks are an elegant design element often serving as the focal point in a kitchen. They are big enough to share and very useful in homes where the kitchen is a central space. The advantages of a large sink with two faucets are quite important to some homeowners, and this type of sink also provides a state-of-the-art look to your kitchen.

Concealed lighting

kitchen design

Image Source: Pinterest

Concealed LED lighting improves the aesthetics of a room and highlights the more dramatic architectural features in a room. Choose this solution if you enjoy a warm glow and an intimate feel of your kitchen. However, make sure the lighting is well hidden from every possible angle.

Pops of colour of pretty pastels

kitchen design

Image Source: Pinterest

Pastels will still be fashionable in 2018 and continue to be used for the latest kitchen designs. Opt for them if you want your kitchen to look friendly and spacious!

Smart kitchen appliances

kitchen design

Image Source: Brucall

Taking your kitchen to 2018 is not just about looks, but also about functionality and technology. Here we refer to Wi-Fi appliances that homeowners can control from afar, such as sous vide cooking gadgets or electric smokers that use mobile apps and notifications to ensure a perfectly cooked food. Technology is not only being integrated into kitchen appliances but also lighting, faucets and the fridge. Motion sensed kitchen faucets can sense the presence of hands underneath and will come on automatically.

What 2018 kitchen trend will you include in your redecoration project?

4-2-687x1030

New Kitchen Ideas: Top Kitchen Designs That Are Inspired From Nature

Do you enjoy a lifestyle as close to nature as possible, including organic food, cultivating your own vegetables, reducing waste, and using wholesome foods to cook at home? Then your best kitchen among other styles currently on trend is probably the nature-inspired kitchen.

Every time you step into that area of your home dedicated to cooking, eating, and relaxation, you will feel closer to nature and at peace with yourself. The best new kitchen design ideas are the oldest and simplest, and more and more designer kitchens focus on natural in order to appeal to a wider range of customers and be more durable. Here is how you recognise kitchen design ideas inspired from nature:

Natural colour palette

new kitchen ideas

Image Source: Indulgy

Natural colours like cream, wood, charcoal, stone grey, and leaf green never go out of fashion because they have been around us since the world as we know it began. More daring colour combinations can be fashionable for a while, but several years after redecorating your kitchen they will start to look hopelessly out-of-date. On the other hand, when you opt for a natural kitchen design idea and take care of your furniture, accessories, and appliances, your kitchen will look just as fresh and relevant years and years after redecoration.

Naturally occurring materials wherever possible

new kitchen ideas

Image Source: Dakota Kitchen & Bath

Wood and stone are a must for nature-inspired kitchens. These materials are indeed not exactly cheap, but their quality and durability makes them a good investment and enables you to save money in the long term. Of course, you can mimic a natural look by using certain finishes, but for better quality and a more impressive effect, choose authentic materials that Mother Nature has provided.

Soft lighting in the kitchen

new kitchen ideas

New kitchen ideas try to create a pleasant and cosy atmosphere rather than blinding inhabitants with powerful spotlights. Designers recommend soft lighting for kitchens inspired by nature. This means keeping the wattage of your light bulbs low, and using additional lighting where you might need it the most, like above your kitchen sink, countertops, or stove. A great idea you can try if your home allows it is installing a skylight window to take advantage of natural light and create a unique atmosphere in your kitchen.

Plants to decorate the kitchen

new kitchen ideas

Image Source: Amara

Designer kitchens inspired by nature are not complete without natural elements, of course, such as plants. Whether they are in a pot or coming in the shape of a wild flowers bouquet. If you are a practical person, you can raise your own green plants for cooking, such as parsley or rosemary. These plants will not only represent a flavourful addition to your recipes, but they will also complete your kitchen look at the same time.

A kitchen inspired by nature may require some additional work and slightly higher costs, but we think it will be completely worth it and give you and anyone stepping in an excellent mood, as well as the desire to eat more healthy.

1-1-1030x455

Modern Kitchen: Kitchen Trends To Watch Out For in 2018

As the New Year approaches slowly but surely, many of you are probably thinking about having their kitchen redecorated. Aside from aspects such as budget and timing, you also need to consider design when it comes to your kitchen redecoration. A modern design with a timeless touch is what will make your kitchen last throughout the years, together with the quality of materials and fixtures. This is why you need to be aware of the latest kitchen trends announced for 2018:

Quartz counter tops are in – granite is out

kitchen trends 2018

Image Source: The Marble Store

Granite used to be present in many kitchen design ideas, but for 2018 quartz will be on trend for kitchen projects. Unlike granite which is mined from pure stone, quartz is manufactured from crushed quartz which is mixed with pigment and resin as a binder. Quartz is more affordable, comes in a wider array of colours, requires less care, and is more durable than granite. Practical usually wins the debate, bringing engineered stone to the preferences of many Australian consumers.

Brass and rose gold fixtures will be on trend

kitchen trends 2018

Image Source: Decormeup

New kitchen ideas with a vintage touch often feature brass and rose gold fixtures. Imagine a rustic or vintage kitchen – the regular chrome-plated faucets would definitely spoil the overall effect. In 2018, brass and gold for accessories and faucets will no longer be reserved to hipster designs, but represent the natural choice when these textures simply match your kitchen colour scheme the best.

Beautiful hand carved stone sinks

kitchen trends 2018

Image Source: New Jersey Monthly

This trend aligns perfectly with the brass tap ware idea described earlier, as it shows that more and more people are willing to research the latest kitchen designs and give up the typical kitchen look of dull and lacking creativity. A stone sink can look anything from elegant and cold to natural and friendly. It all depends on how you integrate it within your kitchen design and what kind of atmosphere you want to create.

Two-toned cabinetry

kitchen trends 2018

Image Source: The Fischer House

Kitchen cabinets in two tones can breathe unique life into your kitchen and provide you with the perfect playground for other colour combinations. Some of the most popular combinations are cream and olive, white and grey, charcoal and natural wood, black and dark wood, white and royal blue, and white with chocolate.

Pops of colour

kitchen trends 2018

Image Source: HGTV

Colour spots complementing the colour scheme and texture of a space are not just a kitchen design idea; in fact they can bring any room to life and take it out of the ordinary. Let’s say your kitchen is mainly cream and olive, a couple of green elements in the form of a vase, an appliance, or a basket of green apples will do the trick.

Tiles with texture, colour and unique designs

kitchen trends 2018

Image Source: Rocky Point Tile

Subway tiles have been used in kitchens and bathrooms for years because they are a safe choice and are easy to clean. However, for 2018 this look will fall out of the latest kitchen trends and stay underground where it belongs. Design experts advise you to put your imagination at work and opt for tiles with unique textures and colour that will create for your kitchen an original style.

What does your dream kitchen look like?

Modern Kitchen Designs and ideas

First off welcome to our first blog just in time for the Christmas holidays, with supply and demand at an all time high and some unique designs coming out in the kitchen world in 2014, I thought we would touch on a few stand out kitchens, ideas and tips for your next kitchen design.

The common trend in 2014 would have to be the whole uncluttered look and feel in the kitchen and what a great idea it is, I find nothing worse than a kitchen jammed packed with bench top accessories, knives holders and tea towels scattered throughout. This is why our designers have stepped it up and can factor in hidden locations for all these ugly little accessories, unless of course you’re a picking up some designer bench top accessories to perfectly match your kitchen fit out.

midcentury-kitchen

A beautiful yet elegant kitchen comes from a few key values.

1: Less is more

Our favourite by far is this approach, as it not only presents beautifully but it creates the feeling of space and that the area you are in, is simply bigger than it truly is. Ample storage space and clean colours can really do any kitchen a huge favour.

2: Disguise

In every kitchen there are essential appliances that simply need to be displayed, that’s where disguise comes in. Disguising items such as ovens, fridges and dish washers is a really great thing to consider in your design, as you can see in the image above the oven and fridge are both finished in stainless steel which in many normal kitchens would standout, yet in this design the blue 2pac cupboards, gloss white bench tops and polished timber book shelf take your eyes away from these appliances and focus on the key design features.

3: Lighting

Lighting has become a huge part of the finishing touches with the advancement in LED lighting over the past few years, we have seen an increase in the amount of wattage (brightness) that the LED has to offer along with the crystal white colour they can bring to your kitchen area.

balwyn_modern_kitchen_pic01

So when it comes time to sit down and design your new kitchen remember a few things, less is more, disguise, lighting and symmetry. Symmetry in a kitchen design works in many homes but not in all, keeping cabinets at the same size and height, instead of large and small scattered. Why not look at using a larger cabinet on opposite sides of the kitchen and therefore lowering the number of required cabinets to achieve the same storage space. Keep similar items on opposite sides of the kitchen or around the same area or axis.