kitchen trends

cabinets and tiles

Light, natural colours and textures are IN for kitchen tiles and cabinets this year and range from shades of soft white, through to pale warm greys and taupe, these echo colours found in nature 

popular bench tops

Natural stone bench tops such as limestone or filled travertine are popular as is composite stone in the palest of shades

Timber effect laminate bench tops such as Reed, Bamboo and Ash are also big this year.  Other laminates to look out for are those which closely imitate burnished metal or real stone

Acrylic polymer is also a popular bench and counter material in shades of white through to softly coloured and patterned stone effects

appliances

Fully integrated as opposed to semi-integrated appliances are the next big thing in kitchens.  This is where items such as the fridge, dishwasher and microwave oven are completely concealed within a cupboard providing a seamless finish

Stainless Steel appliances continue to be popular, but do look out for those with streak-free finishes for easy cleaning

colour

Popular colours and effects are tipped to be based on shades, combinations and textures found in nature.  For kitchens, this means pale stone colours and textures, grained timber – rich and dark as well as bleached and light, as well as fresh lush greens and watery blues

For colour thrill seekers, try earthy oranges, reds and golden yellows as well as juicy watermelon pink and shades of coral blush

For a touch of vintage glamour, try taupe, violet greys, charcoal and soft, smoke browns.  Also look out for glamour accessories, appliances and paints in luminous pearl and metallic finishes  

splash backs

The most popular splash backs continue to be those made from custom glass which provides a seamless, modern finish. For a coloured effect, use clear glass adhered to a painted wall or ask the manufacturer for a splash back which can be painted to your specific colour choice