KITCHEN TRENDS OF 2020
Let's take a look into what is making the bees buzz this year in the vast world of kitchens. Whether you are looking for something for a calm and peaceful safe haven or a bold and brash show stopper, this year we are doing it all. The key thing to remember about a trend is some do not stick, some come back into fashion and some genius ideas are for a lifetime! It is all about choosing what you truly love and looking at the way you can change your kitchen with the trends.
Be Bold (Dark & Dramatic)
You may have seen on the socials that dark tones and dramatic colourful accents are on the rise. If you haven’t then let me introduce you. The use of contrasting colours are really eye-catching and is a sure way to get people talking about your kitchen and how brave you are for daring to venture outside the kitchen norms. People are not only doing this in their kitchens but throughout their entire house.
1.2 Be Calm - Sophisticated muted tones
The classics are still in but with a refresh in style. We are seeing a decline in desire for bright whites and a surge for off whites in many different shades along with light grey, cashmere and porcelain. Light colours are now being mixed with darker colours to create a dynamic looking kitchen. These lighter muted tones create a sense of peacefulness rather than what is usually considered clinical white. When using stark white we advise using a wooden floor to add warmth.
2. Modern or Tradition? .. Or both?
The inframe kitchen is considered the most traditional of them all and with the rise of combining traditional and modern, this door style has been reinvented. The new inframe slab door is a perfect option if you are looking for that home sweet home feeling with a modern twist. Mixed with different accessories you can lean more towards either traditional or modern.
3. Storage heaven
Time to throw away that jar of paprika that went out of date in 2015 and take a look at these storage solutions. Who knew something functional could look stylish too. These solutions are perfect for those who are lacking space or like to make the most of the awkward access cupboards. It is also great for keeping the kitchen tidy with hidden waste bins, spice racks and utility pull-outs.
4. Statement Taps
But it is just a faucet you say? Nope! Sinks in the island are becoming more popular and we think this is a perfect opportunity to make a statement. You don’t want to make your washing up the centrepiece in your kitchen, so now you can choose from a wonderful selection of innovative taps. The selection is anything from industrial gold to classic chrome beauty. On the subject of taps, let's not forget to mention the Quooker hot water tap with the option of chilled and sparkling. Not only do you get instant hot water but you save space on the kitchen surfaces. Perfect for the minimal lovers.
5. Pantry
Many of us have always dreamt of having a pantry in our house but not everyone is lucky enough to have that adorable little room off of our kitchen. Well, now your dreams can come true with a pantry cupboard! Ok so it is not quite the same but the effect gives you that same satisfying feeling when everything has its place and can be hidden away. These pantries can also hide away your toaster and kettle with a built-in worktop to match your kitchen and hidden drawers, baskets and even a wine cooler.
6. Lighting
This is no revelation, with decorative and pendant lights selling like hotcakes, lighting is becoming the centrepiece in the kitchen. The most simple of kitchen designs can be drastically changed with funky pendant lights. Lighting creates ambience and can change the atmosphere and mood in any space. When you’re cooking you need ample lighting to work efficiently but when you are entertaining, think about mood lighting. Warm light creates a calm and cosy atmosphere and white light creates a perfect working environment. Under-cabinet lights maximise the light under wall cabinets where shadows can be present, these are practical and a must-have. But let's add a touch of creative light, like under the base units shining on the floor, even add colour changing lights.
7. Brass features
Sinks, taps, handles, you name it, it is now available in brass, copper or gold. Adding these warmer tones of metal can take your functional kitchen into a homely space. Alpha’s Advice: Be sure you really have your heart set on these finishes as they can be considerably more expensive than chrome or stainless steel and trends can eventually go out of fashion.
8. Concrete
Sinks, taps, handles, you name it.. sound familiar? Yes! Concrete is another texture we are seeing a demand in. The industrial style is not a new one but we can not seem to get enough. Suppliers are always working to perfect their concrete textures making them look more and more realistic. Using a laminate instead of real concrete can save time, energy and money and we like all three of those things. The industrial style can be mixed with both traditional and modern kitchens.
9. “Alexa, bake lemon drizzle cake for 35 minutes.”
Home connect appliances are on the rise! Have your cup of coffee ready for when you get up in the morning, or check the fridge whilst at the supermarket to see if you have any wine for when you get back home after a long day! There are so many benefits to home connect appliances that we could do a whole blog post about it. These new appliances that allow you to start the oven, dishwasher or washing machine are designed to help make your life a little easier and they are now available with Alexa.
10. Open Plan
Having an open plan kitchen can completely change the type of living space you have, you can still spend time with your family if you are cooking or easily entertain with your guests. For this process you should seek professional advice from a builder to check for load barring walls, your kitchen consultant should also be able to give you an idea of what is possible within the space you have. For new builds, consider a separate utility for noisy appliances.
11. Feature Tiles (wall and floor)
For a while, tiled splashbacks were becoming a thing of the past, however with the fun new ideas for tiles, they are being used as a focal point in the kitchen. There are pros and cons to tiled splashbacks compared to glass, the biggest being ease of cleaning. So if you are still the way of the glass, how about a funky tiled floor?
If you are feeling inspired and looking for any advice on how to achieve a beautiful kitchen tailored to your everyday needs then please give us a call or drop us an email to discuss your new project.