Trends dominate the kitchen design world every year, and 2013 is no exception. Now that we are halfway through the year, we thought we would outline the major trends that have defined the year so far.
In contrast to 2012 and even 2011, this year designers are producing bright yet simple kitchens, with a bit of personality in the form of colour, patterns, or unique finishes. The good news is, most of the trends en vogue are actually quite practical and not difficult to adopt. They are great to keep in mind if you are looking to renovate or update the look and feel of your kitchen.
Pops of colour
Rather than opting for completely neutral or outrageously colourful kitchens, people seem to be striking a balance by simply adding pops of colour. Adding splashes of colour to your kitchen is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to update it for 2013.
Rather than opting for completely neutral or outrageously colourful kitchens, people seem to be striking a balance by simply adding pops of colour. Adding splashes of colour to your kitchen is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to update it for 2013.
Many designers are using wall murals, paintings, and colourful appliances to brighten up the most outdated of kitchens. Patterns have also proven to be very popular this year. In particular, nostalgic prints such as polka dots, florals, and checkers are making a comeback, frequently decorating appliances and dinnerware.
Streamlined simplicity
Some designers are leaning towards creating minimalist, 'clean' kitchens that hide appliances and machinery. For instance, fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers are often being covered with the same wooden or laminate finish as cabinets. There is also a trend towards integrated and organised appliances, such as fridges with labelled drawers inside. By hiding the 'work' that goes on in a kitchen, designers are creating streamlined looks that appear neat and tidy. In trying to overcome the challenge of creating a kitchen that is both streamlined and practical, many designers are incorporating islands into their designs.
Some designers are leaning towards creating minimalist, 'clean' kitchens that hide appliances and machinery. For instance, fridges, microwaves, and dishwashers are often being covered with the same wooden or laminate finish as cabinets. There is also a trend towards integrated and organised appliances, such as fridges with labelled drawers inside. By hiding the 'work' that goes on in a kitchen, designers are creating streamlined looks that appear neat and tidy. In trying to overcome the challenge of creating a kitchen that is both streamlined and practical, many designers are incorporating islands into their designs.
Mixing finishes
Forget being 'matchy matchy', 2013 is the year to mix and match finishes however you like. The key to this trend is to use finishes that complement each other to create an eclectic yet polished look. For instance, many designers are choosing to combine white or grey flooring with stainless steel bench tops and wooden cabinetry. Though the combination sounds odd, when it's done right, the finished product is interesting and above all, aesthetically pleasing.
Forget being 'matchy matchy', 2013 is the year to mix and match finishes however you like. The key to this trend is to use finishes that complement each other to create an eclectic yet polished look. For instance, many designers are choosing to combine white or grey flooring with stainless steel bench tops and wooden cabinetry. Though the combination sounds odd, when it's done right, the finished product is interesting and above all, aesthetically pleasing.
Light and bright
Over the past few years, there were an incredible amount of kitchens rolled out featuring dark colours in order to fit in with the ultra-modern, sleek aesthetic. Now, the preferred colour palettes are shifting to medium and light finishes, veneers, and paints. This pared-down look gives kitchens an airy, spacious, and soft feel, factors which are all part of its appeal. This trend would work well with the 'streamlined simplicity' design concept mentioned above.
Over the past few years, there were an incredible amount of kitchens rolled out featuring dark colours in order to fit in with the ultra-modern, sleek aesthetic. Now, the preferred colour palettes are shifting to medium and light finishes, veneers, and paints. This pared-down look gives kitchens an airy, spacious, and soft feel, factors which are all part of its appeal. This trend would work well with the 'streamlined simplicity' design concept mentioned above.
Shifting neutrals
While various shades of white and off-white are still common colour schemes for kitchens, grey is increasingly being used as a base colour. While grey is a calm, neutral colour that is more interesting than white, it is still timeless, classic, and practical. Many kitchen designers are using grey backgrounds and accenting them with pops of colour and unusual finishes.
While various shades of white and off-white are still common colour schemes for kitchens, grey is increasingly being used as a base colour. While grey is a calm, neutral colour that is more interesting than white, it is still timeless, classic, and practical. Many kitchen designers are using grey backgrounds and accenting them with pops of colour and unusual finishes.
Unusual backsplashes
So far, 2013 is defining itself as the year of the backsplash. While tiles have been commonly used as backsplashes for several years, there is now a huge interest in other, more exotic and unique backsplashes. At the moment, glass is the backsplash material of choice for most kitchen manufacturers. Other popular materials are natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tile, stainless steel and brick. Decorative backsplashes function like a feature wall in a bedroom: they show some personality and style, but they aren't necessarily permanent.
So far, 2013 is defining itself as the year of the backsplash. While tiles have been commonly used as backsplashes for several years, there is now a huge interest in other, more exotic and unique backsplashes. At the moment, glass is the backsplash material of choice for most kitchen manufacturers. Other popular materials are natural stone, ceramic and porcelain tile, stainless steel and brick. Decorative backsplashes function like a feature wall in a bedroom: they show some personality and style, but they aren't necessarily permanent.
If you're interested in incorporating any of these trends in your kitchen renovation or build, let us know. Our designers carefully consider your tastes and ideas to make sure that you get your dream kitchen!
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