Kitchen predictions for year ahead

A new year means a new kitchen for homeowners seeking a fresh look in 2018.

At the heart of the home, the number one place to turn renovation dreams into reality is the kitchen.

Susan Hasler from Freedom Kitchens said several design trends were forecast for this year.

Two-tone cabinetry, which took off in 2017, is likely to continue trending into 2018 after being showcased on popular television series such as The Block.

“Australian home owners loved the look of crisp white contrasted by black or grey for a contemporary edge, in 2018 this colour-blocking looks set to continue,” Susan said.

“We’re likely to see some bravery beyond black and white, with various shades of grey being the new neutral, also expect to see an astute use of both smooth matt and textured surfaces.”

Another trend organic luxe using earthy tones and textures in kitchens will return this year creating a sense of raw luxury.

Cool concrete, warm timber, and the look of natural stone are elements that are right on trend and will lend high end appeal to a contemporary kitchen.

With the influence of open plan design bringing the palette of surrounding rooms into the kitchen, the trend is to further evolve these areas into truly congruent spaces.

Those on a leaner budget can get the organic luxe look with the latest generation of laminate surfaces from Freedom Kitchens which look and feel like real timber such as Tobacco Halifax Oak, plus a range of ‘textured concrete’ cabinets available in light or dark tones.

Combining different tones and textures ensures the look stays balanced, as well as creating visual interest.

The usage of industrial inspired benchtops will continue, according to Linda Hannah from Caesarstone.

Linda said the utilitarian aesthetic will continue to grow in 2018 catered by their latest design, Rugged Concrete which presents the authentic look of a hand-poured concrete benchtop with its authentic robust industrial inspired design.

The ‘rough’ matt Concrete range blends well with neutral palettes that soften its raw industrial edge, and is being teamed with natural marble inspired designs and beautiful timber finishes.

When it comes to benchtop thickness, Australians are still requesting a range of thicknesses from standard 20mm, 40mm laminations and mitred edges with deeper aprons giving a solid look.

For those wanting to achieve the slim and sleek look in 2018, a 20mm thickness with a shark nose edge has been trending.

While benchtop edge profiles are still mixed, there’s no denying that size-wise, bigger is better when it comes to island benchtops serving as the social hub of the kitchen.

Last but not lease is mixed metals, with metallic (while not a new trend) remerging in home interiors.

From kitchen cabinetry such as Freedom Kitchen’s metallic range, the subtle and sophisticated hues like Champagne Gold can make a fabulous feature of upper run cabinetry while the sheen of Platinum is the perfect way to continue the sleek look of integrated appliances.

Gold, copper and brass sinks, taps and handles have been popular recently, but the latest version of the trend will see a use of mixed metallic in kitchen palettes.

This means you can team your champagne toned metallic cabinets with stainless steel tapware, or brass taps and stainless steel appliances, and still have it all work aesthetically.

For more information, head to freedomkitchens.com.au or phone 1800 113 733.