The Art of Design Issue 61 2023 | Page 23

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2 . KITCHEN ‘ JEWELLERY ’
Credit : Sheraton Interiors
With lighter home updates set to take precedent over heavier refurbishments for many this year , homeowners are looking for simple ways of refreshing their kitchens without breaking the bank . Hardware has been a huge topic of conversation , with trends around handle style , material , and a mixture of the two really spicing things up . Equally , there has been a bigger focus on the ‘ finishing touches ’ of the kitchen such as splashbacks , statement appliances and overstated hardware in general . Think mixed metals , copper splashbacks and coloured brassware to add various points of interest and a feel of elegance and luxe .
Top Tip : Hardware can have a big impact on the feeling cabinetry evokes , whether that be modern , rustic , vintage or traditional ,
so consider how this will pair with the rest of your design . If you ’ re looking for a budget friendly way to refresh your kitchens appearance , why not try replacing your kitchen handles to something more modern for an instant refresh .
3 . THE KITCHEN SIDEKICK
Recently , we have seen the walls of the kitchen expand with a surge in interest in those looking to create separate or
secondary areas fit for additional purposes other than just cooking or entertaining . This trend isn ’ t limited to only prep areas , but also entryways with the ever-popular Bootility room ; a place to store muddy shoes and hang coats and scarves . Another add-on are freestanding bars such as our Thistleton Drinks Pantry , ( the perfect way to create a fun , inspiring place to gather guests for entertainment ) and our Butler ’ s Pantry ( the ultimate must have for the aspiring chef or Kondo Method enthusiast ). If you ’ re looking to make your kitchen a more multifunctional space , this trend is a practical way of breaking up the flow in open plan kitchens , ensuring a full use of the allotted space .
Top Tip : If you are a keen entertainer or host / hostess , consider a freestanding bar to add an extra ‘ wow ’ factor and centrepiece to any dinner party . Alternatively use it as a glass cabinet to display your favourite kitchenware and crockery .
4 . LAYERS OF GREEN
Symbolic of nature , life , growth , and tranquillity , it ’ s unsurprising that green kitchens have been on an upward trajectory over the past three years . Following the biophilic trend of bringing elements of the outside in , green has become a new neutral of sorts . From dark , dramatic forests and emeralds , to soft , cosy olives and sages , green pairs excellently with other neutral colours and textures , with everything from dark marbles or patinaed brass allowing this hue to shine in both modern and traditional kitchens alike .
When analysing the top ten colours that our customers selected over the past six months , we found that shades of blue and green made up for a significant 40 % of kitchens purchased .
Top Tip : If you love the idea of a green kitchen but are unsure of creating a design
that incorporates this bold colour so heavily , why not try a green kitchen island set against a neutral backdrop .
5 . SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENTS
With more of us aware of the impact nonsustainably sourced materials have on our planet and its resources , we expect to see a further increased interest in kitchen materials with eco-credentials , as well as materials that boast longevity . Research into our top selling ranges reflected an increase in the amount spent on kitchen doors , with a large amount of customers purchasing higher end door materials , showing a definite ‘ quality over quantity ’ effect .
Top Tip : Look for a kitchen range that has an element of recyclability , whether that ’ s what it ’ s made from , or whether it can be recycled after use such as our Eterna range , Ocean XI handles and EcoStone Splashbacks .