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Sinead Trainor , Kitchen Category Manager at British Kitchen brand LochAnna Kitchens draws upon her wealth of experience to share five key design considerations that can help make your kitchen design stand the test of time .
CHOOSE COLOUR CAREFULLY
Selecting a colour for your kitchen cabinetry can be daunting , especially since it will likely be part of the home for several years . When aiming to create a kitchen that feels timeless , it is important to find a balance between a hue that feels modern yet retains an aspect of class and simplicity . Neutrals such as off whites , pebble greys , and soft beiges are excellent for achieving this effect . When it comes to colour , we all have our own preferences , but if you ’ re struggling with where to start , a good rule of thumb is to avoid over using stark , brilliant whites as they can bring a cold , clinical feeling to the space . Equally , try and steer clear of using overly warm neutrals as these can make the space feel confined and dated , alluding to the trends of yesteryear . If you are someone who can ’ t say no to colour , but are still looking for a timeless look , try to aim for simple , traditional shades such as pale blue , navy or an earthy green for a more muted look that doesn ’ t threaten the kitchen ’ s longterm credentials . If you are a lover of deeper tones , you could also experiment with rich black cabinetry in especially large or well-lit rooms for a touch of timeless drama and sophistication .
BALANCE OF MATERIALS
Designing a kitchen that is heavy-handed on its use of modern , engineered materials such as laminate and stainless steel , may look outdated in a number of years . Equally , a kitchen featuring a heavy use of more traditional and rustic materials like wood and stone can age it from the get-go . By balancing both kinds of materials , you retain an element of the new and the old , creating a timeless feel . For example , modern painted cabinetry is a great way to break up a rustic wooden floor . Similarly having a real stone worktop as the anchor of your room will add an element of timelessness and halo effect on the other materials in use around it . Remember to include shades , colours and textures that complement one another , as overcomplicating material selection will make it harder to visually achieve a sense of consistency and in turn , a natural , relaxing feel .