The biggest kitchen design trends of 2018

Domain spoke to three interior design experts who pinpointed the trends and functional tips to get your kitchen looking its finest for 2018.

1. Colour and texture

This is the year that kitchens are finally moving away from the classic all-white look, says Louise Hatcher, interior designer and stylist at Stage One Interiors.

“The all-white kitchen is fading fast, as is gloss cabinetry, which is a relief as they are both impossible to keep clean. Matte finishes, warm greys, timber and all shades of grey, green and olive are stepping up to replace them. Kitchen design in 2018 feels chic and mature instead of clean and white.”

Timber finishes are having their moment in the kitchen. Photo: Stage One Interiors

2. Terrazzo and marble

Katie Sargent, principal at Katie Sargent Design, speaks highly of both terrazzo and marble as continuing kitchen trends.

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“This year [2018] is going to be a big year for versatile and durable terrazzo and we are seeing it used in poured floors, floor tiles, splashbacks and even cast sinks.”

While we can expect to see terrazzo used across many aspects of a kitchen’s design, marble benchtops and splashbacks are still bang on trend. “Silver Galaxy, a type of marble, is a dramatic but relatively calm stone that offers a sophisticated feel to kitchen benchtops and splashbacks,” says Sargent.

3. Splashback versus tiles

Simple splashbacks are taking on the wall tile this season, giving you plenty of options and styles to choose from, as Hatcher explains.

“The current trend for splashbacks is to run the stone benchtop up the wall, creating a minimal and elegant feel. Mirror splashbacks also look great in small spaces. If I am specifying a stone benchtop but not running it up as the splashback, I always run a lip. If using a subway tile, stack them instead of bricklaying, and use white grout. Square tiles are also very popular this year.”

4. Storage never dates

Even small kitchens can benefit from clever storage options as Simone Mathews, interior designer and owner of SOUL of Gerringong describes.

“Kitchen storage is paramount! Both professionally and personally I like to understand what needs to be stored, i.e. a drawer for pots and pans, Tupperware, ovenware etc.  Make sure you find a place for everything in your current kitchen then create a plan and cross-reference it with your list.”

Storage is key when it comes to kitchen designs. Photo: BAM Interiors

5. Open shelving for display

While clever storage is essential, kitchens today are a design feature, so it is a great idea to mix up wall cabinets with display shelving, as Mathews explains.

“I don’t like to clutter up all the walls with cabinets, instead I utilise open shelving which also creates an illusion of more space. Display your gorgeous ceramic tableware or simply stack your white dinner plates and create a feature from the items you use daily.”

6. All in the detail

If you are not overhauling the whole kitchen or just want to give it a refresh then why not look at updating a few of the finer details. Sargent has some ideas on how to bring your kitchen up to date without changing everything.

“Brass hardware, rangehoods and tapware can be stunning and many specialists are leading the way with a unique range of styles and finishes. I am also seeing feature appliances in bright colours making waves, spectacular, but not for the faint-hearted! A few little tweaks with these items can really bring your kitchen to life.”

If you do renovate or update in 2018, keep in mind these wise words from Hatcher.

“While it is always great to incorporate the latest trends, it’s also important to choose finishes that suit your home and go with that you truly love – you won’t regret it.”

Sourced: www.domain.com.au