From everyday dining, organisation of the family or entertaining, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Jenny O’Connell of Freedom Kitchens shares her five tips to creating an on-trend kitchen that will withstand the test of time.
1. ENTERTAINER’S KITCHEN
Kitchens have increasingly become the centrepiece of the home, used for entertaining guests as well as food preparation. “There’s more emphasis on open workspaces, multiple ovens and storage maximisation in the form of butler’s pantries,” says Jenny.
Moving forward: Built-in seating areas and ‘connectivity centres’ for iPads/laptops will be popular in the year to come as the lines between living and dining continue to blur.
2. BEAUTIFUL BENCHTOPS
Stylish benchtops with deep hues will make a splash this year setting the tone for the overall space. “With it’s warm grey tones, Caesarstone’s new Sleek Concrete benchtop is sure to appeal to those seeking a chic finish to their kitchen or a top that complements a modern industrial style,” says Jenny.
Freedom Kitchens has recently launched a new range of benchtops – the new Super Matt Black Nano benchtop. “Imported from Italy, it is resistant not only to fingerprints, but is also able to withstand knocks and scratches, is hygienic and easy to clean, waterproof, and resistant to dry heat and rubbing,” says Jenny. Noteworthy, she adds, is its easy-to-repair qualities – moisten the surface with a piece of damp kitchen paper, then pass over the scratch with a hot iron to repair the damage.
3. COLOUR IN THE KITCHEN
A clear trend in kitchen design this year is colour blocking. It is an effective way to bring in multiple colours into the one space. “Designers use colour blocking to define spaces such as upper and lower cabinetry, or to highlight an island,” says Jenny. When it comes to the most popular colour palette, Jenny says matt black, grey and warm timber grains are leading the charge.
4. TRANSITIONAL KITCHENS
With a mixture of traditional charm and contemporary chic, transitional kitchens strike just the right balance in your home. “Blending old with new provides a great deal of flexibility, and is an excellent choice for homeowners who don’t want to confine themselves to a single style,” says Jenny. She offers the combination of profiled Shaker doors, stainless steel appliances and textured surfaces for a creative and personalised space.
5. METALLIC FINISHES
It’s all in the detail and this season it’s all in the gold, brass and copper. “Offset by a clean look like a sleek white cabinetry, classic metallic finished add a fresh yet timeless appeal to the kitchen,” says Jenny.
