Kitchen trends
February 2, 2009
We are now well in to 2009 and as always thoughts turn to the next project. When it comes to kitchens the slowdown has meant there's competition on the high st like never before, we take a look at some coming fitted kitchen trends and take a look at a few of this years new looks.
According to Rachel Dilekei, a design consultant at Moben, clients are demanding more than ever from their kitchens. As the role has evolved from simply being a place to cook to being the centre of the home for the whole family to congregate and socialise. Rachel tells us "With the kitchen becoming ever more multifunctional, identifying different ‘zones’ - such as cooking, dining, entertaining and working - will help achieve the most out of the space."
Practicality is essential and there is a growing demand for kitchens to incorporate an array of gadgets and multimedia, so everything is close to hand. When it comes to layout homeowners are also looking to open up their living spaces to connect the kitchen, dining and lounging areas, providing the opportunity for the space to be used on a more fluid basis as a communal space. The creation of a ‘universal’ space is set to be a key trend for the coming year and as such, kitchens will offer a harmonious look that can be continued throughout the rest of the home for a complementary and inviting overall scheme.
MIx and match
The trend for combining materials such as wood and high-gloss finishunits is still going strong, but we can expect more experimentation in 2009. The lines between contemporary and traditional kitchen ranges will become blurred so that a more classic unit design is off-set beautifully by a striking granite and Corrian worktops and illuminated shelving, to create a kitchen that combines the best of both the traditional and modern kitchen styles.
Colour has also made a big comeback in the kitchen and lends itself to this ‘mix and match’ style, it starts with borrowed crockery and ends with lemon Corrian so keep a look out for 50's style diner kitchens and much bolder, braver unit combinations.
Drawers and doors
When it comes to cupboards, curves create flow in the kitchen so expect to see gloss end units and cupboards everywhere this year. However, many homeowners are switching from traditional cupboards and replacing them with two sets of drawers, or with bi-fold wall units that open upwards. Why? Because not only does this create a stylish look and streamlined finish, it also makes the space both practical and ergonomic keeping the flow of the room your in.
Hidden storage
Space is always going to be a priority in the kitchen and designers are continuously pushing the boundaries further so any drawer, cupboard, nook or cranny can be more efficient in the capacity and storage it offers. Look out for narrow drawers, internal organisers, and eco-bin systems for smaller wastes and to hold recycled waste as separate disposal areas.
State of the art
The kitchen is a statement room and there is a real trend towards choosing appliances, worktops and all-important finishing details with a dramatic design that cannot help but catch the eye.
Whilst it may not be to everyones taste integrated wine coolers continue to be popular and lighting systems such as dimmable plinth lighting and back lit shelving are all options that can transform the kitchen into a state of the art experience. Keep a look out for Moben's extractor unit that doubles as a chandelier.
Source book
http://www.italiandesign.ie/
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