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INTERIORS INSIDER





                                                                                                                                             Trends


                                                                                                                                      Planning a kitchen for the ages
                                                                                                                                   means that you might not want to make
                                                                                                                                  it too trendy, but trends certainly have their
                                                                                                                                  place  in  creating  your  ideal  aesthetic.  Carol
                                                                                                                                  and Louisa have shared with us some of the
                                                                                                                                  top trends they’re seeing this year...
                                                Consider the layout
                                              “75% of kitchens have islands which
                                              connect the cooking space to the rest of the                                          Multifunctional spaces,   with incorporated
                                              room, so the design must be sympathetic                                             living and dining areas. Kitchens are no longer
                                              with the whole design. But whatever layout                                          just a room; they’re a living, beating heart of
                                              you  choose,  try  and  incorporate  a  dining                                      the home where plans are made, company is
         Choose cabinets                      space, such as a breakfast bar or banquette                                         enjoyed and memories are created.
       “Take your time in choosing the cabinets   seating, either linked to the island or on
       and make sure they blend in with the room’s   the peninsula.”                                                               Bold  colours: Wave bye-bye to neutral
       colour scheme, considering texture and colour
       alongside the details of the cabinet fronts. As                                                                            tones, as 2024’s kitchens are embracing deep
       a rule of thumb, for smaller spaces choose flat   water taps remain the most sought-after                                  blues, emerald greens, warm terracotta and
       panels, while more elaborate designs go better   kitchen  item,  with  the  added  bonus  of being                         copper oranges to make a powerful style
       in larger spaces. Try including some display   energy and space efficient.”                                                statement.
       units for your favourite crockery.”
                                                                                                                                   Seating  aplenty: Informality is the key,
                                              Light it up
         Work out worktops                                                                                                        with breakfast bars kitted out with armchair
                                            “Lighting sets the scene. Each area will require                                      stools, or banquette seating with a table off
       “From ultra-slim options to chunkier worktops,   a different mood, so opt for dimmable ceiling                             the island.
       there is a huge variety on offer but be mindful   downlights  for  easy  adjustments.  Under-
       of the finished height and how it ergonomically   cabinet lighting around the base of units, or
       suits your requirements, as well as whether it   round a bulkhead, will provide a softer glow. It                            Clever storage:   Walk-in pantries and larder
       will be used for food preparation, dining, plating   is also key to include plentiful accessible power                     units are high in demand, with innovative
       up or a combination. For durability choose   points, so consider a flip-top or pop-up socket                               storage solutions to make daily life more
       engineered stone, while natural materials   on an island – and remember to include a USB                                   efficient. Along with this, ‘hideaway units’ are
       such as granite, marble or wood offer a more   or phone charging point.”                                                   becoming more popular, to house countertop
       traditional look.”                                                                                                         appliances like air fryers.
                                              Binning it
         Apply the appliances                                                                                                      Layered lighting: Discreet lighting is big,
                                            “Consider carefully the ergonomics of the
       “There’s a wealth of choice with appliances but   bin/waste/sink and dishwasher systems.                                   with under-unit, plinth or perimeter lights
       consider how they will be used. Some may be   The location, layout and type of refuse bins,                                acting as subtle backlights. Layered lighting
       better for integrating, or hiding behind pocket   including all recycling receptacles, sinks and                           gives depth and character, with a focus on
       doors for a tidier look, while you might want to   dishwasher is one of the key elements. Getting                          feature pendants over the island or dining
       consider extra appliances like warming drawers,   this right at the design stage will make everyday                        areas, while cabinetry lighting is much more
       steam ovens  or combi microwaves. Boiling   life easier in the long term.”                                                 subtle.

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