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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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