Staying abreast of the latest kitchen design trends is not just about aesthetics or keeping up with the Joneses. The heart of your home, the kitchen, is a reflection of you and your family. A well-designed kitchen ticks all the boxes for practicality, style, and technology, and can dramatically increase the value of your property should you decide to sell.
In today’s post from the design team at Hot Water Taps, we’ll be diving into several kitchen design choices that you can make at home this year – from maximising every inch of storage space to new tech making waves in the kitchen design world.
1) The Rise of Smart Kitchens
Smart kitchens are quickly becoming the new norm in modern home design. With a surge in high-tech appliances that are both user-friendly and designed to make your life easier, kitchens are becoming even more functional. Some of the most common advancements we are seeing include ovens that are controlled remotely from your phone, an air filter to purify the oxygen you breathe and fridges that send you notifications when you’re running low on essentials.
This new wave of tech not only bolsters the functionality of your kitchen but also adds an element of convenience and modernity. Here are some other smart tech ideas for the kitchen:
- Install a Wi-Fi enabled oven that allows for remote temperature control and cooking timers.
- Upgrade to a refrigerator that tracks expiry dates, running low on essentials, and suggests meal recipes based on what’s inside.
- Incorporate smart lighting systems that can change colour or brightness based on time of day or mood.
- Integrate a boiling water tap to instantly have boiling water at your disposal, eliminating the need for a kettle.
- Consider a digital kitchen scale that connects to your phone and offers a more precise measurement for recipes.
- Invest in smart storage solutions such as automatic opening cupboards and drawers.
- Use energy-saving appliances that can be managed remotely to reduce energy usage and save on utility bills.
2) Boiling Water Taps: A Game-Changer in the Kitchen
The boiling water tap is an innovation that is quickly replacing the traditional kettle in modern kitchens. Imagine the convenience of having instant access to boiling water anytime you need it. No more waiting for the kettle to boil for your morning brew or for cooking. Instant boiling water taps are a game-changer, providing substantial time savings and energy efficiency.
- Convenience: The primary advantage of a boiling water tap is the convenience it offers. No more waiting for the kettle to boil – you have instant access to boiling water whenever you need it for hot drinks or cooking.
- Energy Efficiency: Boiling water taps only heat the amount of water you require, eliminating energy wastage associated with heating excessive water in a kettle.
- Space-saving: By doing away with the need for a kettle, you free up valuable workspace, making your kitchen area more streamlined and uncluttered.
- Safety: Most boiling water taps come with a child safety feature, reducing the risk of accidents in the kitchen.
- Style Factor: Boiling water taps come in a variety of designs and finishes, providing a modern, sleek and sophisticated look to your kitchen.
The Avista 3-in-1 in Brushed Gold and The Avista Swan Neck in Chrome
3) Maximising Space with Innovative Storage Solutions
In this era of functional, minimalist design, innovative storage solutions are the secret to maximising the functionality of your kitchen. They ensure that every square inch is put to good use while maintaining an organised and clutter-free environment. Here are a few of our favourite storage solutions:
- Pull-Out Pantries: Make full use of the vertical space in your kitchen with pull-out pantries. These tall, narrow units can be packed with groceries and slide out for easy access. They’re ideal for storing dry foods, tins, cereals, spices, cooking equipment and more.
- Corner Cupboards: Corner spaces in the kitchen are often underutilised. However, with specially designed corner cupboards, these tricky spaces can become incredibly useful. Options like Le Mans corner units or carousel units can be seamlessly integrated into your kitchen layout, offering easy access to whatever you need.
- Built-In Spice Racks: An essential for the home chef. Whether it’s a narrow pull-out next to the hobs, a rack built into a kitchen drawer, or a magnetic rack on the inside of a cupboard door, it keeps your spices and dried herbs organised and within easy reach – perfect for the parent who has a family to cook for.
- Under Sink Storage: Transform the awkward space under the sink with practical drawers or pull-out bins. This offers an ideal solution for storing cleaning supplies or waste bins, keeping them out of sight yet accessible.
- Vertical Wall Storage: Open shelves, hanging racks for pots and pans, or magnetic knife strips on the wall can provide extra storage without taking up counter space. It also adds an aesthetic element to your kitchen design.
Check out more tips on decluttering and maximising storage at home.
4) Going Green: Eco-Friendly Kitchen Upgrades
As environmental concerns grow, using eco-friendly materials and making less-harmful product choices when we’re renovating our homes is essential. Here are a few ways you can make your kitchen upgrade a little greener:
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Modern appliances often come with energy efficiency ratings, giving you an idea of how much electricity they use. By choosing high-rated appliances, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and, consequently, your bills. Appliances such as energy-efficient fridges, dishwashers, and ovens are a worthwhile investment for their long-term savings.
- Sustainable Materials: When considering kitchen surfaces, opt for sustainable materials. Recycled glass or quartz countertops are durable, attractive and eco-friendly. Similarly, choose cabinetry made from sustainably sourced wood or recycled materials.
- Reducing Waste: Incorporate a waste sorting system into your kitchen design for efficient recycling. Compost bins for organic waste can help reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and provide excellent compost for your garden.
- Water-Saving: Fit your kitchen sink with a water-efficient tap, reducing the amount of water wasted.
- Lighting: Switch to LED lights for your kitchen lighting. They are much more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs and last longer, saving you money on replacement costs.
- Speak With Your Designer: If you are fortunate enough to have a kitchen designer/fitter to choose the materials and suppliers, a conversation about environmental impact and available options can be helpful in making greener choices.
5) Bold Colour Schemes and Lighting Ideas
Colour schemes and lighting are integral to setting the mood in your kitchen. With a burst of colour, you can add personality and style to your cooking space, creating a space that feels uniquely you. Here are a few trendy colour and lighting ideas to consider:
- Bold Colour Trends: Gone are the days of safe, neutral kitchens. Embrace bold and vibrant colours to bring life and character to your kitchen. Deep blues, vivacious reds, or even dark, dramatic blacks can make a striking impact. Pair these bold colours with softer, neutral tones to maintain balance and avoid overwhelming the space.
- Lighting Design: Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and functionality of your kitchen. Incorporate layers of lighting to illuminate your kitchen effectively. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, task lighting focuses on work areas like worktops and stoves, and accent lighting highlights architectural features or décor.
- Statement Lighting: Consider statement light fixtures such as pendant lights or chandeliers over the kitchen island or dining area. They serve as stunning visual elements while providing focused light where you need it most.
- Natural Light: Maximise natural light by including large windows or skylights in your kitchen design. Natural light makes the space appear larger, offers potential energy savings and enhances your mood.
- LED Lights: As part of your eco-friendly upgrades, use LED lights for your lighting needs. They consume less energy and have a longer lifespan than traditional light bulbs, offering significant cost and energy savings.
Remember, planning and budgeting are key when embarking on a kitchen upgrade. By incorporating these modern, stylish, and practical design elements, you can create a kitchen that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also enhances your cooking and dining experience.
Planning Your Kitchen Upgrade: Tips and Guidelines
Planning a kitchen upgrade can be a daunting task, but with a methodical approach, you can ensure a smooth and successful renovation. Here are some tips to guide you through the process:
- Sourcing Contractors: It’s crucial to hire reliable and skilled professionals to handle your kitchen renovation. Ask for recommendations from friends or family who have recently undergone renovations, or use sites like Checkatrade or Rated People to find reputable contractors in your area. Always check reviews and ask for references to ensure their work is of high quality.
- Weighing Up Product Choices: Spend ample time researching different materials, appliances, and fixtures before making decisions. Not only should these items align with your design vision, but they should also be durable, easy to maintain, and within your budget. Visiting showrooms, reading product reviews, and consulting with your contractor can help guide your choices. For a broader selection and customisable features, consider exploring options for kitchen cabinets online
- DIY vs Professional Help: While tackling some tasks yourself may seem like an attractive way to save money, remember that not all kitchen upgrade tasks are DIY-friendly. Small tasks like painting or installing a backsplash might be within your skillset, but complex tasks such as plumbing or electrical work should be left to professionals to ensure safety and compliance with building codes.
So, there we have it – your comprehensive guide to creating a modern, stylish, and practical kitchen haven. Remember, a kitchen renovation isn’t just about selecting the right cabinet colour or the sleekest appliances (although those are pretty fun, too!). It’s about creating a space where you can whip up a midnight snack, master your grandmother’s secret apple crumble recipe, or host a stress-free (okay, low-stress!) dinner party.
This is a collaborative post
