Kitchen Trends

Updating your kitchen may well be a daunting prospect with so many materials, schemes and factors to digest. However, with sage advice from our local experts, we help guide you through the process.

The most prevalent trend is to make the kitchen work for you. “Consider how you will use the space,” says Monika Baruciak, Designer at System Six Kitchens in Exeter. “Do you have young children or pets? Then choose a material and style that is easy to keep clean. Do you use your kitchen for entertaining, or for the kids to do homework in while dinner is being prepared?” 

Consider what you enjoy cooking, adds Alex Newbery from Sapphire Living Space in Topsham. “Do you cook ahead and need a large freezer, or do you have family gatherings and require a big oven?”

Think of longevity, suggests Sarah Thomas from Inline Kitchens in Newton Abbot. “Do you want the kitchen to last, or do you prefer something of the moment, to update with new trends?” 

“Don’t get hung up on matching historical periods,” advises Stewart Macpherson, Designer at Treyone the Kitchenmakers in Kingsbridge. “Good design is about making sure the underlying aesthetic philosophy of the new kitchen connects with your home.” 

Our experts agree that a top trend is for handleless kitchens. “Also emerging onto the market are rail kitchens,” says Monika. “This style features a continuous aluminium rail recessed into the cabinets, allowing the doors to stand proud and providing space to slip your fingers behind the top or bottom of the doors to open them. They look great and are easy to keep clean.” 

“The most popular wall coverings are up-stands to match your work surface, or glass splashbacks. Both are easy to maintain and clients can choose the colour,” says Jon Roach, owner of Kingsteignton Kitchens and Joinery.

To create a sleek entertaining area, Sapphire Living Space has been installing more ‘drink stations’, says Alex. “One of the most popular ways to incorporate it is to hide it behind a pocket door so the kitchen keeps its smooth lines and looks tidy.” 

If you don’t want a complete room overhaul, what changes could you make? Jon recommends addressing your interior’s layout: “Think about combining your kitchen and dining room for an open living space.” Stewart supports this idea: “We want to be able to engage in conversation, food preparation and enjoyable eating without barriers.”

“If you are on a tight budget, replace the door handles to make a change to the overall look”, says Lynn Winter from Ralph Winter Kitchens in Exeter. Sarah adds: “If the carcasses are still in a good condition, it is possible to hang new doors, which will look like you have installed a brand-new kitchen.”

Worktops are another area to update. “You come into physical contact with worktops every time you use the room,” says Stewart. “If your kitchen is naturally dark, choose a pale work surface to reflect light and make the room seem airier,” says Jon. (IMAGE 6) 

Alex recommends Dekton for surfaces, a new product that has taken more than five years to develop. “Dekton is highly resistant to heat, stains and scratches and withstands high temperatures, so hot saucepans and bakeware can be placed directly on the surface, without damage.” 

One of the most practical elements to consider – and one of the most overlooked, say our experts – is a bin. Monika recommends pull-out bins, fitted with a mechanism to open the door with a simple touch. “You can nudge the door with your hip, causing it and the bin to move outwards, and then ditch the waste without touching anything,” she says. 

“Small details such as bin size and location are very important. I often hear that people haven’t thought about bins until it’s too late,” says Lynn. “Kitchens these days are all about useful storage and easy access. Let the kitchen come to you – with integrated pull-outs, tandem larders, a wide range of carousels, and magic corners.” 

Finally, consider whether this is your ‘forever home’ or if you plan to move. “If you’re staying put, pick what you like,” encourages Sarah. If you plan to move, or are buying for investment, then look for a simple kitchen design to outlast passing trends. “Matt units in cream or white don’t date – team with a block colour worktop, natural tiles, then choose modern accessories; these can be updated later at a much lower cost than a new kitchen.”

“The most prevalent trend is to make the kitchen work for you”