To celebrate the launch of the #GreatBritishBakeOff, we’ve got some incredible kitchens to share! From extra-large islands to statement appliances, Neolith worktops and black sinks, we’re presenting the top kitchen trends for 2018 you need to know about.
Larder Love
Larders have been gaining popularity for some years now but for those who can only dream of a walk-in one à la Downton Abbey, handcrafted luxury kitchen specialist Neptune has the perfect solution – a freestanding housekeeper’s cupboard or larder. Think racks on the inside of doors, adjustable deep shelving on zig-zag brackets for maximum flexibility, pull-out drawers, hidden inner drawers and generous, tall double doors allowing plenty of access and a clear view of what’s inside.
SHOP THE LOOK: Shaker-inspired, full height Suffolk double-door larder handcrafted from tulipwood, plywood and oak. Neptune.com
Mixed Materials
Mixing materials and finishes make for a more pulled together look and create a more interesting aesthetic, so be as bold and daring as you like. This contemporary kitchen by Canavan Interiors features a contrasting mix of white satin lacquered cabinetry with Iroko wood cladding. The channel handle system ensures a sleek linear look while wrap-around Iroko cladding for the windows ties the scheme together.
SHOP THE LOOK: Contemporary white gloss and Iroko kitchen by Canavaninteriors.co.uk
Bold Sustainability
Choosing a kitchen used to be all about colour and style but now more of us are starting to take the environment into account. According to Pinterest, searches and saves for ‘eco’ kitchens have risen by 164%. “One of the biggest trends we see coming through which we hope will last more than just the season is ‘bold sustainability,” says Seamus McBrearty, kitchen leader at IKEA Belfast. The retailer recently introduced the Kungsbacka kitchen into its catalogue featuring on-trend matt black units made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and reclaimed industrial wood. The initiative marks just the beginning of its sustainability agenda.
SHOP THE LOOK: Kungsbacka doors, £33 each; cover panels £30 each. Ikea.co.uk
Handle-less Cabinetry
The pursuit of the seamless, linear look in kitchen design has evolved rapidly over the last couple of years to include not just plain handle-less cabinetry, but full integration of all functioning facilities, hiding not only the fridge but even the oven behind closed doors. Award-winning kitchen manufacturers Wrights Design House is championing this trend effortlessly while acknowledging the ongoing shift toward individuality in- door fronts and finishes with this bespoke kitchen combining cabinetry in slate veneer and gloss grey.
SHOP THE LOOK: Bespoke contemporary kitchen in slate veneer and graphite gloss with 20mm Dekton Strato worksurfaces with shark nose edge from Wrightsdesignhouse.com
Statement Appliances
Why hide your appliances behind closed doors when you can show them off with pride? Lucy Davis of award-winning kitchen specialists Alwood Kitchens says: “The key trend is for appliances that make a statement. They should be big and beautiful”. Think Sub-Zero & Wolf super-sized stainless steel refrigeration units, show-stopper wine larders, multiple ovens at eye level or how about Gorenje’s limited edition VW campervan-inspired fridge.
SHOP THE LOOK: Sub-Zero & Wolf stainless steel double door fridge freezer and wine storage available from Alwoodkitchens.com
Extra-large Island
“Big and bold island units have continued to increase in popularity and it’s easy to see why as they not only provide additional storage and food preparation space but with the addition of a bar top can also create an informal dining area,” says Gerry Griffin, UK national sales manager for Rational Kitchens. “There is also a trend towards using the island as a statement with many customers opting to highlight it in a bolder shade and going for neutral-coloured walls and floor units. This is further enhanced by using mixed materials for the worktops, for example combining a composite with wood, or just choosing different thicknesses or raising one end to create an informal dining area,” says Gary Griffin, UK national sales manager for Rational kitchens.
SHOP THE LOOK: Atmos kitchen by Rational featuring a strikingly modern central island in indigo super matt lacquer finish with 10cm thick Dekton Marmor Black Fusion worktop and
contrasting wall units in gold effect laminate. Visit Rationalgb.com for stockists.
Geometric Flooring
A new way to add colour and personality to your kitchen and enliven plain cabinetry is to choose an intricate design underfoot. Statement flooring is big news this year with graphic geometrics one
of the hottest décor trends. If you want to embrace the look but don’t want to commit to tiles, check out Karndean’s geometric vinyl Kaleidoscope range available in 14 designs.
SHOP THE LOOK: Kaleidoscope KAL03 Cubix vinyl flooring from Karndean Design Flooring. Visit Karndean.com for local stockists.
Neolithic Worktops
Hardworking kitchens demand hardworking worktops and this year it’s all about Neolith, a revolutionary sintered stone, made from combining granite, glass and natural oxides under extremely high temperature. Its appeal lies in its unrivalled superior durability. Neolith is practically indestructible; no other material comes close. You can’t stain it, burn it or scratch it.
SHOP THE LOOK: Neolith worktops are available in a choice of sizes, colours and finishes including silk, satin, river washed and polished from Tilemerchant.co.uk
Black Sinks
It’s the kitchen trend that’s been burning up everyone’s Pinterest and Instagram feeds this year and our love shows no signs of abating. Black sinks are the coolest kitchen must-have since the boiling water tap and one of the simplest upgrades that seem to work in all styles of kitchen. Choose from metal, ceramic, marble, porcelain or granite, and pair yours with a black countertop, contrast with simple white units or soften with a palette of pastels and copper hardware.
SHOP THE LOOK: Blanco Ikon apron front sink in anthracite crafted from scratch, stain and heat-resistant Silgranit. Visit Blanco.com for local stockist details.
Furniture-style cabinetry
Given our desire for a more connected family lifestyle, it’s safe to say that kitchen-come-living spaces are here to stay. And to help us create more cohesive schemes, kitchens designers, such as Robinson Interiors, are championing the trend with bespoke, beautifully crafted handpainted cabinetry that incorporates furniture-style details such as mouldings, frames, simple cornicing, open shelving and even a bookcase for all those cookbooks.
SHOP THE LOOK: Luxury handpainted inframe bespoke kitchen with curved walnut breakfast bar from Robinsoninteriors.com
Love these kitchen looks?
Which not take a look at our inspired by Propertynews.com for latest interior trends or why not take a look inside some of Northern Ireland’s most stylish homes.
Each week, PropertyNews.com brings you 100’s of resales and rental properties from across Northern Ireland. Make sure you don’t miss out on your dream home by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
