THE FUTURE IS NOW

A SWAG OF EMERGING TECH TRENDS, PRODUCT INNOVATIONS AND BOLD NEW STYLING IS COMING TO A KITCHEN AND BATHROOM NEAR YOU

Words JANE PARBURY

Thinking of renovating your kitchen or bathroom? Well, get excited! Cuttingedge developments will see these functional spaces transformed into high-tech zones where we’ll want to spend even more time. We’ve rounded up the latest developments in kitchen and bathroom design that will make our lives easier, so get ready for cooking and pampering to become even more enjoyable!

Eat, cook, play

Spending more time at home means the role of the kitchen is changing, says John Harrison of Kaboodle Kitchen.

“Today’s kitchens double as spaces where meals are enjoyed, act as an office when working from home and can even integrate a European laundry for clever use of space,” he explains.

Companies have stepped up with versatile appliances such as the Teka 12 function SteakMaster oven, which includes a grill for barbecue-style meat cooking. Kleenmaid has a multifunction oven that can cook like an airfryer, while its 454mm-high, built-in combi steam oven can also microwave, grill and convection cook.

Consumers are also embracing the power, accuracy and efficiency of induction cooktops, says Nicholas Cary of Teka. Its latest range features pre-programmed temperature sensors.

The future will see us increasingly looking to disguise the kitchen’s functionality so it can star as an appealing living space. Low-profile induction cooktops already deliver that barely-there effect, but new models, like Elica’s Prime downdraft induction cooktop, have an integrated extractor, which means no overhead rangehood is needed.

Wash-zone wonders

Over in the bathroom, technology continues to evolve, says Andy Grigor of Methven. “There is a movement to transition from the smart home to the thoughtful home,” he explains. “We are working on hidden technology that helps meet everyday demands, with products that have intuitive features that use several metrics to predict your needs.” Think showers that ‘learn’ what temperature and water flow you like. Water efficiency is also front and centre – consider Methven’s Airstream and Satinjet technologies, which give a full-on shower experience with less water.

Pretty and practical

With the importance of hygiene and wellness accelerated over recent years, sensor taps and hands-free toilet flushing are coming to our homes. The Cassien sensor basin mixer turns the water on with a wave of your hand.

Zumi’s in-wall toilet cistern also gives the hygiene (and style) box a big tick with its sleek, touch-free flush plate. Meanwhile, Caroma’s Cleanflush rimless loo bowl combines enhanced flush and flow technology for better cleaning.

Personality plus

Colour is being embraced in bold ways, explains John. “We will continue to see greens and blues that could make way for rich reds, terracotta tones and mustard hues,” he says.

In the bathroom, consider including the unexpected, says Jo Ingleton of Cibo Design. “Coloured basins provide a helpful focal point around which the remaining bathroom interior elements can be built,” she says.

Beyond colour, adds Luke Di Michiel of Caroma, “we are seeing significant momentum towards matt finishes as they give a softer, more tactile feel.”

Eau naturel

Timber continues to trend in kitchens, thanks to its eco-friendly credentials and natural good looks. It’s a finish that’s easy to live with and can be used throughout the home – for example, timber cabinetry that extends through an open-plan space into joinery for the living areas.

This trend is big in bathrooms, too. “Introducing natural materials including timber to your bathroom design scheme is the fastest way to add warmth and visual interest,” says Jo, who points to the Cibo Design ‘Nordic’ vanity in Coast veneer. Get double the trend hit by teaming it with a pink countertop basin. “Make pink your new bathroom’s signature colour!” adds Jo. Don’t mind if we do.

1 Cibo Design ‘Finer’ 900mm wall hung vanity in Dulux Emerald Forest with countertop basin in White, $2,108, I/N: 0290935† (tapware not included), and ‘Circle’ 800mm mirrored shaving cabinet in White, $442, I/N: 0278722†. 2 Zumi ‘Venus’ WELS 4-star 4.5/3.3L sensor touch-less flush plate with floor standing pan, $1,199, I/N: 0369875†. 3 Cassien WELS 6-star 5L/min sensor hands free basin mixer in Chrome, $199, I/N: 0339996. 4 Brilliant ‘Minca’ 16cm detailed metal DIY pendant light in White, $82, I/N: 0346219 (globe sold separately). 5 Teka 90cm hybrid gas/ induction cooktop, $2,799, I/N: 0376318†. 6 Kleenmaid 35L built in steam microwave convection oven, $1,949, I/N: 0103465†. 7 Esatto 60cm gas cooktop with wok, $375, I/N: 0394884. 8 Methven ‘Kiri’ WELS 3-star 9L/min twin shower system in Chrome, $565, I/N: 5001696†. 9 Kaboodle Kitchen base cabinet end panels in Wattleseed, $220.32, I/N: 0197556†, and Matchamisu, $234.36, I/N: 0268391†. 10 Caroma ‘Luna Square Cleanflush’ WELS 4-star 4.5/3L wall faced toilet suite, $757, I/N: 0180840†.

11 Teka WELS 4.5-star 60cm integrated dishwasher, $1,699, I/N: 0376314†.

12 Caroma ‘Luna’ WELS 6-star 5L/min wall basin/bath mixer in Brushed Brass, $279, I/N: 0327303†. 13 Elica ‘Prime’ 83cm 850m3/hr downdraft induction cooktop in Black, $3,499, I/N: 0376306†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. All hardwired electrical work and most plumbing work should be carried out by a licensed tradie.

Once a small space to powder the ornate wigs of 18th-century Europe, ‘powder rooms’ these days are petite and practical visitor bathrooms –without baths or showers. Often tucked away, they allow bold decor to rule and are a great place for your favourite colour, pattern or texture. Want to give your powder room an extra dash of panache? Here’s how.

In this room, less area to cover means splashing out on fabulous tiles for a stunning feature wall can be more affordable