IN WITH THE NEW

In with the

NEW Hasmita Amtha rounds up some of the latest kitchen trends

Linear Concepts

Easylife Kitchens

itchens have never worked harder than over

Kthe past year. From baking banana bread to cooking up elaborate gourmet meals for loved ones, efficient kitchen designs have proved their worth for many who were housebound over lockdown.

If your kitchen is no longer working for your culinary needs, it’s time to update. Here are a few top trends for consideration:

DARK AND MOODY

Remember the fresh feel of the all-white kitchen? This trend is slowing down as we see the rise of the moody and dark kitchen with striking lighting, says Melanie Stein of EuroCasa.

“Textured, dramatic worktops are definitely featuring. Matt cabinetry, also with textured detail, is becoming an interesting addition to the kitchen space. Not forgetting the comeback of some of the most beautiful dark wood veneers,” says Stein.

If the fearless trend of dark, masculine colours are too bold for you, then Shabnaam Khan of Fabri South Africa suggests a timeless grey. “A classic shade of grey defies seasonal trends. The appreciation for natural tones and textures is being revived, such as softer shades of beige and white.”

nuuma

SLEEK AND SIMPLE

Minimalism still dominates in contemporary kitchen design. Linear Concepts’ Selma Zaifoglu says: “Simplicity is remarkable. Built-in appliances, handless cabinets, matt finishes and more – all of these contribute to the style we just can’t get enough of and will see more of this year. >

“Rid your space of unnecessary or clunky accessories and embrace the clean countertop look. Not only will it mean less cleaning, but it’ll also be easier on the eyes.”

From a material perspective, thin surfaces offer that desirable sleek, minimalist aesthetic, and are not limited to just worktops. Nialè van der Merwe of Easylife Kitchens says: “Quartz and compact surfaces are used for cladding, tiling, splashbacks and furniture. The colour ranges available are many – from glossy marble to matt monochrome-honed surfaces.”

THE HARD CHOICE

As home owners are spending more time in their kitchens, the need for quality hardware is becoming a must. Klyne Maharaj of The Kitchen Studio notes: “We’re seeing an increased focus on high quality hardware in kitchen design. Drawer runners with no lateral movement, like Hettich’s AvanTech YOU, are a great option.

“If you’re planning a kitchen in 2022, you need to consider the vast array of accessories and features that can improve the functionality of your space. Make use of cupboard organisers, pullout larders, countertop organisers and pullouts for spices.” >

The Kitchen Studio

Fabri South Africa

FAST TIP

One considerable development in design is the use of monolithic pieces. This is seen in furniture design and kitchen design, such as large stone tables, counters and front displays.

– Mathilda Venter, Valcucine South Africa

EuroCasa

blu_line

THE CUSTOM FIT

A one-size solution is no longer an option, as more home owners are designing their spaces to not only reflect themselves, but also suit their lifestyles and efficiency needs. Craig Dexter of nuuma points out: “Custom design is essential as we are all seeking that personal experience. More consideration is given to materials and design elements to ensure the space is personal.”

On-point technology is favoured in making the space more user-friendly for the owner. Philip Richards of blu_line says: “There’s a strong movement towards kitchen design that focuses on creating a space that can adapt to the environment, enhancing the experience of every person in the home.

“Making the space more efficient, we continue to develop an integration of technology into the material space through our sensorline range.”

Innovation is everything, and Mathilda Venter of Valcucine South Africa says new and exciting technologies and appliances are becoming available locally. “Smart appliances with integrated cameras and the use of apps allow you to pop out to the grocery store while your roast is cooking in the oven. Miele’s Dialog Oven Technology is completely customisable for different cooking durations.” Q

With thanks to blu_line, Candy Appliances, Easylife Kitchens, EuroCasa, Fabri South Africa, Linear Concepts, Miele South Africa, nuuma, The Kitchen Studio and Valcucine South Africa

THE KITCHEN KIT

Jon Molyneaux of Miele South Africa shares leading trends in kitchen appliances:

Smart appliances are the new norm. They help maximise energy efficiency, and are easier and more convenient to use – essentially saving the user time, and ensuring perfect results time and time again.

Induction hobs are incredibly popular due to the many benefits they offer: they heat up really quickly, they are extremely energy-efficient, they allow you to accurately control the temperature, their Ceran surface makes for a sleek, flush-mounted finish, and they produce very little residual heat for safer operation.

More home appliances are offering the ability to control and operate your appliances the same way you would operate your smartphone – via a touchscreen. To this end, Miele has launched M Touch technology, which allows the appliance to be operated quickly and intuitively by touching or swiping the clear text touchscreen.

Valcucine South Africa ROSIERES HOBS

State-of-the-art cooking technology! The perfect combination of elegance and high performance. Rosieres Hobs feature the biggest flexible cooking area, an ideal surface to cook any kind of dish – a chef’s dream.

• NATURAL STONE CLADDING • PORCELAIN HIGH GLOSS TILES • MARBLE • TRAVERTINE • BULLNOSES & SWIMMING POOL

MOSAICS • DESIGNER FEATURE WALLS • Non-slip textured granite tiles