Kitchen
trends
Twenty-first century kitchens are the heart of contemporary homes, providing the social and functional setting for everyday living and gathering with family and friends.
A
s kitchens have moved from the periphery to the centre of our homes and lives, they have also gained in brains and beauty – a sort of ‘beautility’. Today’s kitchens are stylish spaces of seamless luxe cabinetry that integrate a widening range of high-tech appliances and intelligent storage solutions. Our kitchens are now so important that many of us want two of them – one to gather at and consume food, and a second, hidden kitchen for the actual preparation and cooking, with its own walk-in pantry. In cabinetry there’s a continuing trend for minimal, sleek bespoke cabinetry without exposed handles but with easy to clean surfaces. Homebuyers look for the highest quality of cabinet finishes and stone benchtops in their main kitchen where they entertain family and friends, with designer lighting over a substantial island bench to emphasise the quality. Statement sinks and taps in black, white and brass and stainless steel finishes are an important part of a kitchen’s look and there’s a
35
