KITCHEN KIT OUT A Kitchen Design Wish List

Today’s buyers are looking for kitchens that reflect their lives whether they love to entertain, cook for their family or just please themselves. What’s trending?

/ Kitchens that can reflect our changing needs with convertible use of space: nooks doubling as desks, printers built into cabinets, plugged in and ready to go.

/ Open shelving and sliding glass doors that can increase a kitchen’s operational and convertible qualities.

/ Open-plan kitchens remain the most appealing layout to allow for ease of movement and more flexibility.

/ A natural flow from kitchen to the dining area to living room.

/ Surface area is key in a kitchen, so ample bench space and a generously sized island.

/ Multiple islands for displaying food and decor and providing seating.

/ The benchtop can be the star of the kitchen and what is often first noticed. Granite and stone benchtops are not only durable but add character. Dark countertops –especially black or charcoal - are trending for a bold look.

/ Plenty of storage, especially for the entertainer who needs space not just for all the food and drink, but for equipment, serving dishes and décor.

/ Butler’s pantry or built-in pantry and other ‘away’ storage spaces.

/ Leverage additional vertical space using cupboards that go all the way to the ceiling.

/ Cabinetry that hides small appliances like toasters and coffee makers for minimalist look.

/ A mix of finishes like brass, copper, and bronze can give the kitchen an eclectic feel and make a change from the all-stainless-steel kitchens of the past.

/ Adding splashes of colour through accent walls, patterned flooring, open and floating shelving used for displaying beautiful dishes, statement light fixtures and use of mood lighting.

/ While white is always popular in new builds or quick fixups, wood finishes, pops of colour and tile backsplashes extending all the way to the ceiling can create warmth, texture and interest.

/ Accent wallpaper featuring flora and fauna patterns is a trend that brings the outdoors in.

/ Return of glass splashbacks.

/ Professional appliances to create the ‘wow’ factor of a chef’s kitchen.

/ Appliances with smart-home technology for more effortless entertaining.

FROM MY KITCHEN – LYN COX

Smashed cucumber salad

500g cucumbers or more

2 tsp sesame oil

2 tbsp, or more, sesame seeds

½ tsp kosher salt

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tbsp rice wine vinegar

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp chili oil (or chili jam)

1 tsp sugar

½ tsp, or more, crushed red chili flakes small salad onion, finely sliced.

METHOD: Peel cucumber if necessary. Half or quarter lengthwise then ‘smash’ with a wide kitchen knife until the cucumber is well crushed. Then cut into one bite pieces. Place in bowl and season with salt. Toss to coat. Toast sesame seeds in a wok and remove. Heat sesame oil in the wok. Sauté cucumber & chili flakes for a few minutes. Transfer to serving bowl. Mix well crushed garlic, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and other ingredients and pour over the cucumber. Scatter the red onion. Lightly toss. Finish with toasted sesame seeds. Lightly toss.

FIVE OF THE HOTTEST

1. Bold colours

2. Natural materials

3. Mixed metals

4. Hidden storage

5. Outdoor kitchens

AND VOGUE LIVING SUGGESTS WE SHOULD ‘LEAVE BEHIND’

• the all-white kitchen;

• farmhouse chic;

• grey kitchens;

• light white oak wood flooring

• tiles that mimic wood planks;

• recessed lighting; and

• ‘Let’s eat’ signs in the kitchen.