Kitchen_cabinets_design
28
Dec

2020 Kitchen Design Forecast | McColl Cabinetmakers

It’s that time of year again – families are getting together, school is about to finish, and people are gearing up for a summer of socialising. From barbecues to brunches to lazy Sunday dinners, this time of year seems to be synonymous with entertaining.

So naturally, you’re spending more time in the kitchen…and perhaps you’re really starting to notice that scarred benchtop, the limited workspace or the lack of storage.

In case you’re thinking the new year is the perfect time to upgrade to a new kitchen, we’ve put together our 2020 kitchen design forecast to help you feel inspired:

  • Natural Materials:

Stark white kitchens have been dominating for a while now, but 2020 is going to be all about a shift towards more natural materials. Veined marble benchtops are fantastic for adding a touch of luxury, and the great news is that this look can be achieved even when you’re on a budget, courtesy of a good-quality laminate finish. Paler timbers are also making a comeback, such as pale walnut or ash with a subtle grain.

  • Feature Sinks:

The last few years have seen a real focus on feature taps, but 2020 will extend this trend to include the sink. No longer are you limited to a basic range of chrome rectangles – the latest feature sinks come in an array of shapes, sizes and finishes.

According to Smeg product development and training manager, Joan Fraser, “sinks have moved up on the scale of importance in kitchen design.” For a bold statement, look for sinks in gold, brass, brushed nickel or a classic matte black or white. 

  • Darker Colours:

Darker colours have always been viewed as more of a feature within a kitchen, but 2020 is seeing a move towards a darker and moodier colour palette. Navy, deep greens and even black are now being used for kitchen wall colours, cabinetry and tiles.

The trick is to balance the darker colours by incorporating splashes of natural texture, such as the inclusion of a timber benchtop. It’s also important to ensure that darker kitchens receive plenty of natural light. 

  • Twin Islands:

A kitchen island used to be purely practical – it provided more space for preparing food. But with the advent of spacious, open-plan kitchens, island benches are now included as much for their aesthetics as their functionality.

This may be why we’re seeing an increase in kitchen design featuring twin islands – it looks fantastic, provides added space for meal preparation, can be used as a seating area with the inclusion of stools and is ideal for managing traffic flow when you’re entertaining. 

  • No Handles:

Handle-less kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest trends for 2020,” explains Busola Evans, Kitchen and Bathroom Supplement Editor for Homes and Gardens. “It’s all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details.”

This trend can be replicated with cabinets that feature push-open technology or that have recessed handles. It creates a sleek finish that is paired-back, elegant and yet still highly functional.