Kitchen Design Trends

Geeta Kewalramani
Ms Geeta Kewalramani Founder,
Kimaya Designs

This is an exciting time for the kitchen design industry as there is a shift from kitchens being purely utilitarian not necessarily ergonomically functional to becoming highly functional, attractive, and user-friendly. With the availability and access to unlimited products having so many options, permutations and combinations, kitchen designers have to strive to become even more specialized, savvy and creative in their designs to appeal to their clients' needs and tastes.

Trends and technology affect and influence every aspect of our lives and this is even more so in the kitchen industry where it is ever evolving and influencing our designs, styles, color choices, product selections, and options.

Avant-Garde Design

Kitchens being the heart of the home are becoming multifunctional rooms and family centres. Kitchens, no longer one cook kitchens, have to cater to 2 or more cooks and even multi-generations. Open floor plans integrating into living spaces enable the family to connect and interact with members involved in various activities. Chic dining areas are being incorporated into the spaces. Outdoor kitchens are another popular trend. An extension of the kitchen to the outdoors works well for socializing and entertaining outdoors. Individualistic and customized designs to suit clients' personal needs and lifestyles are becoming a norm.

Pullout Spice Storage Induction CookTop

Simplicity is the Key

Contemporary, modern designs with an emphasis on simplicity, sleeker cabinetry with clean lines are a soaring trend. Elegance appeals with a minimalist approach. Straight lines in cabinetry and furniture create a clean look in the kitchen. Transitional designs, classic with a modern take, simplified cabinetry details on the lines of mission or shaker style doors are on popular option. Paying attention to the architecture of the home and the lifestyle of the homeowner is essential to creating complimenting interiors which helps in recommending designs and styles. Commercial look of kitchens is also a trend that is in demand with commercial grade appliances and stainless steel finishes.

Warm Neutrals

While browns and deep colors have been the popular colors in the past few years, authentic colors & neutrals - particularly warm greys, whites, off whites, and natural wood stains are starting to take over the cabinetry in the kitchens. Classic black and white palettes still remain a favorite with or without some pop of color, red, orange or blue. Grey and shades of grey are the new white or beige. Stainless steel is still holding strong in the appliances backed by black or white color. Color is seeping into fixtures with fresh hues for kitchen sinks in neutral and earthy tones.

Kitchen Designs

Smart Functionality

Maximized storage with smart storage aids to improve functionality and organisation is essential. Hardware manufacturers are changing the way doors and drawers function. Hydraulic easy close doors, easy open and close drawers and doors with the touch of a button make them perfect for kitchens.

State-of-the-art Appliances

To serious cooks and aspiring chefs' appliances are what makes the kitchen. Highly sophisticated and efficient appliances with multi-function capabilities are becoming an emerging craze. Residential kitchens with a commercial flair are asking for commercial grade and/ or commercial look in appliances with dramatic oversized vent hoods while the ultra modern kitchens are incorporating sleek appliances with stylish or ornamental look for the vent hoods to create a focal point. Highly sophisticated and yet easy to operate appliances are in demand.

Sleek Look Cooktop Flush

Attractive Fixtures

The fixtures are getting a bold look. Kitchen sinks are available in a variety of material and configurations more than ever before. From stainless to solid surface, to porcelain, cast iron, copper, Silgranit and even concrete in single, double and multiple bowls and with multiple functions to suit every need. A popular new feature is the lower divide in the kitchen sinks, which acts as happy medium between the single and double bowl sinks and functions well for cleaning large items and still has the attributes of a double sink.

Kitchen faucets in contemporary kitchens are taking a sleek streamline appearance. Professional look kitchens, for the serious chef within you, prefer the gooseneck faucet which give you a feel of being in a pro kitchen. Stainless steel and chrome are still the most popular choices when it comes to faucets which complement well with almost any look.

Cutting Edge Technology

Ever advancing technology is keeping us on our toes. Technology is fast becoming an inherent facet in every aspect of design and is essentially incorporated in all of the products from appliances to plumbing fixtures, lighting and even cabinetry hardware - all to make life easier and efficient for us in the kitchen. Appliances with smart features, multi-functionality options and higher efficiency, automation - sensor activated lights, automatic and hands free faucets, and LED Lighting are some of the popular emerging trends in our industry.