The perfect fit: how to overhaul your kitchen

Whether you want a refresh or a complete overhaul, there’s never been a better time to create your dream kitchen. Here’s how to cook up a storm with the hottest new trends.

John Lewis of Hungerford’s Blue Thistle kitchen

From primary-coloured fridges to gold taps, this year colour is making a big impact in the kitchen. When it comes to cabinets, the age-old advice has always been to opt for neutral finishes to aid longevity, but, says luxury kitchen brand John Lewis of Hungerford, its new range of hand-made painted kitchens in a bolder palette is inspired by a more confident approach to kitchen design. Renowned for its top-end fitted kitchens, made in Britain since 1972, the brand has introduced 18 dynamic colours for 2018, including the decadently dark Damson Blue and Midnight Green, which, “promise to bring the kitchen to life”.

White goods are no longer white at SMEG

Meanwhile, when it comes to your ‘white’ goods and appliances, it might also be time to have a rethink, with companies, such as Samsung and SMEG, offering their flagship models in a range of bolder colourways.

“We’re noticing a real trend for consumers to have ‘fun’ with their appliances,” says John Davies, head of marketing at Smeg UK. “Gone are the days of boring stainless steel and white models and in come those with a little more personality. Smeg’s new Portofino range cooker, for instance, is available in eight colour-pop shades, each inspired by the beautiful coastline of the Italian Riviera. Whether it is a range cooker – or smaller appliances – colour is a great way to inject personality into your space.”

Tom Howley’s kitchens

Opening a new kitchen showroom in the heart of Cambridge this month, bespoke kitchen manufacturer Tom Howley agrees that colour can add character, but advises homeowners to choose new trends wisely. “Every Tom Howley kitchen is designed and built specifically for each client,” says the brand. “All of the cabinetry is handcrafted by experts in Derbyshire, using traditional techniques such as Mortise & Tenon and Dovetail joints. Our kitchens are made to last so we would advise on choosing a colour that will stand the test of time. Our most popular shade at the moment is Marjoram, a versatile, dark grey hue, which seems to adapt well in most spaces.”

Tom Howley

TOP TRENDS FOR KITCHENS

Tom Howley on how to keep a kitchen classic yet contemporary

Choose open-plan shelving to create a utilitarian-inspired statement, but use concealed storage for store-cupboard essentials and built-in appliances to keep the space streamlined.
Retain modern classic features, such as traditional shaker-style doors or cornice detailing. A quick tip would be to exaggerate classic details, such as door width, oversizing these popular details help give the design a contemporary twist.
Be experimental with modern colour choices, hardware and appliances to give your design that cutting-edge feel without compromising on the craftsmanship behind the cabinetry.

Fire Earth’s metal finished tiles

Fired Earth, with a store in Cambridge, cites its new range of English Delft tiles, which are handmade in the UK, and give a subtle, old-time feel to a kitchen, and bolder metal-finished and monochrome tiles, as being on trend for this year.

Alusplash’s Mocha ‘splashback’

Those wanting to be at the forefront of new launches for the kitchen, however, should look to the new eco-friendly, aluminium splashbacks by Alusplash. Available in a range of on-trend earthy and vibrant colours, as well as a brushed silver finish, they are a modern alternative to glass, acrylic and tiled splashbacks, and have a smooth high-gloss look. What’s more, the panels are fire, steam and water-resistant, as well as being easy to maintain.

Lundhs Real Stone

Meanwhile, sourced in Norway, Lundhs Real Stone worktops give an organic feel to a kitchen and come in a range of finishes and shades. From the warm brown tones of Lundhs Antique, to the icy blue hues of Lundhs Royal, the complex blend of feldspar crystals in each piece of stone ensures that a worktop is completely unique to each homeowner.

Amtico’s Spacia flooring in Ceramic Sable

When it comes to flooring, it’s all about lighter, fresher tones, says Kelly Alders, senior product designer at Amtico. “There is an increasing interest in well-being and a trend for softer, more muted palettes, and natural textures. We want our spaces to connect with the natural environment,” she says.

Little Greene’s pastel palette

You can also continue this organic mood by choosing a pastel palette for your wall colours, which works well to soften the utilitarian feel of a kitchen. David Mottershead, MD of Little Greene, gives his advice: “To avoid the pastels appearing too sweet, combine them with darker, contrasting colours that ground them and increase their sophistication.”

Dulux’s Playful Home palette allows you to think differently about colour

Meanwhile Dulux’s creative director, Marianne Shillingford, says: “A key trend for 2018 is to be playful with colour and create spaces that recharge our batteries and invigorate the soul. Gutsy raw greens, like Pine Needle and Wild Artichoke, connect the inside with the great outdoors, and will calm down frantic food prep moments.”

MY PICK OF THE BEST KITCHEN ACCESSORIES