Cooking up a storm: the latest kitchen trends for 2019

The latest kitchen trends marry practicality with beautiful aesthetics. From dark cabinetry to pretty splashbacks, if you are looking to remodel your kitchen, you’ll surely be inspired by the latest design innovations.

The kitchen is the engine room of the house: the place where families congregate, eat together, work and, of course, cook. When it comes to home improvements, updating the kitchen is often the biggest commitment of all. A design concept needs to have longevity, so it is important to get it right.

While all-white kitchens can look clean and fresh, there’s been a move towards bolder coloured cabinetry – with shades such as midnight blue, forest green and black being on trend.

Tom Howley, creative design director of his eponymous kitchen company, reports an increase in the orders of black kitchens. “A good way to introduce a dark colour is to use it on the island counter. This gives the kitchen a more contemporary feel, without overpowering the whole space,” he advises.

Penelope Boswell and Craig Eastwood, from the Cambridge showroom of John Lewis of Hungerford, agree: “The industrial look will remain strong through 2019 with dark, brooding colours being very popular; especially when coupled with a metal accent, such as brass or copper taps and handles. It also plays well with the rise of more raw looking and tactile surfaces.”

Meanwhile, Leisha Norman, kitchen designer at Harvey Jones, advises homeowners to be ‘brave’: “The use of darker, bold colours adds depth and atmosphere to a room. Used cleverly, they give a sense of sophistication, especially when dressed with statement metallic ironmongery and well positioned lighting.”

The use of natural materials – whether for worktops or cupboards – is also making a comeback. Jessica Couceiro, the creative coordinator at Husk Kitchens, reveals that more customers are returning to wood to “soften spaces”. She advises that a good way to combine wood in a contemporary fashion is to mix and match with brass fittings and modern colours – such as rose pink or petrol blue cabinets.

Furniture manager Doug Haswell at Caple Kitchens champions the timeless appeal of shaker styles, and comments: “More homeowners are choosing to remain in their current properties, and a classic kitchen style, such as shaker, will stand the test of time.”

The Gifted Few, meanwhile, reveals that standalone styles are making a comeback with the functionality of a freestanding cabinet giving you flexibility within your space and working brilliantly in smaller kitchens.

Storage sensibility
Three leading kitchen companies reveal the top new trends

Burbridge Kitchens: “Handle-less, slab-style cabinetry – looks sleek, and is easy to clean and maintain.”

Life Kitchens: “Cabinetry that feels like furniture – such as a freestanding larder in a fitted kitchen design.”

Harvey Jones: “Clear wall space – whereby all the cabinetry is in the base units so the walls remain open and bright.”

Worktops and surfaces are the best way to inject a touch of flair and a feel of luxury. From Lundhs’ real stone – sourced from Norway – in shades of emerald and blue to Radianz’s on-trend, terrazzo-style Antigua Beach quartz surfaces – you can go as dramatic or as neutral as you wish.

Splashbacks are another way to add drama with burnished mirrored panels, tall marble features and heavily patterned tiling all being in vogue.

“For splashbacks, it’s all about big and bold patterns,” says Joe Kennedy, founder of For the Floor and More. “People are using strong colour choices with their splashbacks to create a focal point, in a more neutral toned kitchen. Florals and geometrics are particularly popular.”

How to inject individuality

Amanda Telford, marketing manager at Gemini Tiles, reveals her top three tips

*Add colour and pattern to floors and splashbacks.

* Go for muted monochromes to complement dark cabinetry.

* Mix up textures of natural wood, stone and crackle-effect ceramics.

While kitchen flooring needs to be practical and durable, that’s not to say it can’t also be stylish – with a myriad of new options available for homeowners. For The Floor And More reveals that dramatic pattern motifs and two-tone colourways, such as off-white and blue or grey and mustard, are high on people’s wish-lists.

Marketing manager, Jenna Kane at Kersaint Cobb, advises that wood is a sturdy and an attractive solution with the added benefit of wiping stains clean if you are making a particular messy recipe.

Underfoot and on trend
Floor fashions according to flooring expert Amtico

Texture – deep embosses and a lighter palette add depth and realism. While, herringbone is the most on-trend choice.
Handcrafted – scraped, sawn and treated grain effects in extra wide and mixed length planks add individuality.
Monochromatic schemes – mix blush pinks and natural greens or soft industrial looking finishes in large format tile shapes for a sense of calm.

Finally, when it comes to the finishing touches, Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball suggests taking note of the brand’s key colours for 2019.

“De Nimes – a deep navy blue – is perfect for those who are wary of moving into a world of colour because it still has a familiar underlying grey tone. It has a restrained elegance when used on kitchen walls. Offering something a little different yet equally sophisticated, Sulking Room Pink has an enormous amount of warmth offering a comforting feel in the most used room of the home, the kitchen. Pair with Paean Black on the cabinets to create a beautifully bold scheme.”

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