Interior Style

These are the new kitchen trends we can’t wait to try

From appliances to benchtops to tiles and taps, these are the latest kitchen trends we can’t get enough of. Check out our trend report and discover how to style and shop the latest looks

These are the new kitchen trends we can’t wait to try


Appliances 

Appliances don’t have to be purely functional – they can also make a style statement

+ Splash out on the appliances you use the most. If you make a cuppa four times a day, invest in a really good kettle you’ll love using.
+ Don’t overcrowd your bench with appliances. One or two is plenty, especially in a small kitchen.
+ Make a bold statement with your go-to appliances that you have out on display such as your toaster and kettle.

Emerging trends: small appliances in teal and petrol; large appliances in black; single-cup coffee machines in round, retro shapes.

1. Morphy Richards Scandi toaster, $179, from Harvey Norman.
2. Morphy Richards Scandi kettle, $159, from Harvey Norman.
3. Smeg dishwasher, $2499, from Kitchen Things.
4. Stainless steel toaster, $25, from Kmart.
5. Kitchenaid Nespresso coffee machine, $949, from Milly’s.
7. Smeg fridge, $3599, from Kitchen Things.

Flooring

The kitchen is the most used space in the home and the flooring here is a crucial element you want to get right.

+ For wooden flooring pick an option with knots and grooves in the wood. As the floor wears, these features will add to its character.
+ If you are building your kitchen from scratch, consider installing underfloor heating or use poured concrete for its heat-retaining properties.
+ Choose flooring that complements your kitchen, eg for blue- or white-toned cabinetry, warm up the space with some oak flooring.

Emerging trends: parquetry floors; herringbone pattern; travertine tiles; charred-wood effects.

1. Smartfloor Herringbone engineered wood in antique oak, $147.20 psm, from Forté Flooring.
2. Leo Lappato tiles in bianco, $59.90 psm, from Carpet Court.
3. Malmo Swiss Giant laminate in sunset, $89 psm, from Carpet Court.
4. Orobico grey honed tile, $169 psm, from Tile Space.

Tiles

Be creative with pattern and colour when choosing everything from tiles to grout.

+ Be bold with a tiled kitchen splashback as this is your chance to stamp your style on a functional, yet also decorative, space.
+ Tiles also work well on the floor. Choose a patterned stone or a forgiving design that can absorb a few knocks or chips as the tiles wear.
+ Large-format tiles are great for floors as they’re easier to keep clean, and they’re also starting to appear on splashbacks, too.
+ Small tiles and mosaics look great but can be costly and catch dirt more easily. Find the right balance between size and style for you.
+ Don’t forget your grout. Coloured grout that offers a high contrast to the tiles is trending.

Try using different shapes and sizes in the same finish to create interest without being too matchy.

1. Absolute Carrara Chevron mosaic tile, $19.50 a sheet, from Tile Space.
2. Goroka Gris tile, $85 psm, from Tile Space.

Hardware

Hardware is your chance to splash out – don’t scrimp on the elements you use the most.

+ The kitchen tap is a statement feature, especially when placed on a kitchen island, so choose something that looks gorgeous.
+ Match your tapware to other materials in the kitchen to keep styles consistent in a busy space.
+ Keep handles on cabinets subtle. Avoid anything that will date as these can be costly to replace. Better yet, choose handle-less cabinetry!

Look out for brushed brass, champagne and gold tapware and sinks.

1. IB Rubinetti Acciaio mixer with shower, $989, from Evolution of Surfaces.
2. IB Rubinetti Industria customisable mixer, POA, from Evolution of Surfaces.
3. Felton Axiss mixer, $534, from Plumbing World.
4. Meir gooseneck mixer, $599, from The Kitchen Hub.
5. Purity Emotion mixer, RRP $519, from Foreno.

Lighting

Kitchen lights tie the space into the rest of the home, but make sure they provide enough light.

+ A feature pendant is not only for living areas but can make a statement in the kitchen, too. Just make sure the wattage is high enough so you can see your cooking and prep zones clearly.
+ If there still isn’t enough light, augment your scheme with some task lighting over work areas.
+ Consider strip lighting beneath overhead cabinetry but avoid the 1980s disco look by fitting strips discreetly under a cabinet or rangehood.

Look out for round shapes such as globes, discs, rings and hoops.

1. Large Ringo pendant, $249, from Flux Boutique.
2. Dome lamp by Monmouth Glass Studio, $900, from Tessuti.
3. Rocky pendant, $149.99, from A&C Homestore.
4. Calva ceiling pendant, $129, from Freedom.
5. Rattan teardrop pendant, $239, from Corcovado.

Benchtops 

The work surface of your kitchen needs to be the perfect combo of beauty and utility.

+ Engineered stone, marble and granite are obvious choices as they are practical and tough.
+ A more affordable option that can also make a bold statement is a coloured laminate such as Formica. Team with subtle cabinetry so things don’t get too hectic.
+ Consider benchtop specs such as how deep you’d like the overhang to be (makes it easier for wiping) and whether you need space for stools.
+ Combos such as steel and wood offer flexibility and can be a good way to keep costs down.

Tiled benchtops are back, especially in minimalist kitchens where geometric shapes can shine.

1. Plaid mosaic tile in dust, $39.50 a sheet, from Tile Space.
2. Hot benchtop, POA, from Corian.

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