2011 was the year of the island, 2012 brought back minimalism — what does 2013 have in store for kitchen design? We’ve rounded up the trends that are set to dominate kitchens around the world this year — will they make it to yours?
Is your kitchen in desperate need of an update? Are you sick of looking at the same old cabinets and appliances? Well, now might be the perfect time to start exploring the kitchen design trends that are set to take off in 2013. Take and leave what you like and you’ll be on your way to creating a kitchen that is not only beautiful and functional, but also reflects your personal taste.
Trend #1: Shiny hardwood floors
Forget tiles and linoleum: Gleaming hardwood floors are making a comeback in a big way. If you’re planning to remodel your kitchen, consider lighter shades of wood flooring. For the ultimate relaxed, beachy feel, go for washed wood floors with wide planks (another hot trend). While hardwood floors are aesthetically pleasing, they can be high maintenance — which is something designers have picked up on. As such, many are making floors that look like hardwood, but are actually made from engineered wood or porcelain tiles. No-one will ever know.
Trend #2: Resurfacing cabinets
Do you want to update your kitchen cabinets, but really don’t want to go through the hassle of replacing them? Luckily for you, designers and ordinary people alike are choosing to save time and money by simply resurfacing their cabinets. Resurfacing involves changing the cabinet doors without touching the rest of the structure, so you can refresh your cabinets without emptying your pockets. As for style, clean, contemporary, no-fuss looks are in; high maintenance cabinets are out.
Trend #3: Professional appliances
If you’re thinking about investing in new, high-quality appliances, this is the year to do it. One of the major design trends on the horizon is building in commercial-style stoves and stainless steel appliances in home kitchens. In keeping with the usefulness theme, appliances that save time and space are also shooting up the popularity charts: Boiling water dispensers and multi-taskers like fridges with adaptable drawers are in.
Remodelling your whole house? Check out our home decor predictions for 2013 >>
Trend #4: Quartz countertops
It’s durable, sleek and can weather just about anything: It’s no wonder quartz is the material of choice when it comes to countertops. Since it has a more subtle pattern than other stones (such as granite), quartz spruces up modern kitchens without losing that fresh, contemporary look. If gleaming countertops aren’t your thing, interestingly concrete is another popular choice. The major drawcard? The colour, shape, and embedded materials can all be customised.
Trend #5: Monochrome cabinets
While splashes of colour are “trending” for things like appliances, when it comes to cabinets, black and white is on the chic list. Dark, furniture-like finishes are definitely in, and many designers are choosing them for the simple reason that they seamlessly integrate into the scheme of the kitchen. On the other end of the spectrum, pure white is also popular. It’s a statement that not only brightens the kitchen, but it also complements the modern look that is dominating kitchen design.
Trend #6: Fashionable sinks
It may be a necessity, but that doesn’t mean your sink has to be boring. Believe it or not, adding a somewhat stylish sink can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen. In 2013, deep bowl sinks will be flying off the shelves and not just because they look great, but because they fit all manner of pots and pans and they are also very practical. As for the details, one-bowl sinks are set to dominate over two-bowl versions, and stainless steel is still the winning material — it’s flexible and it lasts.
Trend #7: Expressive extras
The popular contemporary kitchen may require sleek colours and finishes, but it also demands a bit of personality. That’s where eye-catching extras come in to add polish and drama. For instance, funky sinks, high-tech appliances, colourful coffee machines and custom backsplashes and countertops are all fantastic ways to give your kitchen a hint of your taste and personality without ruining the overall aesthetic. If you spend a huge amount of time in the kitchen, why not use it to express yourself?
A note on style
As for style, contemporary kitchens are definitely in — and that’s not going to change anytime soon. In fact, kitchens are getting “cleaner”, simpler and more modern while elaborate, fussy details are well on their way out.
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