Kitchen Remodelling
The hottest trend is remodelling, which involves retaining the familiar layout and cabinetry, but refacing the existing worktops and replacing the old cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Not only does this mean less disruption and outlay than a new fitted kitchen, you are likely to recoup most of the remodelling costs if you’re planning to sell.
Colourful Kitchens
With remodelling, you could indulge in the big new trend for vibrant colours. You could choose bold primaries like red, orange and emerald green for worktops, reflecting a more casual, upbeat way of living, or go for high gloss door facings in olive, paprika, blueberry or plum. Then add decorative splashbacks for an extra zing.
Mixed Finishes
Take a cue from interior designers, with a mix of cabinetry finishes that combine dark and lighter tones at different levels, to give an eclectic look to the kitchen. With remodelling, you can use one door colour or woodgrain at eye level, then another on the base units. Or perhaps choose a different worktop colour for an island, to contrast with main cabinets.
Bolder Splashbacks
Regular splashbacks provide protection from moisture and grease, but today’s trend is towards bigger, broader surrounds that also make a decorative statement. Extend composite granite, quartz and recycled glass work surfaces to the underside of wall units or ceiling height for a luxurious finish or go for glass mosaic tiles for sparkling elegance.
Cleaner Lines
Follow the continental fashion for cool, sleek lines, featuring flat slab doors with no handles or minimalist door and drawer pulls. There’s also a move toward matt finishes as an alternative to high gloss doors. Deeper edge profiles on replacement worktops give a solid contemporary look, without the extra weight of solid stone.
Island Units
If space allows, an island unit turns your layout into a designer kitchen, with bar stools for informal eating, drinking and conversation. Centre islands can feature fashionable waterfall ends, bringing worktops almost to ground level, or curved doors for a more fluid, ergonomic feel. A built-in wine rack or storage baskets introduce a bohemian look.
Eco-Chic Materials
2013 kitchen design trends reflect that the ‘green’ movement is still gathering momentum, with eco-friendly materials gaining in popularity. Choose from recycled glass worktops made from used beer, wine and mineral water bottles, or composite granite and quartz surfaces containing natural stone salvaged from quarrying sites.
Decorative Murals
Most kitchens have limited wall space, but it’s good to introduce a bold splash of colour with a decorative wall mural or feature panel. Authentic glass mosaic tiles mounted on a backing mattress introduce colour, texture and a tactile finish, while natural daylight and halogen spotlights contribute a sparkling, reflective dimension. You could even have a custom-made mosaic.
You can visit Granite Transformations at http://www.granitetransformations.co.uk
