My relationship with the word ‘trend’ has always been tricky when it comes to interiors, particularly when honing my own authentic design style – as working on that ongoing relationship seems much more healthy, worthwhile and sustainable to me. It can sometimes be hard to differentiate what you actually like, with what you want to like in order to feel connected to other people that lean into a popular design style.
With that being said, I do believe that emerging trends can hold a lot of value as we transform our homes and lean into modern living; particularly when it comes to decorating and designing our kitchens. We’re knocking down walls for open plan living, integrating kitchen islands, introducing banquette seating, and re-evaluating colour palettes to add interest and personality. These trends are certainly ones that I can jump on board with, as they allow us to connect with family and loved ones, and most importantly ourselves. This could look like a hectic breakfast around the kitchen island with kids, or a sophisticated dinner party with dimmed lighting that has been tablescaped to perfection. A sense of community and belonging is paramount for lifting our endorphins and helping us to feel secure – especially in a post pandemic world!
Here are the top three kitchen trends that I am noticing in 2023, and that I 100% approve of.
Concealed Breakfast Bars
Concealed Breakfast station – Herringbone kitchens
Here we have a bespoke breakfast station design that has been incorporated into this kitchen’s double height cabinetry. This clever design fits in seamlessly with the modern shaker design chosen for the cabinet doors – and when opened, reveals different shelving elements and storage options along with ample drawer space. One of my favourite additions to this heavenly breakfast station is the marble countertop, which has been matched to those fitted throughout the rest of the kitchen. This acts as a small yet significant preparation space, so that you can assemble your toast / coffee / breakfast condiments with ease, as everything you need has been positioned with purpose within this space. If possible, ask your electrician to integrate an electrical point here so that you can set up your coffee machine / kettle / toaster, and live your best life!
Feature Splashbacks
Create a bit of visual drama in your kitchen with a beautiful splashback feature. Splashbacks are primarily practical additions to the kitchen, but who says they can’t also be fun and stylish?
If you have selected a stand out pattern or material for to feature on your countertops, a great way to achieve continuity throughout your kitchen would be to select the same material for your splashback. We can see this method working beautifully here, in a Kitchen that was designed by Abul Mahdi from Studio Jayga Architects. The terrazzo slabs used here are cement based, and inject a subtle playfulness into the space, whilst still maintaining its sophistication factor. Terrazzo is a versatile design that works well with multiple colour palettes, due to differing flecks of marble pieces set within the cement.
If this particular pattern is a bit ‘out there’ for you, then having a splashback that contrasts with, yet compliments your worktops could also be an option. There are many beautiful designs out there that can be used as inspiration for your next project; perhaps you could create your own feature by using colourful patterned tiles, bespoke marble slabs or even distressed mirrors. There are so many ways to make an impact with your kitchen’s splashback.
Shelving and Playful Accessories
Open shelving is becoming increasingly more popular in today’s trending kitchen designs; and if done in the right way, they can be both practical and beautiful by way of increasing storage, whilst also creating the perfect display space. So, what elements should we consider when curating our kitchen shelves?
Left: Design Shop Interiors – 7th Avenue
Right: 91 Magazine – Photo Jemma Watts
First of all, I think that practicality is paramount here! Are your shelves within reaching distance? Will they hold items that will be of everyday use, such as tableware / serveware / utensils? Ensuring that you include everyday items such as the above onto your shelf will encourage you to keep on top of your cleaning, as a high shelf comprised of pieces that are purely decorative will more than likely sit there untouched, gathering dust and unwanted creepy crawlies. There are so many beautiful tableware ranges and handcrafted ceramic pieces that can be displayed artfully these days, so you could definitely have the best of both worlds when putting your shelf together.
Next up – does your shelf reflect the design of your kitchen, and show off your unique personality? This one is very important, as your kitchen’s style should flow effortlessly, and be reflected in the pieces that you decide to put on show. Do you have a traditional kitchen with detailed shakers? Maybe you could throw in a few vintage style pieces to compliment it. On the other hand, perhaps your kitchen is more minimalistic – in which case you could add some contemporary artwork, or maybe some sculptural vases. Add life to ALL kitchen shelves by adding plants… that applies to any and every kitchen!