15 Kitchen Trends Set to Hit Big in 2017
Take a look at some of the emerging and enduring trends in kitchen design as we head towards 2017
Whether you’re looking for something cutting edge or simply wanting to make sure your new kitchen isn’t stuck in the last century, it’s a great idea to keep on top of the emerging and enduring trends in kitchen design. Here we take a look at the top trends predicted for 2017 – those that have been on our radar in recent months and are set to continue, and those that are just starting to take hold.
2. Thin, cantilevered benchtops
In terms of benchtops at the moment, the thinner the better! And particularly when the almost wafer-thin benchtop can be cantilevered out into an adjoining space, it makes a huge visual impact. Here it also has a practical application in providing a casual seating area to extend the usefulness of the large island bench. The monochrome black and white is complemented by the warmth of timber finishes for a modern yet welcoming space.
In terms of benchtops at the moment, the thinner the better! And particularly when the almost wafer-thin benchtop can be cantilevered out into an adjoining space, it makes a huge visual impact. Here it also has a practical application in providing a casual seating area to extend the usefulness of the large island bench. The monochrome black and white is complemented by the warmth of timber finishes for a modern yet welcoming space.
3. Bold wall-to-wall feature tiles …
In the last few years we’ve seen an abundance of renowned designers partner with tile companies to produce signature ranges that are new, bold and interesting. This has enabled kitchen designers to use tile finishes and tile designs in unique ways to create a variety of different visual and textural features. Whether used as a splashback, as seen here, or to create a feature element, designer tiles can add a sense of cutting-edge fashion to a kitchen.
See more statement tiles in kitchens
In the last few years we’ve seen an abundance of renowned designers partner with tile companies to produce signature ranges that are new, bold and interesting. This has enabled kitchen designers to use tile finishes and tile designs in unique ways to create a variety of different visual and textural features. Whether used as a splashback, as seen here, or to create a feature element, designer tiles can add a sense of cutting-edge fashion to a kitchen.
See more statement tiles in kitchens
It’s also no surprise that with these developments in feature tiling, many homeowners are opting for wall-to-wall tile coverage to create a look that’s more dramatic than the above-the-benchtop or below-the-cabinets splashback format we’re used to. So we’re not really talking new tiles as much as new ways of laying them.
Tiled splashbacks aren’t new news – this was the traditional choice for a long time until other viable options were created. I suppose at a stretch you could say that the wall-to-wall coverage makes it a trend, although most of the kitchen designers I talk to prefer not to use tiles if the client is open to other suggestions – unless the tile design has designer credentials but we already mentioned that one.
Tiled splashbacks aren’t new news – this was the traditional choice for a long time until other viable options were created. I suppose at a stretch you could say that the wall-to-wall coverage makes it a trend, although most of the kitchen designers I talk to prefer not to use tiles if the client is open to other suggestions – unless the tile design has designer credentials but we already mentioned that one.
4. … and hexagonal tiles
Here’s another example of new ways of laying tiles. We’ve seen hexagonal tiles pop up in the bathroom, and now they’re having their time in the kitchen. Geometric shapes such as these can add visual interest either in a random pattern or, as laid here, in a repeating pattern.
The geometry of the tiles works really well in a kitchen environment because it plays to the same linear aspect. It’s also a great way to add a splash of colour without overwhelming the space; unlike a full block of colour such as you would get with a coloured glass splashback, the grout lines enhance the geometric nature of the tiles and the contrast can actually make the colour work better.
Here’s another example of new ways of laying tiles. We’ve seen hexagonal tiles pop up in the bathroom, and now they’re having their time in the kitchen. Geometric shapes such as these can add visual interest either in a random pattern or, as laid here, in a repeating pattern.
The geometry of the tiles works really well in a kitchen environment because it plays to the same linear aspect. It’s also a great way to add a splash of colour without overwhelming the space; unlike a full block of colour such as you would get with a coloured glass splashback, the grout lines enhance the geometric nature of the tiles and the contrast can actually make the colour work better.
5. Graphic floor tiles
Speaking of graphic shapes, if you don’t have the wall space, consider statement floor tiles for your kitchen next year. Either keep the surrounding scheme light and neutral to let your floor tiles take centre stage, or pull out a colour from your tiles to bring to your cabinetry.
Speaking of graphic shapes, if you don’t have the wall space, consider statement floor tiles for your kitchen next year. Either keep the surrounding scheme light and neutral to let your floor tiles take centre stage, or pull out a colour from your tiles to bring to your cabinetry.
6. Move over, upper kitchen cabinets
Forget the upper cabinets. We’ve seen some fun alternatives to upper kitchen cabinets on Houzz this year, with many homeowners opting for easy-to-reach open shelves, striking bench-to-ceiling feature splashbacks, or neat niches.
One of the benefits of removing upper cabinets is it reduces bulk in the kitchen and can make a more compact kitchen seem larger. Because this means some storage space is lost, it’s clever to look at other options for on-wall storage.
Forget the upper cabinets. We’ve seen some fun alternatives to upper kitchen cabinets on Houzz this year, with many homeowners opting for easy-to-reach open shelves, striking bench-to-ceiling feature splashbacks, or neat niches.
One of the benefits of removing upper cabinets is it reduces bulk in the kitchen and can make a more compact kitchen seem larger. Because this means some storage space is lost, it’s clever to look at other options for on-wall storage.
7. Hardworking storage walls
Designers are working on how to balance practicality with a growing need to implement style elements that also suit a kitchen ‘living’ space. As such, efficient use of space was a key theme of EuroCucina this year, bringing a growing trend of commercial cooking elements and clever storage solutions into our residential kitchens.
One such example is the hardworking kitchen wall that keeps all of your cooking implements conveniently located in the same place, leaving the rest of your kitchen to max out on easy, breezy style ideas such as the wall of tiles above.
Designers are working on how to balance practicality with a growing need to implement style elements that also suit a kitchen ‘living’ space. As such, efficient use of space was a key theme of EuroCucina this year, bringing a growing trend of commercial cooking elements and clever storage solutions into our residential kitchens.
One such example is the hardworking kitchen wall that keeps all of your cooking implements conveniently located in the same place, leaving the rest of your kitchen to max out on easy, breezy style ideas such as the wall of tiles above.
8. Industrial elements
Another trend to watch out for, also in some part reflecting our love worldwide of cooking and cookery shows, is the introduction of professional kitchen design creeping into our residential kitchens. Whether an ultra-functional stainless steel bench and splashback, as seen here, or the inclusion of professional-grade appliances, optional extras for cooking such as specific cooktops or extra ovens, or organisational elements for the passionate home cook, this is a trend that will be sticking around for some time to come.
Kitchens that got industrial style right
Another trend to watch out for, also in some part reflecting our love worldwide of cooking and cookery shows, is the introduction of professional kitchen design creeping into our residential kitchens. Whether an ultra-functional stainless steel bench and splashback, as seen here, or the inclusion of professional-grade appliances, optional extras for cooking such as specific cooktops or extra ovens, or organisational elements for the passionate home cook, this is a trend that will be sticking around for some time to come.
Kitchens that got industrial style right
9. Key lighting design
The technological developments in strip LED lighting have created opportunities to blend lighting into existing cabinetry, bend it around corners, hide it within cabinets or even have it climb walls. This flexibility has allowed designers to incorporate lighting into the kitchen as never before.
No longer an afterthought in kitchen design, lighting is now a key element in making both the aesthetic effect work and in ensuring the kitchen is functional. In this Sydney kitchen, lighting serves to highlight feature elements within the space, as well as providing both general and task lights directed at the work spaces where they are required. The matching stone takes centre stage thanks to the clever use of a range of lighting under the bench and over it.
The technological developments in strip LED lighting have created opportunities to blend lighting into existing cabinetry, bend it around corners, hide it within cabinets or even have it climb walls. This flexibility has allowed designers to incorporate lighting into the kitchen as never before.
No longer an afterthought in kitchen design, lighting is now a key element in making both the aesthetic effect work and in ensuring the kitchen is functional. In this Sydney kitchen, lighting serves to highlight feature elements within the space, as well as providing both general and task lights directed at the work spaces where they are required. The matching stone takes centre stage thanks to the clever use of a range of lighting under the bench and over it.
10. Interesting textures
With advances in technology and the explosion of choice within the materials sector, it’s great to see designers experimenting with incorporating a variety of textures such as timber elements (both real and manufactured), the unique veins of natural stone, or the unrefined finish of concretes, printed patterns and matt finishes – both visual and tactile – within kitchen design.
With advances in technology and the explosion of choice within the materials sector, it’s great to see designers experimenting with incorporating a variety of textures such as timber elements (both real and manufactured), the unique veins of natural stone, or the unrefined finish of concretes, printed patterns and matt finishes – both visual and tactile – within kitchen design.
11. Combinations of patterns
With more education of homeowners and easier dissemination of design ideas worldwide, we’re seeing a welcome move towards pushing the boundaries of pattern, shape and colour combinations. What this means is homeowners are more open to combinations of patterns or textures that wouldn’t traditionally be considered – for example, here we have a geometric pattern on the island front, combined with a subway tile for the splashback.
Kitchen islands showing off their best side
With more education of homeowners and easier dissemination of design ideas worldwide, we’re seeing a welcome move towards pushing the boundaries of pattern, shape and colour combinations. What this means is homeowners are more open to combinations of patterns or textures that wouldn’t traditionally be considered – for example, here we have a geometric pattern on the island front, combined with a subway tile for the splashback.
Kitchen islands showing off their best side
12. Appliances on show
In the past, designers have used their skills to hide appliances from sight. Now we’re seeing a move towards making appliances a feature statement in the kitchen. For example, this range hood has been given the feature treatment to match the waterfall benchtop on the island. The stunning grain of the stone immediately draws the eye, but the workings of the range hood are cleverly hidden away so we see the beauty, not the functionality, of the item.
In the past, designers have used their skills to hide appliances from sight. Now we’re seeing a move towards making appliances a feature statement in the kitchen. For example, this range hood has been given the feature treatment to match the waterfall benchtop on the island. The stunning grain of the stone immediately draws the eye, but the workings of the range hood are cleverly hidden away so we see the beauty, not the functionality, of the item.
13. Feature splashbacks
Again, we see the advance in technology provide almost limitless options for splashback design. Not only can the splashback feature a unique print, it can reflect a homeowners personality, interests and loves. This is not just reserved for the over-confident renovator either; more and more homeowners are investing in decorating their homes to suit their own style, not just the possibility of resale.
Splashback designs can be created from photos or abstract prints, but can also be personalised with a colour scheme to suit both the kitchen design and the personality of the homeowner. The techniques available for doing so range from printed or coloured glass – which is becoming more cost-effective – to new applications such as a technique where a photo or feature pattern is printed onto a thin sheet of aluminium, which is then coated and is extremely light – it adheres to the wall with double-sided tape. Because you can apply any image you like to the surface, you could find a feature brick wall (for example) and use that instead of having an actual exposed brick wall.
Again, we see the advance in technology provide almost limitless options for splashback design. Not only can the splashback feature a unique print, it can reflect a homeowners personality, interests and loves. This is not just reserved for the over-confident renovator either; more and more homeowners are investing in decorating their homes to suit their own style, not just the possibility of resale.
Splashback designs can be created from photos or abstract prints, but can also be personalised with a colour scheme to suit both the kitchen design and the personality of the homeowner. The techniques available for doing so range from printed or coloured glass – which is becoming more cost-effective – to new applications such as a technique where a photo or feature pattern is printed onto a thin sheet of aluminium, which is then coated and is extremely light – it adheres to the wall with double-sided tape. Because you can apply any image you like to the surface, you could find a feature brick wall (for example) and use that instead of having an actual exposed brick wall.
14. Asymmetry
This is an enduring trend that shows no sign of abating. Kitchens tend to be very boxy spaces, so it’s important the design of the room help offset the visual bulk of the cabinets. One of the most effective methods for doing this is the use of asymmetry. In creating a variety of heights and intersecting pieces, the design of this kitchen embraces an off-balance visual to help create a more cohesive design finish.
This is an enduring trend that shows no sign of abating. Kitchens tend to be very boxy spaces, so it’s important the design of the room help offset the visual bulk of the cabinets. One of the most effective methods for doing this is the use of asymmetry. In creating a variety of heights and intersecting pieces, the design of this kitchen embraces an off-balance visual to help create a more cohesive design finish.
15. Think green
With a surge in eco-consciousness and garden-to-table living, leafy, botanic greens have been dug up in Houzzers’ homes this year. Couple that with Pantone’s verdant colour of the year for 2017, ‘Greenery’, and next year is already off to a fresh and invigorated start. We expect this colour to spread to the kitchen paired with warm wood tones.
Speaking of green, there is also a new wave of building materials that can be applied to the kitchen such as timbers sourced from sustainable forests, recycled or Chain of Custody certified wood. Low VOC materials rated E0 or Super E0 can also be chosen to reduce emissions in the home. We also expect to see more innovations in energy- and water-saving features in the coming years, as design prioritises this more and more.
TELL US
What have been your favourite kitchen design trends throughout the years? Share them with us in the Comments below.
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Read more trend stories
With a surge in eco-consciousness and garden-to-table living, leafy, botanic greens have been dug up in Houzzers’ homes this year. Couple that with Pantone’s verdant colour of the year for 2017, ‘Greenery’, and next year is already off to a fresh and invigorated start. We expect this colour to spread to the kitchen paired with warm wood tones.
Speaking of green, there is also a new wave of building materials that can be applied to the kitchen such as timbers sourced from sustainable forests, recycled or Chain of Custody certified wood. Low VOC materials rated E0 or Super E0 can also be chosen to reduce emissions in the home. We also expect to see more innovations in energy- and water-saving features in the coming years, as design prioritises this more and more.
TELL US
What have been your favourite kitchen design trends throughout the years? Share them with us in the Comments below.
MORE
Read more trend stories
Hues of gold were everywhere to be seen at this year’s EuroCucina held in Milan, Italy. Although we’re still loving our bright and brushed chrome finishes, it’s nice to see a new range of golds – particularly the rose gold option – available. Many manufacturers now have a tapware option in gold and rose gold, usually both polished and matt. Golds work in a range of design environments and are often a softer visual finish than the bright chromes, so they can make for a more enduring end result.