Top Kitchen Trends of 2016

In 2016, kitchens are brighter, sleeker and more charismatic than ever, thanks to a whole host of new trends taking the industry by storm. If you’re considering updating your kitchen this year, or are planning a complete renovation, we’ve rounded up the top kitchen trends for design inspiration:

A Touch of Vintage

Kitchen designs blending cool contemporary style and a touch of vintage are going to be big in 2016. This is great news if you’re not a fan of the super sleek look, and want a contemporary design with more character, and a cosy, traditional feel. Retro-style stools, rustic cabinet doors and a neutral colour scheme can create a softer look in your kitchen. Contrast with stainless steel appliances, modern lighting fixtures, and large format tiles to bring the design together.

Neutral Vibe

White is so last season when it comes to kitchen décor. This year, it’s warm neutral shades that are taking the spotlight, such as soft vanilla, charcoal greys and cool browns. These hues are so versatile they can complement both traditional and modern kitchen designs, and they offer a fantastic alternative to white in a subtle way. Also look out for lighter wood tones, including white oak and walnut cabinetry.

Lighten Up

In 2016 homeowners will be looking for new ways to illuminate their kitchen – prioritising beautifully designed cabinet lighting in addition to traditional ceiling lights and table lamps. Light tape strips are becoming increasingly popular, and these are great options for atmospheric task lighting fixed below cabinets, inside cabinets and underneath countertop overhangs.

Functional Design

Nowadays kitchen cabinets not only look great, they are perfectly designed to accommodate your needs for better access, storage and organisation. Common features found in modern cabinets include pull-out shelving, containers and extra drawers, Lazy Susan’s in corner designs, and toe-kick drawers underneath the lower cabinets. If you have a small kitchen and have limited space, there’s a wide range of cabinet designs today that are narrower and can fit into tight corners without sacrificing storage space.

Clean & Simple

There’s a growing shift towards kitchen designs that are clean and subtle, with horizontal orientation cabinetry and concealed knobs and drawer handles. These more contemporary style kitchens offer more design flexibility in the long-term because they can be easily updated and are really versatile. Aesthetically pleasing porcelain worktop surfaces and flat panel cabinet doors work well with these kitchen designs.

If you’re keen to upgrade your kitchen in 2016 and feel inspired by the latest trends, take a look at our fitted kitchens page to find out how we can give you the kitchen of your drea