Rising Looks

TREND 1

Rethink the layout

DISAPPEARING ACT

The closed-up kitchen space is disappearing. The movement is not new, having made waves since its beginnings in 2016. This movement is not geared towards removing the functionality of the kitchen; rather, it is the act of recreating and rethinking the space. It is very much the natural result of an ongoing march in the direction of minimalism, and also of the gradual integration of the kitchen into the general living space. Leicht demonstrated its interpretation of the “disappearing kitchen” with its “room in a room” concept, which sees the kitchen seamlessly integrated into an open-concept living space, with fittings and furnishings providing functions which are not entirely kitchen-centric.

TREND 2

Customisable solutions 

Sleek minimalism

A move towards a less obvious kitchen space and its eventual integration into the general living space means that there must also be bespoke solutions for everything else. This includes storage for hiding away conventional kitchen components like cooking tools, condiments and dry ingredients. In full realisation of this, the eurocucina fair featured a wide berth of modular designs with all manner of customisation options that allow for bespoke storage solutions, all in a bid to keep countertops neat and clean.

This trend towards less visual clutter extends to the design of the kitchen furnishings. Many of the showcases featured sleek designs with thin frames, flat fascias, hidden handles, recessed openings, seamless joints, pocket doors and thin legs – a comprehensive selection indeed that served to highlight the importance of personalisation and storage.

Vision by snaidero, for instance, perfectly encapsulates the trend with a stunning worktop design that looks straight out of the future. It is designed to give the illusion that it’s floating, with fluid and sleek support that appear unconnected to the actual extended work surface. The whole design stands, instead, on its own as a separate showcase with stunning led strips that run the length of its construction.

TREND 3

Automation is in

Sophisticated cabinetry

Ever fumbled with a cabinet door or accidentally slammed it too hard? You will be pleased to hear that hydraulic systems and soft close doors are growing ever more common in kitchen cabinetry. There is a certain sense of sophistication when it comes to cabinetry with hydraulic hinges. The way the doors glide open in a smooth and almost natural motion really elevates the overall kitchen experience. This year, that technology has evolved, and automation is being pushed to the forefront. Enter cabinet doors that lift up and away with a soft push or the touch of a button. Some are even motorised to allow for automatic closing. The handle is, of course, hidden to create a front fascia that is clean, discreet and streamlined. Cabinetry with hydraulic systems is not hard to find on the market and there are even options to retrofit such a system into existing cabinetry, if compatible. 

If you really want to push the automation game and add more convenience to your life, look to Hafele and its humbly named Climber wall units. At first glance, it might seem like a conventional top cabinet with a glass front, but a gentle tap underneath the carcass starts the real show; watch as the front glass splits into slats, gracefully gliding upwards in sequence to reveal the compartments underneath.

There is also the brand’s iMove pull-down unit, which is an interior fitting for cabinets that is meant to segment the space. The highlight of the iMove is definitely its automated hinge which gently lowers the storage rack with the pull of a handle, thus making the cabinet easier to reach. 

TREND 4

New counter looks

ImpressIve worktops

The worktop is also getting an upgrade this year, with the trend leaning towards a more streamlined, razor thin, and edgy profile. There is also a very pronounced departure from bright and reflective surface materials like stainless steel and polished granite; instead, duller and more demure materials reigned supreme – with dull marble, matte lacquer, and wired brushed metal heading the trend.

There is also a big play on countertop extensions; certainly not a new concept, but one that is seeing a slight evolution. There is a distinct move away from static or permanent pieces, to modular blocks and segments that can be moved and reconfigured to meet dynamic needs, while taking up less space. These pieces are also finished in contrasting textures in relation to the main worktop, and this can help to transform them into great accent pieces that elevate the overall look.

Chances are, most homes still feature conventional worktops without modern extensions, while keeping the dining area separated from the kitchen. To get with the times, the easiest step is to build a simple dining solution into your kitchen. Start with a kitchen island if you do not have one and add a bench extension, then put in some bar stools. Voila! You’ve got an extended space for casual dining. If you have a tight living space, this is a godsend as it negates the need for a separate dining room. These extended surfaces are also great for homeowners who need more area for preparation, when the cooking gets heavy.