As we always say here at Hi-Spec Design, the kitchen should be both functional and stylish. And with so many design options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one, so we have rounded up some kitchen design trends to inspire you. 

Of course, following a trend for your home shouldn’t just be a copy and paste job, your house should embody you and suit your style. However, we all need inspiration to help us create something that is special for us. So, we have chosen trends that are timeless and can be tweaked and altered to suit your overall aesthetic style and needs. 

Dark, Moody Tones

Dark colours such as black, navy blue, and charcoal grey are becoming increasingly popular in kitchen design. These shades create a sophisticated and dramatic look. However, incorporating dark and moody tones into the kitchen should be done carefully in order to not overwhelm the space. 

If you’re looking to make the atmosphere subtly dark and moody, then you can opt for a predominantly dark colour palette, such as dark cabinets, walls or countertops. However, if you want more of a mixture, you can contrast dark elements with light colours, such as light coloured countertops and dark cabinets, as displayed here by Euromobil. This can help to create a more balanced feel for the kitchen.

Also, lighting shouldn’t be forgotten when it comes to using dark colours. If you don’t have enough lighting, then the space can end up looking dingy, and if you have the wrong lighting or too much, then you might put the atmosphere off-balance. Dimmer switches are great here to help control the ambience of the kitchen, ensuring task lighting is good enough to balance the darkness so the kitchen is still easy to use,.

Remember, when using dark tones, it’s important to strike a balance between darkness and functionality. Ensure that the space remains practical and comfortable to work in by maintaining adequate lighting levels and incorporating functional design elements.

Two-Toned Cabinets

Two-toned cabinets create contrast in a kitchen space, and it is a relatively easy style to incorporate, and you can work with the colours and tones that you prefer. For example, working with oak and black together or white and navy, both of these would be two-toned cabinets but give a completely different feel to the room. 

With two-toned cabinets you could either opt for contrasting colours for a bolder look, or choose shades within the same family of colours for a subtle look that still adds depth to the space. It’s important to consider the kitchen layout, whether all of your cabinets are going to be two-toned or if you would like to highlight attention to a certain area of the kitchen, such as on the kitchen island, this is shown well in this kitchen design by Minaccilio. 

It’s also important to consider the balance of the colours, considering the size and proportion of cabinets to ensure it is visually pleasing and not overpowering. And of course, ensure that your two-toned cabinets also blend well with other colours in the kitchen, such as countertops, walls and furniture. 

For some inspiration of what colours work well together, take a look at our blog. 

Mixed Materials

Kitchens with a mix of materials add texture, depth and interest into the overall design, you can really create a personalised and bespoke feel to your kitchen. This can include combining wood, metal, stone, and glass in the cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, and hardware. The different materials help to create a layered and visually appealing look, such as in this South West London Kitchen. 

You can play around with the materials and colours to help balance out the space of the kitchen, this also really helps if you are designing your kitchen overtime and don’t necessarily buy everything at the same time. For example, this prevents last minute mishaps where you can’t match the wood for your replacement kitchen table. 

When mixing materials, you should first establish a colour palette that blends well with the different materials that you plan to incorporate. This colour scheme will help to make sure that the space still is unified, even with the mixture of textures and materials,  preventing the kitchen from looking disjointed. For example, having a gold theme throughout your kitchen, from the taps to the cabinet handles. 

If you’re not sure how to successfully mix materials in the kitchen, you should consult with a professional designer, they’ll be able to match your style with your budget and bespoke kitchen goals to give you the best final product. 

Statement Lighting

Lighting is always important within a kitchen, and statement lighting is not a new trend, but it’s definitely a timeless trend that can always work well. Bold, unique fixtures can help to add personality with a space as a focal point that is both useful and visually pleasing.

When you’re choosing your light fixtures, you need to consider the size, shape and finish of the fixture. It should be proportionate to the space, and create a visual impact whilst not taking up too much space. If you are going to a large statement fixture, ensure that it is installed at the appropriate height to provide ample illumination without obstructing the line of sight or interfering with tasks. 

An example of statement lighting within a kitchen space can be seen in this London bespoke kitchen, with the light fixture placed above the dining table. 

Lastly, bear in mind the practicality of cleaning and maintenance of your statement fixture. If there are intricate designs or materials that require special cleaning products or methods, you should consider if this fits well within your lifestyle or is it going to be healthy. 

So, have fun designing! 

If you have any other questions, or if you’d like to book an appointment at our showroom, you can do so here.

Company Bio

Hi-Spec Design is a family-run interior design agency based in Chelsea, South West London. We specialise in bespoke kitchens and work with some of the best appliance manufacturers across Europe, this company is remembered by its customers for its unique and luxurious designs. Read more about our story here.