Our design studio series continues and this time, our resident interior design expert Edward Thomas Interiors is focusing on the undisputed heart of the home, the modern kitchen/diner. Megan Doherty, Senior Client Account Manager, shares styling tips and current trends…
Open-plan living remains the most popular layout for new homes and apartments, creating shared spaces to bring couples, friends and families together. Nowhere is this more evident than the kitchen/diner.
So where do you start with styling for this primary social space?
Begin with the cabinetry. This will set the overall style for the room. Shaker cabinetry gives a classic farmhouse vibe; glossy and handleless offers a sleek modernism, while open, larder-style cabinets strike a balance between rustic and industrial.
In terms of colours, green is this season’s must-have. Gorgeous mid-tone greens, so sage, olive and khaki, are really in demand, as are other muted or soft pastel shades such as butter yellow or blush pink. These offer a playful alternative to the more traditional choices and pair particularly well with woods and natural stone worksurfaces.
If you’d rather express colour more subtly, then experiment with adding accent colours. These can be soft furnishings such as window dressings or seat covers; wallcoverings like feature paints or wallpapers; or different types of lighting. Remember that kitchens are high task areas so require well-lit, cool white lighting for food preparation but perhaps a warmer, yellowy hue for dining and entertaining.
Next, think about any additional uses the room needs to accommodate.
Modern kitchens are typically multi-purpose so are often doubling as a dining room, family room, home office, even a child’s playroom. The best way to differentiate these is by “zoning” them. This might be with clever furniture arrangements but can also be achieved with paint blocking or feature panelling. In either case, remember to think about wayfinding and ensuring there is a natural path through the room, or to any connecting spaces such as a utility, garden or balcony.
Once you’ve established an overall style and purpose, it’s time to layer in the detail. Some of my favourite trends right now include wall or ceiling storage for glassware and that “at home” bar look;
chalk paint or open shelving to write lists and create a cafe culture vibe; or vintage finds such as old baking equipment, cake stands or storage jars that immediately add a rustic appearance. We’re also seeing tiles used more frequently recently, whether that’s a chequerboard splashback or a classic metro tile fitted vertically for a contemporary twist.
Texture is important too. Countertops are drawing inspiration from nature and as well as including materials like marble, stone and quartz, popular patterns for these surfaces now include lava, salt mines and sand dunes.
Similarly, seating can be used to add texture, both visual and tactile. Dining chairs in a luxurious button-back velvet or upholstered in a chunky wool can look amazing opposite a natural wooden bench. This “mix and match” seating is a real space saver too!
One final trend is about organisation. Kitchens require maximum space and minimum clutter so we’re seeing the inclusion of secret storage like carousel and pull-out pantry spaces, floating shelves, integrated waste and recycling bins, door spice racks and two-tier drawers.
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