𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞. The biggest trend, created largely by the Covid-19 Pandemic and spending more time at home is the desire to re-invent and invest in renovations of our homes. Here are a few suggestions if you are thinking about giving that all-important kitchen space a makeover.

𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐬

External surfaces like countertops and cabinet doors, which are easy to refurbish without professional help is always a good place to start. Depending on your taste, repainting old, dark cabinets a lighter or more modern colour can really open up a space. Solid wood cupboard doors can be sanded down using a palm sander before painting, while melamine cabinets need to be primed with a special primer before they will be ready to paint.

𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬

Great countertops make a big difference to both a kitchen’s appearance and the cooking experience. Granite, Caesar stone and marble counters are always crowd favourites, but they do cost a fair bit and need to be installed by professionals. A trend shaping kitchen styles going forward is the double island, according to Contour Interior Design. More individuals are bucking the famous triangle - layout between stove, sink, and refrigerator – to design a space that works best for them. It adds storage to the kitchen and provides ample space for family gatherings. “With sleek sight lines and abundant counter space, double islands are the ultimate indulgence," says Nina Magon. This feature does require a good amount of space though – considering no less than a metre’s width around an island is crucial for the space not to feel too cramped. Having a double island also requires less upper cabinetry, with open or floating shelving as an ornamental touch more mainstream these days.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝

Wood cabinets and finishes seem to be making a comeback. However, steering away from purely natural palettes allows for a more personal look and feel to your kitchen, advises Electric Bowery. “Down-to-earth by nature but used in a more modern way, wood offers layers of luxury to the kitchen. People are yearning for a sense of calm and for the soothing palette.”

𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

With more time spent at home, many of us are choosing to get our hands dirty in the kitchen. This has sparked the need to have kitchen appliances on hand and ready to use. Your redesign and style should factor in a functional forever home for these gadgets that leave your countertops uncluttered. This is where concealed design or disguised storage comes out tops. “From pop-up plugs, rotating panels to push-to-open cabinets with invisible hardware”, it allows your materials to take centre stage.

𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬

Adoption of smart appliances has meant they are becoming more affordable. The fact is that smart appliances maximise energy efficiency and are easier and more convenient to use – essentially, saving you time and money in the end. “Customers no longer regard Smart Home devices as toys, but increasingly expect intelligent solutions that offer real added value,” says Giam Gawne, from Miele South Africa. From the connected kettle, smart oven or internet refrigerator, there is no better time to factor in these items than during your makeover. When it comes to the design of your kitchen, careful planning and ergonomic choices can make the difference between taking pleasure in preparing a meal or experiencing it as a tedious and exhausting chore, day after day.