Sydney, 12 December 2011 — Kitchens are the epicentre of our homes and as such continually evolve to meet our modern way of living. In 2012, the focus is on striking the balance between clever design, quality and simplicity. Susan Hasler of Freedom Kitchens shares her top five trends for creating a practical, on-trend kitchen.
1. Living Smart:
Convenience-meets-multifunctionality is a key trend for today’s modern kitchen. “Easy to maintain work areas featuring solid surface benchtops and smooth cabinet doors that require a simple wipe down are the prevalent choices for stress free living whilst clever storage solutions such as large drawers and multi-purpose island benches make organisation a breeze,” says Susan.
Integrated drink fridges and coffee machines are becoming convenient features of the larger entertainers kitchen.
2. Looking Good:
Creating a unique identity is important, and this is being seen with the introdution of timber veneer cabinetry mixed with gloss finishes. “Basics of white, charcoal and timber will dominate the kitchen space whilst bold bursts of bright marigold yellow and grass green are on trend for livening up a kitchen space,” says Susan. Bringing furniture pieces and artwork into the kitchen are great ways to add individuality and can be changed easily over time.
Susan says that other on-trend inclusions for creating a statement kitchen are square or cube shaped sinks, integrated appliances, designer rangehoods and ambient lighting – either as underbench LED strips or oversized hanging pendants.
3. Striking the Balance:
The demand for work life balance has had a profound effect on kitchen design – more people working from home means more connectivity throughout the home as well as benchspace dedicated as work space.
Susan says that workstations hidden behind kitchen cabinet doors, or those which are an extension of the kitchen cabinetry, are a common feature over a dedicated study. “This allows the kitchen to truly operate as the epicentre of the home; a fluid family space that accommodates work, entertaining, study and dining.”
4. Planet Conscious:
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a key consideration in the kitchen design process. From choosing energy efficient appliances and lighting, to taps with good water ratings and clever waste systems for recycling, a eco-conscious kitchen is cuts down on resources, saving you money in the long run.
A great tip from Susan is to install a window in your kitchen that can be opened. “This is a simple energy saving alternative to using the rangehood.”
5. The Great Outdoors:
Kitchens that open on to outdoor decking and patios for easy, year round entertaining are a fast becoming a priority in Australian homes. Adding bi-fold windows from the kitchen to an outdoor bar act as a convenient servery and bring the outdoors in. “Cooking is a social activity and proximity to kitchen and guests is solved with these indoor/outdoor design solutions,” says Susan.
Freedom Kitchens is renowned for delivering stunning designs with superb functionality. To view the very latest in Freedom Kitchen designs – from contemporary to traditional and classic, go to freedomkitchens.com.au or visit a Freedom Kitchens showroom today. To book an obligation free design consultation, phone 1300 885 435.
