Kitchen design trends to try this year

With technology advancing at such a fast pace, there is now a wide range of exotic materials and appliances for creating the ultimate in luxury when it comes to kitchens. So what’s big this year?

Kitchen worktop specialists Mayfair Worktops have compiled some of their top observations on 2016’s big kitchen design trends – let’s take a look.

Large-format flooring and luxury vinyl

Flooring is often overlooked when designing a new kitchen or updating an existing one, as people tend to focus on cabinets, worktops and appliances. However, flooring can have a dramatic effect on the finished look and style of the kitchen.

Tiles are the number one choice when it comes to kitchen floors because of their durability and ease of cleaning. With a wide array of sizes and colours to choose from, tiles are the perfect choice for that luxury look and feel.

Large-format tiles have become popular over the past few years and this year is no exception. These larger tiles provide a much cleaner look than standard tiles as there are fewer grout lines to distract the eye.

Vinyl flooring is often associated with the poor quality peel-and-stick material from the 1970s, but modern technology now means that vinyl is made to the highest quality and comes in a wide range of designs and colours. Luxury vinyl can provide a realistic-looking hardwood or stone-floor look at a fraction of the price; it is also highly durable, just like tiles, but a lot easier to install.

Cabinet trends

Cabinet designers have been trying to help people declutter their kitchen cabinets since they were created. Over the years they have invented a wide range of clever storage solutions – from adjustable shelves to rotating corner cabinets.

A big trend becoming popular at the moment is to use contrasting cabinets. Combining different colours, textures and even materials in the same room gives the design a sense of depth, and creates an eye-catching and exciting space.

Open shelving is also going to be a big trend; these simple designs can help to maximise storage options, increase the amount of natural light in the room and create a sense of space – perfect for smaller rooms.

Luxurious worktops

Granite and quartz worktops been a popular choice in the kitchen for years due to their durability and luxurious look, and this year is no exception. Advances in production and cutting techniques now mean that granite and quartz can be cut into virtually any size or shape, and can be installed seamlessly into any kitchen.

Popular colours for granite and quartz include dark greys and blacks, but for a cleaner, sleeker look opt for creams and whites.

Kitchen lighting trends

Choosing the right lighting is important to provide the right balance of ambience and function in the kitchen.

Pendant lights are on trend this year, and are perfect for creating a relaxing environment in the kitchen. Meanwhile, LED under-cabinet lighting provides better visibility for tasks such as food preparation and chopping.

Low-voltage LED light strips are also a great choice for lighting above cabinets and are available in a range of different colours to create dynamic effects.

What kitchen design trends do you think are on the way in or the way out? Share your thoughts with us below.