With more than 25 years of experience in the industry, Paul Jenkinson, Founder and Managing Director of British kitchen brand LochAnna Kitchens have his finger on the pulse when it comes to predicting the next big thing. “2019 was all about choice,” comments Paul Jenkinson. “2020 will mark the beginning of a new decade in terms of kitchen technology and design and we have high expectations.” From clever storage to the next generation of kitchen layouts, Paul shares his predictions and top tips on how to refresh your kitchen space in the “20s”.
Vivid colours
LochAnna Kitchens has seen a growing interest in brave yet tasteful colours in the kitchen. From vivid greens to deep purples, it is becoming more and more popular to bring colour into the kitchen. Founder and Managing Director of LochAnna Kitchens, Paul Jenkinson, says: “We have seen a rise in the number of homeowners opting for a bright and colourful kitchen which is a big move away from the simple grey and white kitchens. We predict that the combination of vibrant colours with natural woodgrains and stone will prove to be a very popular choice for 2020.
Timber & timber effect
As we move into 2020, there will be continued growth in painted timbers and timber effect finishes. Sinead Trainor, Kitchen Category Manager for LochAnna Kitchens says: “In recent years we have seen a real growth in the popularity of manmade doors, panels and worktops that emulate the appearance of real wood for a luxurious feel in your kitchen. With this growing trend, we are proud at LochAnna to see so many customers intrigued by our timber effects for kitchens and worktops, not necessarily just because of their likeness to wood, but also as a style piece in itself that is both stunning and functional.”
Statement pieces
More than ever before, kitchens are a social space which acts as the hub of the home. Open plan living is on the rise and by sharing furniture with other rooms, the social aspect of the kitchen will significantly increase. The kitchen, living room and dining area are merging into one space and by creating this large, open room, the family can spend more time together. Sinead says: “The trend for open or broken plan kitchens sees homeowners extend the kitchen into connected areas of the home. Using LochAnna furniture, designers can get really creative, introducing integrated seating areas or even media centres in connected spaces. This can make the kitchen seem larger and is a great way to create cohesion in the overall design.”
Natural worktop effects
While vivid and vibrant coloured cabinetry will be a key trend for the new year, LochAnna predicts that light stone and marble effect worktops will be a popular choice. Sinead says: “Acrylic and solid surface worktops are starting to emulate more and more the look of authentic stone and natural surfaces. We predict that this trend will continue to grow, especially with the introduction of surfaces showing bold marble vein patterns, helping to create a cost-effective yet luxurious appearance in the kitchen.”
Designing in features and bespoke pieces
Open shelves and bespoke storage will be a popular choice for 2020 as these add interest to the kitchen and create the sense that space is more open than it is. In a minimalist kitchen, these shelves give you the option to show off your best buys without creating any clutter and can be decorated with anything from plants to crockery. Boot rooms are also a fantastic way of creating a functional space that the whole family can use, keeping mud and mess in one place.
Clever storage
The trend for clever storage is rising due to the practicality it offers. From bi-fold dressers to tower and corner larders, storage can be both a design and practical trend. Paul comments on this: “Storage is, and will continue to be, a big part of the kitchen space. For those with smaller kitchens, the need for clever storage in the kitchen is crucial in terms of efficiently utilising the room you have. In bigger, minimalist kitchens, clever storage allows for clutter to be easily tidied away. Even an island or breakfast bar can work as both a storage area and a place for dining.”
Accessories
The best way to accentuate a kitchen design is by adding in colourful, complementary accessories to space. 2020 will see light, bright metallic colours as a key design trend which will be best utilised through the clever pairing of accessories. Gold, copper and bronze accents look to be popular colour choices when it comes to door handles, taps and even sinks. Paul says: “2020 will be the year of gold, copper and bronze accents in the home. However, it’s important that you don’t overdo it with these colours and remember that a little goes a long way.”
[…] RELATED: Kitchen trends […]