Trends for Now and the Future
Beautiful Benchtops
If you think about the feature that really struck you last time you admired a kitchen, there’s a good chance the benchtop was one of the elements that caught your eye. Modern composite stones are durable, easily maintained, and surprisingly cost-effective. Manufacturers are constantly adding new products to their range of ‘stones’, with recent examples featuring realistic marble and concrete finishes. These new products are extremely impressive and are being specified in many new kitchen renovations.
Clean, Sleek and Modern
In an endeavour to meet clients’ demands for a sleek, uncluttered look in their kitchen renovation, professional designers often incorporate some tricks of the trade that you may wish to consider. Modern edges to benchtops and cabinets tend to be angular (right-angles) rather than round. Integrated appliances cost more; however, they are ‘hidden’ inside the line of your cabinetry and definitely add a touch of sophistication. If you have sufficient space, a butler’s pantry helps keep unwanted clutter out of the kitchen and provides a purpose-designed location for bulky appliances and storage.
Colour Blocking
Colour blocking is the practice of grouping a single colour to create a contrast to an adjacent colour. For example, this can be achieved by choosing a contrasting colour for a line of cabinets or by using a coloured glass splashback. If chosen carefully, the contrasting colours add personality and warmth which most people find very pleasing. The most popular, contemporary block colours are grey, matt black and natural woodgrain; however, neutral colours remain timeless and are often chosen.
Whites and creams are timeless, and easily remain the most popular colours. These neutral colours reflect light, and look fresh, sharp and clear … something all home owners desire. Bold or brightly coloured accessories may be added for character if required.
Same Cost, Better Look
Often overlooked is the cost of relocating services such as plumbing and electrical. Where it’s possible to work with the existing location of these services, it’s wise to do so unless it compromises the design you’re after. It’s not difficult to run up additional costs amounting to thousands of dollars if you elect to run new plumbing and wiring, particularly in an existing house.
Maximising bench-space is always a priority with kitchen renovators and designers. A simple tip is if a 600mm oven will serve your needs, don’t be tempted to include a 900mm oven. Not only will the smaller oven cost you less, you will also benefit from the additional 300mm of bench space. Similarly, wok burners and other accessories for your oven will chew up bench space in the interests of ‘look’ over practicality.
Imperial Kitchens are experts at designing beautiful kitchens. We’ve worked with hundreds of kitchen renovators over the years and we’d be delighted to share our expertise with you, to ensure your kitchen renovation is undertaken without stress or unexpected costs. Please contact us to arrange for one of our kitchen designers to help bring your renovation ideas to reality.
Our Showroom (Booking Only)
2 Ellerslie Road, Meadowbrook
Logan City, QLD 4131
Servicing: Brisbane, Gold Coast, and everywhere between including Brisbane Northside: Ashgrove, Bardon, Chelmer, Clayfield, Fig Tree Pocket, Kedron, Kenmore, Red Hill, The Gap, Wavell Heights. Brisbane Southside: Acacia Ridge, Burleigh Waters, Camp Hill, Coorparoo, Cornubia, Daisy Hill, Palm Beach, Shailer Park, Sunnybank Hills, Tarragindi
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