Made of genuine oak, Alno Classic features glass-fronted wall units and built-in cupboards for storage

Whether you’re starting to build your kitchen for the first time or just want a makeover, there is something to suit your preference. Check out our compilation of the hottest trends for cooking hubs this season.

Black and White

Jet-black countertops and walls are making it big these days. They lend an ultra-modern appeal and set a neutral backdrop to your state-of-the-art kitchen gadgets. Dark finishes help the kitchen fuse into the colour scheme of the house, whether you have a colourful dining room or an eccentric living area. Yet for those who feel that black is too masculine or too strong, stark white is an equally popular option. Immaculate white kitchens command a clean, timeless look and they complement the rest of the living space. White cabinets take the place of the old wooden-inspired storages.

Shades of Grey

Those who are not keen on the high contrast that black-and-white palettes provide can play with the middle ground – the many shades of grey. This neutral colour looks good with many accent colours and gives a chic vibe to the kitchen. The 2013 National Kitchen and Bath Association style report reveals an increase in the use of this palette over the past three years, from only nine percent in 2010 to a whopping 55 percent this year, as grey creates classy, sophisticated spaces that many people desire. Plus, grey works well with stainless steel and other popular metallic kitchen appliances.

Open Floor

Knocked-down walls never go out of style. It has been a favourite layout since time immemorial, and this season is not an exception. It gives not only an unhampered view of the home’s interiors but also an illusion of a bigger space. It also lets you interconnect the kitchen, living, dining, and recreation rooms, a layout perfect for entertaining guests whether on intimate dinners or posh cocktail nights.

Sculpted from finger-print proof CleanSteel, Miele's full range of Navitronic
TouchControl appliances lets you create gourmet meals like a pro, with just one touch of a finger

Multipurpose Islands

Kitchen islands are becoming more multidimensional. These days, they are not used not only for food preparation but for a variety of purposes – as a snack station, wine storage or a mini bar, and even as a pedestal for objets d’art. They attract more attention than usual. This is why it is important to have a beautiful, eye-catching stage that speaks louder than a block of granite. Choose an island that accentuates your kitchen’s décor and suits your needs. If you love to bake, make your island conducive to rolling dough and moulding pastries. Or, if you want to transform dead spaces into usable storage, put deep drawers and sliding shelves beneath the island. You can also place the sink or the cooktop to create a stand-alone work station.

Quartz on Top

Granite remains the top favourite for countertops, but quartz is increasingly becoming popular. Quartz is one of nature’s strongest and most durable materials. Stain- and scratch-resistant, it is invulnerable to heat and cold, and even to common household chemicals. These surfaces are easy to clean and maintain because all they require is mild detergent to keep them looking brand new for years. For added flair, some of the designs have a natural translucence, which can be backlit to create a dramatic atmosphere. Nonetheless, porcelain and ceramic countertops are still in. They are suitable for humid conditions and are ideal for both indoor and outdoor kitchens. They are also resistant to stain and moisture.

Glass Splash

Once a simple panel behind a sink or stove that protects the wall from being splattered with oil and food, the typical kitchen backsplash has morphed into a stunning vertical extension to the countertop over the years. More designers are using glass, as it looks neat and is easy to clean. Glass blocks or solid glass sheets look good in contrast with stainless steel. Nonflammable, stain-resistant, and waterproof, glass blocks are nonporous and are less likely to get mouldy. Clear glass tiles can be used to protect walls made of materials susceptible to damage due to moisture and food splatters like vintage wood and delicate wallpapers. They also reflect light, making the kitchen look more spacious.

Hide and Seek

In the old days, it was common to see kitchen appliance lining up the counters. Now, this is no longer the case. Appliances are usually concealed behind wall panels or faux veneers, or sometimes disguised behind sliding doors and rolling cabinets. The trend is gearing towards “less is more.”

 
Bulthaup b3 interior system kitchen drawer allows you to re-organize your
cutlery, kitchen tools, utensils, and accessories exactly as you wish

High-Tech Buddies

We are now in the digital age and everything is within reach with just a touch of a button. Commercial-style stoves and other built-in appliances take centre stage. Mostly stainless steel, linear and minimalist cooktops and ovens are in demand. So are Espresso machines and wine chillers as they give easy access to a warm cup of gourmet coffee, or a glass of your favourite pour throughout the day. Vent-less fireplaces and floating cooking hoods also add a sophisticated, discreet touch.

“LED” There Be Light

Conventional halogen or incandescent lights are progressively being replaced by energy-saving led lights. They can be used for general lighting as well as accent lighting. Your floating shelves, for instance, will look more dramatic with the use of led lights. They can turn simple shelves into a striking platform for your kitchenware. Quartz and glass countertops have a certain translucence that becomes more enticing with the use of led lights either from the back or from below. Toekick led lighting provides nice illumination at night. Cabinets are also being lit from the inside to make it easier to locate and organise your kitchen utensils. Unlike halogen, led lights stay cool, so you don’t feel hot while you’re working on your countertops or looking for something inside the storage room.

Alnostar Vetrina's glass surface combines black and white with a vibrant colour accent 

While some would rather keep their traditional kitchen, a little transformation from time to time won’t hurt. Just make sure that for every change you make, form and function are equally weighed.

Photos courtesy of respective brands | Printed in Philippine Tatler Homes Volume 6