When analysing the peculiarities of the design of kitchens, there are certain areas that definitely shape and define their appearance and how they work within themselves and in relation with other spaces.
1.- Functionality
Kitchens are machines, they have to work and they have to work properly and in an efficient way considering the demands of the actual users. Technology is helping designers to have more freedom when working on the kitchen’s layout however the famous “working triangle” must be always considered: comfortable distances between the washing area, cooking area and fridge. It is precisely in these areas where the trends are developed: the dishwasher is a must, the sink (close to it) needs have the right depth, width, and the tap must be easy to manipulate. The instant hot water tap is becoming a must as well.
Appliances like ovens, microwave, fridges and steam ovens are sold with varying applications which can be less or more complex dependant on the specification, allowing users to choose appliances according to their individual preferences. On the flip side, sizes have been standardized for ease of installation.
Probably the revolution in kitchens in recent years is the Induction hob which gives to the user not just a very trendy aesthetic but a lot of advantages in terms of safety and more green credentials.
2.- Spatial relation with other areas
Kitchens have changed the way they interact with other spaces. Nowadays the kitchen is an important presence when socializing and entertaining. It is increasingly becoming considered a social area as important as the living room and in some cases even more so. Thus the dining room is being replaced or enhanced by the presence of Islands or peninsulas which allow the cook to be part of the dynamic of socializing. This is a phenomenon that is going to be developed in the years to come.
3.- Light
Light has always being important when cooking, however due to new technologies like LED and the fact that the kitchen is becoming an important social area, the lighting scheme is a crucial element and can be used to create features as well as practical task lighting. Different layers of lighting: ceiling, wall mounted, recessed, linear, etc are all extraordinary tools that will make the kitchen an important focal point, and with the new technology use light in ways that have been previously unconsidered.
4.- Materials
Traditional materials such as wood, granite, and ceramics are being replaced with new products that promise to be less expensive, more hardwearing and innovative. Corian, composite, laminates, glass in their varying forms give a very contemporary look; glass splash backs, corian worktops and sinks.
New trends are emerging where a traditional material is matched with a contemporary one: wood and Corian, laminated glass and stone, etc. The combinations are endless.
5.- Colour
Colour is one of the most important elements when designing a space/object as it gives the space an specific meaning. Choosing light colours is playing it safe. Contrasts are always considered to make the space warmer and more alive. Colour in splash backs is a good choice most of the time, as well as colour, explore new materials. Due to the fact that the kitchens are becoming an important part of the personality of homes the colour should be chosen according to the personal taste of the users. Saying this, it is still important to keep in mind the whole space, especially if there is an open plan space. Middle tone colours are currently the trend: greys, creams, light browns. With the predominance of cool colours, the space becomes more elegant and relaxing.
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