We understand that the kitchen is the heart of any home. It is where style meets functionality in one unique space for all members of the family to enjoy. Heirloom Kitchens design expert Jason Smith shares advice on what’s hot and what’s not when it comes to crafting the perfect kitchen.

Benchtops

The first thing people notice about a kitchen is the benchtop. High quality benchtops have a natural ‘wow’ factor and can lift the value of a house, says Jason. The standard matte finish is on the way out as homeowners look to promote fluid movement in kitchens. Visible flecks of mirror or natural stone give engineered stone benchtops a real geometric edge.

Colour

Neutral colour palettes with strong sections of white, black or grey are taking precedence in kitchens. To add contrast, black accents can make a big impact on a room, from a simple approach with tapware and lighting fixtures, to a more daring kitchen with black cabinets or appliances. Homeowners are also adding colour through vibrant splashbacks, feature walls and accessories, says Jason. For those feeling bolder, an interesting wallpaper can be used behind a splashback to add more pattern to your room, or make a design scheme more cohesive.

Lighting

LED lighting is a hard option to refuse and is a key feature used over benchtops and breakfast bars, as well as underneath rangehoods. Those wanting to add another visual dimension to a kitchen use LED strip lighting to illuminate kitchen kickboards and the underside of breakfast bars.

Walk-in pantry vs scullery

Homeowners and renovators alike are placing walk-in pantries and sculleries high on their wish list as functionality makes this cost-effective addition hard to refuse. They have become an integral part of interior design trends due to their ability to accentuate the simplicity of an open-plan kitchen.

In smaller properties, the demand for walk-in pantries has surged. The idea of the walk-in pantry is to have all of the big, bulky cooking appliances and pantry goods kept out of sight to declutter the kitchen.

If cost is not a factor, a scullery is a perfect option for those wanting to conceal their food preparation area. Sculleries are essentially just like a miniature kitchen containing a sink and larger household appliances such as fridges, dishwashers and ovens with benchtop space for food preparation and good shelving.

Your kitchen is a multipurpose room for cooking, eating, socializing and more, so base your choices on what works best for you and your family. No matter what you decide, you’ll be able to cook up a storm!

If you would like more information on kitchen designs, you can request our free Generation Homes Lookbook where you can explore some of our beautiful homes as well as the latest trends in residential construction.