Kitchen renovations: the latest on-trend updates, styles and appliances from the experts

Aussie are spending more than ever before on their kitchens, as the heart of our homes undergoes sweeping change thanks to lifestyle shifts and space age technology.

High-tech kitchens are transforming our homes. Picture: Supplied

Kitchen renovations are cooking with gas – or, more correctly, induction and gas.

In 2019-2020, Aussies spent an average of $24,014 on kitchen renovations, says the Housing Industry Association’s Tim Reardon and this year, he predicts, spends could rise by another 15 per cent.

It seems COVID has turned up the heat, with grounded homeowners dipping into their holiday funds and investing in their homes instead, especially their kitchens.

“After a year of confinement and isolation, my clients are looking at their kitchens differently,” says interior designer Lynne Bradley.

“They are more open to colour and sculptural forms, along with plenty of storage – just in case,” she adds.

Aussies will spend on average around $28,000 on their kitchens this year. Picture: Supplied

In terms of colour, eggshell blue is everywhere, giving the traditional heart of the home a serene seaside vibe, while greens ranging from sweet sage to bold kelly are also experiencing a distinct resurgence.

Raw, earthy materials and tan hues not seen since the late ’70s are back, along with a clear desire to bring the outdoors in.

The 2021 kitchen is more than just appearances however with many home-owners taking advantage of advances in technology and installing NASA-level appliances.

Internet-enabled fridges have gone mainstream and hi-tech integrated rangehoods too.

The gold kitchen of architect Rob Mills. Picture: Supplied

None of this comes cheap, however, so plan wisely and invest carefully.

Select the trend or style you love and then ensure you keep it consistent from materials to finishes. Do that and your kitchen will be satisfyingly functional and also a space which you and your loved ones can enjoy for years to come.

THE KITCHEN AS A GATHERING PLACE

With the kitchen a gathering place more than ever, open plan rules, but zoning is the buzz, achieved through half walls, partitions and other design devices.

“As people have adapted to WFH, we are seeing a greater focus around zoning,” says Lisa Mayski, marketing manager for kit-set kitchen company Kaboodle.

The kitchen is a gathering place more than ever.

“Trying to work, live and play in the same space can be challenging.”

“Zoning, offering privacy within a multipurpose space, is important,” adds Mikayla Rose, of Heartly interior design.

“The dining area should be distinct from the kitchen, however they should also sit well together.” If there’s room, a butler’s pantry hides cooking mess.

Kitchens are now a true part of the furniture. “People are treating kitchens less clinically and more sculpturally, like furniture items,” says Lynne of Lynee Bradley Interiors.

“Today, the island bench is designed to look more like a piece of furniture rather than a bulky fixed object,” adds Mikayla. It’s often on legs, think of a credenza – and in timber, too.

Raw, earthy materials are in vogue again.

How you use your space is crucial.

Black taps and appliances. Picture: Supplied

Metals are muted.

“Eliminating even the smallest amount of stainless steel detailing, all black is a major trend for ovens and cooktops,” says Mikayla.

As for tapware, expect to see plenty of textured and matte brushed nickel and aged brass.

One note: whichever material you opt for, keep it consistent across all fixtures, handles and so on.

When homeowners want warmth and comfort, it’s back to nature with timber joinery rather than two-pack poly.

“But, instead of timber veneers, we favour timber-look laminates, which are hard to pick as faux and are more durable and affordable,” says Mikayla.

Kinsman’s Prime Oak and Bottega Oak feature woodgrains “that mimic timber without the maintenance,” says design and product manager Philip Ryder.

Homeowners want warmth and comfort. Picture: IKEA

And rather than flat doors, they come in textural V-groove profiles.

Similarly, sheen has lost its shine – matte finishes rule.

“We have seen increased interest in earthy, organic surfaces with cabinetry, benchtops and splashbacks celebrating raw texture,” he says.

Chilly greys have yielded to warmer neutrals, such as beiges and tans.

“Nature-inspired muted greens, earthy hues and even blues are making their way into kitchens, and not just as accents, as are optimistic colours such as yellows,” says Lisa.

GIVING KITCHEN RENOVATIONS A SHAKE-UP

Stone-like porcelain benchtops are giving stone and stone composites a shake-up.

“Porcelain is an innovative, hygienic finish which can be ultra-thin, eliminating load and creating a contemporary slim profile,” says Lynne.

Lisa loves laminates. “Stone-inspired laminates lend a contemporary feel in ultra-thin or chunkier profiles, giving that designer look for less,” she says.

But Mikayla still prefers the real McCoy.

“Porcelain benchtops are a great robust innovation, but natural stone is sometimes more affordable and can be used for both thin and thick benchtops.”

Glass splashbacks haven’t been in vogue for awhile and subway tiles, too, are on the way out. “People are running their benchtop up the splashback or using patterned tiles to create depth and interest.”

“There’s a paring back of materials,” adds Mikayla. “The splashback may be a continuation of the bench or a ledge detail.

You can’t get enough storage space. Picture: IKEA

“Our clients are concerned about cleaning grout so we use less tiles.”

If the architecture allows, a window splashback “allows for plenty of natural light and is like living art,” says Philip.

Pendant lights are still with us, but they’re no longer symmetrical. And strip lighting is huge. “We specify an architectural metal strip pendant or ceiling-mounted can lights and LED wall lighting above the side benches,” says Mikayla.

“I am big on drawers,” says Lynne, “pull-out drawers replacing cupboards under the sink, clever corner drawers and Space towers using every nook and cranny, often touch-operated.” The nifty Blum Space Tower features adjustable drawers on runners. And storage is hi-tech – with Kinsman’s Glass Climber cabinets, glass doors rise electronically at a finger’s touch, with automatic LED lights.

Flat-pack options work too.

The 70s look has made a comeback.

TIPS ON MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR KITCHEN RENOVATION

● Zoning to create separation in multipurpose spaces, especially in these days of WFH.

● Timber, as opposed to two-pack joinery for a warmer, tactile look.

● Clever storage solutions such as towers and drawers, drawers and more drawers to utilise every nook and cranny.

● Porcelain and laminate benchtops that mimic stone.

● Combo gas and induction cooktops, with flexi zones to accommodate your pots.

● In-your-face rangehoods – now they are mostly integrated.

● Stainless steel – too chilly for today’s tastes.

● Shiny chrome tapware. Expect to see textural brass or nickel. And sheen has gone down the disposal unit.

●Three pendants above the island, replaced by a sleek strip light or cylindrical downlights.

● Glass splashbacks, replaced by feature tiles or the same material as the benchtop.

Smartstone industrial-style surfaces – Concreto Naturale. Picture: Supplied

Multipurposes oven

Dedicated steam ovens have lost steam, with homeowners switching to combi ovens, such as the V-ZUG Compact Combi-Steam Oven, while the Smeg Dolce Stil Novo With Steam Assist adds bursts of moisture during cooking so that food doesn’t dry out.

Rangehoods

Despite great looking rangehoods, many are now opting for an integrated version.

“Usually, the rangehood is fully concealed, unless it is a statement cylindrical piece,” says Mikayla. Downdraft extractors – great for islands – are gaining traction, too, says Bruce Cranston, of Winning Appliances.

Wine fridges

A reflection of the stay-at-home trend, wine fridges are “huge”, says Lynne.

Taps

Zip and Billi taps offer filtered boiled, chilled and sparkling water. And now manufacturers provide them in stylish designer shapes and finishes, rather than the chunky, utilitarian looks of the past.

Originally published as Kitchen renovations: the latest on-trend updates, styles and appliances from the experts