Kitchen trends for 2015

This year, we got to grips with our bathroom – not having a giant hole in the floor is a good way to start next year I reckon! But that leads me on to thinking about what to tackle next – and the list is a pretty long one…

The kitchen, though, that’s where I spend a lot of my time and at the moment, it’s really just a ‘works ok but really not in the way I want it to’ kind of room. Not only does it look a bit on the shabby side (and not in the chic way), it also has annoying features like an integrated fridge that was surely designed in such a way as to benefit ABSOLUTELY NO-ONE, and a distinct lack of plugs in useful places for all my ageing, only partly working gadgets.

So how can I get a kitchen worth of being bang on 2015 trend? Here’s what I’m thinking:

Furniture

Kitchen cabinets and storage will be important in 2015 (as they have been for pretty much every year in the last decade). I like my kitchen to feel warm and homely, with a bit of personality. Having an island on legs would be ideal in my dream home, but in reality I’m likely to have to stick to cabinet style detailing unless the house suddenly extends itself in some kind of magical way.

Lighting

This is a really great way to add a bit of a feature to a smaller size kitchen, and a real wow factor to larger rooms. Wood panelling, bulkheads and eye catching lighting are all things I’d consider to make the ceiling really a part of the room, rather than just ‘the thing over our heads’.

Gadgets

This website has some really great kitchen gadgets to add to a newly done-out space. I love the Digital Kitchen Scale Measuring Jug which allows you to achieve a number of tasks with one product (versatility is always good); while the Splash Spoon Rest and Splash Chopping Board add a bit of colour and quirkiness to the kitchen as well as being very useful. And there is a very cool Rotating Stone Baked Pizza Maker!

Ovens

A modern traditional style is the way to go for a 2015 kitchen. There’s a great selection of electric freestanding cookers here with range-style models as well as great designs by Stoves – I think they match that requirement nicely.

Microwaves

Our ‘old beep’ and ‘old, old beep’ have ended up sadly sitting at the dump – we just don’t seem to have very much luck with microwaves. But brands such as Russell Hobbs do a broad range of microwaves in varying but equally attractive styles – I love the bright colours that some models are available in. Built-in microwaves are also a neat and tidy option, if you prefer integrated appliances. And NEFF have some great designs too.

Equipment

I don’t drink coffee but I do think that a nice slick coffee machine adds an element of sophistication to a modern kitchen – and I have thought about buying one just for the smell, which I really do like! The latest models from DeLonghi and Nespresso are available in a range of styles and prices. Equally important, as a fan of the Great British Bake Off, is a splendid electric mixer. My Mum always coveted a Kenwood and I must say that the kMix range from Kenwood has caught my eye too since they’re stylish and efficient.

Colour

Colour schemes for 2015 seem to be following two different schools of thought. Some focus on black as the dominant colour, giving a strong sleek statement; while the other uses warm metallic colours such as gold, copper and bronze alongside bright feature walls. I’m leaning towards the second option myself – it’ll go with my red saucepans!