Design Elements

We were asked recently to contribute to 'The Kitchen Issue" of NZ House and Garden (April 2024/No. 356)

"John Russel and the design team at Kitchens By Design find that homeowners want something unique to them regardless of the current trends, so they help them choose their own look and build confidence in the use of colour and textures. Granite, marble and quartzite are good for adding drama, and fluting, panelling and curves are still being used, he says, along with natural materials with lots of organic patterning and textures, such as bandsawn timber and shou sugi ban timber (Japanese burnt wood)."

Says John Russel of Kitchens By Design "Practicality and accessible storage remain vital for a functional kitchen, so internal pullouts, pantry storage dividers, tall storage for less used items and food, and lots of drawers make for good design".

Below are the questions asked by the editor and these make for good reading if you are considering your own kitchen design.   

What kitchen design elements do you think will be popular in the coming year - both in terms of aesthetics (ie curves, fluting) and practicality (pantry vs no pantry, drinks stations)?

• A strong ‘trend’ if you can call it that, is guiding the client to choose their own aesthetic, building confidence in use of colour and textures. People are wanting something unique to them regardless of the current trends. It’s important to build trust and confidence in the designer to create something that works with their space and family’s needs.
• Fluting, panelling, and curves are still being used, with suppliers offering an array of products featuring vertical lines. A nice example of this would be the new Dekton Ukiyo product from Cosentino.
• Practicality and accessible storage remain vital for a functional kitchen, so internal pullouts, pantry storage dividers, tall storage for less used items and food, and lots of drawers make for good design.
• Integrated appliances, the kitchen is now integral to the whole living area, with the desire for this to look more like furniture. Plus smart appliances adding to the function of a connected home.
• Outdoor kitchens and designated bar or coffee stations are becoming increasing important.

Is timber cabinetry a sought-after look and if so what types?

• Timber Veneer in dark stain, clean lines.
• Fluting, panelling and curves are still being used.
• Natural materials with lots of organic patterns and textures, bandsawn timber, shou sugi ban timber (Japanese burnt wood).

What about benchtops? What materials are popular?

• Porcelain products like Dekton and Florim are widely used, the textures and sophisticated patterns replicating natural granites and marbles. These products can be used for both indoor and outdoor as they are UV stable.
• Engineered stone is still popular, although granite has made a comeback, Granite, marbles and quartzites are used where a client wants something with drama, they are hugely popular due to their unique patterning. 

Are people using their kitchens differently these days?

• Kitchens are very much a functional part of the living space of most homes today and with advancing technology there is greater integration of smart appliances, voice control systems and connected devices in kitchens. This means technology is changing the way people can interact with their kitchen, or kitchen appliances these days. From managing your grocery list or controlling kitchen appliances by voice command.

What new technologies are being included in taps, cooking appliances, etc?

• Inclusion of boiling taps, hot, cold and sparkling water taps
• Induction hobs with integrated downdraft systems eliminate the need for overhead ventilation (rangehood) systems, beneficial if you want an unobstructed view to outside.
• Cooking – ovens have become very sophisticated, you can now bake, grill, steam and sous-vide all in one place. A second steam oven is becoming commonplace, and many suppliers offer and educational experience to teach the client how to use their appliances to the fullest.
• The use of smart appliances allowing connectivity and voice control.

For more inspiration specific to your kitchen design, talk to one of the designers or pop into the showroom.

John Russel, Managing Director and Owner Kitchens By Design.