Yesterday we took a look at seven trending kitchen styles. Now fuel your design hunger with these four key design styles that never fall out of favour.
Contemporary cuisine
Minimal detail, uncluttered counters and clean lines are just some of the characteristics of a contemporary kitchen. Most designs these days are functional and user friendly, while maintaining a high end look. High gloss units are generally paired together with smooth counter surfaces, which also compliment a co-ordinated splashback. The use of stainless steel is also common and this metallic hue can be integrated through appliances, handles or even counter tops.
TOP: The ABSTRAKT kitchen from IKEA suits kitchens of all sizes and shapes and is an instant contemporary style injection.
Country strong
Country style kitchens strive to achieve the perfect harmony of old world design but with cleverly concealing modern appliances behind period features. These types of kitchens work equally as well in a compact townhouse, as they do in a large rustic farmhouse. The finished look is classic, warm and homely; so think range cookers, larder cupboards and open shelves when designing your own country kitchen.
The new Suffolk kitchen range from Neptune is a Shaker-inspired, contemporary-styled kitchen, hand-painted in Dove Grey. Ash shelving and drawer boxes are fitted with Neptune’s soft close drawer runners with cutlery trays as standard. Priced from €11,500. For your nearest Irish stockist see www.neptune.co.uk.
Traditional taste
With an elegant and formal appearance, traditional kitchens often feature detail moulding, rich cabinetry and decorative wood door panels. While most traditional ranges use dark woods such as oak or mahogany, a lighter timber or even white wash can be just as effective at creating this period look. It is becoming increasingly popular to install a more formal style kitchen in a modern setting, or even customising it with 21st century appliances on show.
Custom-painted solid oak kitchen, with Okite Carrara quartz worktops, from €8,000 at Nolan Kitchens, www.nolankitchens.com
Simply scandi
The simplicity of Scandinavian design is achievable in your kitchen and it is the need for utility that inspires this style. Natural, paired back textures, combined with lots of light and pale wood tones keep this kitchen airy yet warm. The Scandinavian style also suits smaller scale apartment living, as it is clutter conscious.
This Sønderborg Køkkenet Copenhagen Kitchen, exclusively available through Danish Kitchen Design, is a great example of the contemporary country look - a key trend in kitchens for 2012. This classic style will work equally well in an urban or rural setting. Priced from €16,000. See www.danishkitchendesign.ie.
