From appliances to aesthetics, kitchen trends are looking super cool and sizzling hot going into 2019. As the open plan trend shows no sign of slowing down and the desire for the living area to be a seamless flow between cooking, eating and lounging, the kitchen continues to take centre stage.

And why not? We are spending more time in our kitchens, whether preparing food for the family, entertaining friends or helping children with a school project. Kitchens are multi-functional, the hearth and heart of the house.

There is no singular definitive trend, instead, there is something to suit all tastes with a variety of innovative ideas and state of the art appliances to choose from.

“From a property value perspective, investing substantially in your kitchen, whether when building a home from scratch or revamping, means adding more value to a home and making it more sellable in the long-term. Beautiful, quality kitchens often seal the deal,” says Wendy Williams Managing Director of Engel & Völkers Southern Africa.

Industrial Chic

Industrial finishes such as concrete are still drawing attention in kitchen showrooms, so too is brushed brass, giving a luxurious finish to handles, small appliances, taps and even plug sockets. Copper piping is also being incorporated to create practical storage solutions such as a place to hang cooking utensils. The latest ranges of stoves and ovens have also been given an industrial edge to complete the look.

Natural materials

Marble, granite and quartz add functional beauty to any kitchen. These materials are durable, they can withstand high temperatures and are easy to clean. Wood and metal are also being included into kitchen design for an elemental look that is contemporary and oozes wow factor.

Bringing the outdoors in, whether through a kitchen garden – a few pots overflowing with herbs, or a planter incorporated into the central island - or opening the area onto a courtyard with wall to floor sliding doors or a glass door is another on-trend design feature.

Due to its myriad colour and look options, manufactured stone, such as Caesarstone, is still a hit. Whether used as a splash back or on countertops, manufactured stone is available in a multitude of colours, adding a unique look and style to any kitchen.

Colour

Dark, moody tones made an entrance a few years ago and continue to make a statement. From blue tones and dark cherry to olive green and matte black that feature on cabinetry and appliances, dark colours are still a key favourite.

While colour in kitchens is being used more courageously, homeowners still take pleasure in a neutral palette. White and off-white is classic and remains a popular choice. However, there is a break away from the monochrome scheme with pops of colour in accent walls, accessories and backsplash motifs.

Wine Rooms

Wine rooms are becoming all the rage. Whether an entire room dedicated to your favourite tipple, a wine wall along a corridor or a wine fridge in the kitchen, the display of a carefully curated collection in an area dedicated to that specific purpose will add both value and functionality to a home, not to mention a talking point.

Functionality

While not a trend in itself, kitchen functionality is a must. When it concerns the layout of a kitchen, it needs to make complete sense to the homeowner. “A kitchen needs to be well-planned. There needs to be a place for everything and everything needs to be in its place. For example, if you love to entertain a large central island is a must for preparation and serving purposes. A functional, well-designed kitchen makes life so much easier,” concludes Wendy.