Top five kitchen design trends for the housebuilding industry

[Pictured: Moores Kensington kitchen in a Haze finish]

Neil McDonald, Design Manager at Moores, provides his top five kitchen design trend tips to watch in the housebuilding industry.

[edit] 1. Choose natural woodgrains and materials

There has been a trend towards natural materials, such as stone and woods, which provide a beautifully neutral and classic backdrop for the rest of the room. The natural tones blend seamlessly with a variety of appliances, fixtures and decors, to create a co-ordinated and sophisticated space that will appeal to the buyer.

[edit] 2. Add variety with a mix of styles

To keep the space interesting, mix styles to add some on-trend texture or a splash of contrasting colour. Consider using the natural woodgrains side-by-side to stone to add a rich depth to the room design.

[edit] 3. Provide flexibility with painted furniture

Painted furniture is becoming increasingly popular, offering a wide variety of colours and finishes to perfectly complement the overall space. By opting for painted furniture, you also provide design flexibility for the buyer, who can easily choose to later re-paint the furniture to keep up with current colour trends.

[edit] 4. Matt versus gloss

Both matt and gloss finishes remain an equally fashionable choice for the home. Choose matt for a more subtle, muted effect and gloss for a touch of shine that reflects the light and helps to make the room appear bigger.

[edit] 5. Keep it simple and sleek

With the growing trend for open-plan kitchens, a minimalist, sleek style is important. Make sure you incorporate plenty of storage solutions into the overall kitchen design to ensure clutter can be removed from the worktops and hidden away. A simple but effective design, in keeping with the rest of the home, ensures an efficient workflow and a beautifully stylish room.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• 4 easy ways to make your house look luxurious without extra expenditure.
• Drew Plunkett - Revolution: Interior Design from 1950.
• Finishes.
• Fitted kitchen.
• Furniture, fixtures and equipment.
• Interior designer.
• Pantry, buttery, larder and scullery
• Recent history of interior design.