Kitchen Trends

If there is one thing that home lockdown has reinforced over the past few months, it is that the kitchen really is the heart of the home. We have all been spending more time than ever cooking and it is the natural place for the family to gather at the end of the day to reflect on that day's isolation stories, whether it be home schooling or running a business from home. It has also been the perfect time to dream of designing the kitchen to become that great chef you know you can be - if only you had your perfect kitchen happy space to allow you to be your creative best. Burbank's Head of Design, Damjan Jeremic has seen the kitchen grow in importance for customers over the years and expects that lockdown will reinforce that trend.

If there is one thing that home lockdown has reinforced over the past few months, it is that the kitchen really is the heart of the home.
 
We have all been spending more time than ever cooking and it is the natural place for the family to gather at the end of the day to reflect on that day’s isolation stories, whether it be home schooling or running a business from home.
 
It has also been the perfect time to dream of designing the kitchen to become that great chef you know you can be – if only you had your perfect kitchen happy space to allow you to be your creative best.
 
Burbank’s Head of Design, Damjan Jeremic has seen the kitchen grow in importance for customers over the years and expects that lockdown will reinforce that trend.
 
So, what are customers looking for in 2021 and how have trends changed?
 
Kitchen layouts
“The L-shaped kitchen is gaining popularity, coupled with having the sink removed from the island bench which gives the user plenty of bench space for preparation,’’ Damjan says.
 
One of the most in-demand elements in new homes and renovations is the butler’s pantry.
 
“The butler’s pantry is becoming increasingly popular and we are finding that these options are being selected more and more. 15 years ago, the walk-in pantry was gaining popularity and now it is a must have item so I think in the future the butler’s pantry will only continue to gain popularity.’’
 
One of the most contentious topics when designing a home is - do you still want a separate dining room?
 

 
“I don’t think a formal, separate room is popular anymore, but a semiformal area or even an open plan meals area is still important as it is probably one of the only places where the entire family come together to discuss their day and eat dinner. This is particularly so for families with children.’’
 
Finishes on trend
“With the Hamptons theme the hot topic now, we are seeing a comeback of the vinyl wrap panel doors. For a more modern looking kitchen, handles are becoming less common with finger pulls being the preferred option. With customers spending more money on their kitchens nowadays, soft close doors and drawers are also becoming increasingly popular.
 
“Ten years ago, kitchens were finished with colour and gloss finishes were popular together with aluminium framed glass doors, benchtops were typically laminate or 20-40mm stone. Busy looking granite was also popular.
 

 
“Nowadays finishes have become matt and colour has been replaced with warm timbers. Typically, modern kitchens are light and bright or dark and moody and are commonly provided with black or brushed stainless steel fittings and fixtures as opposed to chrome which was previously popular. Benchtops are mainly reconstituted stone with a less busy finish. Marble look alike is also popular with granite being less frequently selected.‘’
 
The luxury items in the kitchen customers are most likely to stretch their budget to include: Luxury stone benchtops, undermount sinks, window splashbacks, upgraded tapware and high-end appliances.
 
When it comes to appliances, our tastes have changed too.
 
“Upright cookers have become less popular together with canopy rangehoods. These worked well when the industrial theme was in vogue, however this has been replaced with a cleaner and sleeker look. Now a quality gas cooktop or induction is the preferred option coupled with an integrated rangehood and a clean line of overhead cabinets,’’ Damjan says.
 
What would Damjan design in his own dream kitchen?
 
“A butler’s pantry with plenty of storage space and a dual oven tower with pyrolytic oven, steam oven, microwave space and coffee machine. A 1200mm deep island bench with stone waterfall end panels and something that is often overlooked, an integrated rubbish bin. Having a window splashback also lets in plenty of light and some greenery outside for something to look at.’’