Ruth Lavender, design expert at Benchmarx Kitchens, outlines the trends set to dominate kitchen design this autumn/winter:
Earth tones
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“This autumn we’re moving away from all-white minimalist design and embracing a nature-inspired colour palette. This trend is all about taking it back to the roots by incorporating tones that reflect the natural world, offering a sense of serenity.
“The beauty of earth-inspired hues is that they can be very diverse, fitting the role of a neutral base colour without being one-dimensional. This scheme also provides an opportunity to experiment with textures and materials to add interest.
“The palette can be both warm and cool, depending on personal preference. It includes traditional warm colours like terracotta, but also spans across the colour wheel to include more muted tones like sage green, cashmere, taupe and stone grey.
“Due to the neutral nature of this scheme, it can be worked into a variety of designs, from modern and minimalist to traditional and rustic, making this trend a versatile choice that creates timeless appeal.
“These natural tones can be welcomed into the space through your choice of earthy cabinetry, wall colours and accessories. Wicker and rattan furniture, wood surfaces and floors, and greenery are great ways to build up the scheme.
Dark hues
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“As the days get shorter and the evenings get darker, it’s natural for us to want to be surrounded by deeper tones in the home to create a feeling of cosiness.
“Introducing these hues into your kitchen design can bring warmth and sophistication, whilst maintaining an atmosphere that is easy to live with all year round. You can introduce these elements in a subtle or bold way, depending on your own personal preference and how much impact you’d like to make.
“Dark blues, greens and greys have become staple colours to create an interior scheme that embodies the ‘moody’ trend and it’s easy to see why. These hues maintain a level of softness that draws you in, working brilliantly with greys, whites, pinks and more to create countless looks and finishes.
“Black and storm grey are also colours that are gaining momentum in kitchen design, as well as warming options like copperleaf which brings a cosy yet sophisticated finish.
“With a solid base colour in place across the cabinetry, don’t be afraid to experiment and mix textures, metallics and stone through worksurfaces, flooring, and accessories, to create something that really reflects your style. Alternatively, you could choose two complementing cabinet door colours, such as midnight blue and French white, to add softness to the deeper tones and brighten the space whilst still enjoying those moody, darker shades.
Textural
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"Incorporating texture has been a tactic long-used in interiors to elevate a space and make it appear more considered. This autumn, there’ll be a greater focus on this trend in the kitchen, whether it’s through accessories, furniture, tiling, work surfaces or cabinets.
“Texture can make a tremendous difference to the look and feel of a kitchen, adding visual interest and tactile appeal. In a space as hands-on as the kitchen, it’s a design feature which deserves attention, as it can transform the room.
“An incredibly versatile ingredient, texture forms a key part of your interior palette. For those who favour a more pared-back colour scheme, incorporating tactile materials adds interest and depth. In colour-rich kitchens, texture breaks up bold, block colour and can be used to zone the kitchen.
“Mixing materials is a brilliant way to add variety, without committing to a strong colour palette. Combining textures such as exposed brick, natural wood and stone adds surface variation. It’s also possible to add interest through your choice of cabinet finish. Options include stone, wood, metal and gloss effects – all of which can provide a different feeling to the space.
“Stone and exposed brick can be used to create an industrial feel, whereas wood grains create a more traditional look. Gloss cabinets are perfect for modern designs and reflect natural light beautifully.
Evergreen
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“As we’re spending more time at home, there’s a greater focus on creating a space that makes us feel relaxed and at ease. Green kitchens are perfect for creating a ‘less is more’ approach that draws on influence from nature, bringing a sense of calm into the home.
“Greens work particularly well due to their association with nature and wellness – helping to bring the outdoors in. Olive green pairs well with leathers, deeper forest greens and natural greenery, such as leafy house plants. Nourishing and balancing, this shade is incredibly versatile, possesses a trans-seasonal quality and is just so easy to live with.
“Forest green is another popular choice in the kitchen, whether it’s incorporated through cabinetry, splashbacks, paint or accessories. Its popularity is down to its timeless, calming and serene qualities. Pairing perfectly with light neutrals, other green hues and even dark greys and black for a bolder scheme, it’s a colour that’s here to stay.
“Sage green is also a go-to due to its ability to complement a whole host of colours, from delicate white to statement-making black. It also pairs perfectly with neutrals and other greens and greys, making it a great option for those looking to introduce colour in a subtle way. Thanks to its versatility, it can be styled to embody everything from a traditional farmhouse kitchen to a stunningly contemporary, luxe space.
Colour pops
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“During the autumn months, we want our home to act as a haven that shelters us from the outdoors, as well as a retreat that brings us joy and lifts our mood. A colourful kitchen is always a bright idea, but is even more impactful when the days are short and the nights are long.
“You can be as subtle or as bold as you like when it comes to injecting colour into your space. Whether you go all-out with vibrant cabinetry, or elevate your scheme with a splash of colour, an uninspiring space can easily be transformed into a standout room. From neon to pastel, creating a kaleidoscope kitchen can transform your culinary space.
“Matt denim is a great cabinet colour for those looking to add a pop, as it brings a sense of tranquillity with its oceanic tone. By combining this hue with white marble work surfaces, light wood flooring and neutral walls, you can really let the cabinets do the talking. Whether you choose to style it up with further accents of colour, or stick to a blue palette alone, the cabinets will act as the backdrop to your ideal kitchen.
“For those who like to keep things darker, I’d recommend colonial blue. The beauty of this shade is that it can be paired with both light and dark accents to create entirely different looks. Choosing light-veined marble work surfaces and splashbacks, along with silver finishes and dark oak furniture, results in a design that encompasses both modern and traditional. If you prefer a more contemporary finish, I’d recommend adding overstated bar handles, under-cupboard Sensio lighting, and mustard yellow accessories.
“Blush pink is a colour that many are drawn to. Feminine and fun, the possibilities are endless with this soft pink. For those wanting a hint of this hue without it feeling overpowering, it can be used on just an island, or lower cabinetry, with a more neutral colour to balance things out. Alternatively, embrace this shade with open arms and use it across the entire kitchen, pairing it with a statement splashback and white work surfaces – or darker handles and accessories to create a more balanced look.”
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