Once upon a time, the kitchen was pushed to the back of the house and was somewhere you merely cooked and washed dirty dishes. Fast forward to 2020, and the kitchen has become the focal point of the home. 2021 is the year of the ‘living kitchen’ where function, aesthetic and technology combine to make day-to-day life a little easier and unify the rest of the home.

Whether you want to remodel your entire kitchen, or simply change your tired old kitchen cabinet colour scheme; there are a series of elements you must consider to help with the overall functionality of your kitchen – layout, cabinets, appliances, tiling and so forth. We understand these are necessary things to consider; but, what’s actually in trend in the world of modern design?

We understand that irrespective of trends, kitchens have the same objectives: they need to be somewhere comfortable to both, start and end the day, and somewhere that is nice to cook in, all while being pleasing to the eye.

On that note, we have identified ten of our favourite modern kitchen trends in Ireland this year. Whether it’s a full remodel or a simple lick of paint you’re looking for, we have listed 10 fantastic modern kitchen ideas to inspire you to make the right style decisions your home. 

Colourful Kitchens

As time progresses, we are getting braver. Our interest in colourful, yet tasteful kitchens is growing. From dark greens to dramatic purples, we are stepping out of our comfort zone.

Research from Houzz reveals searches for ‘green kitchens’ have increased by 50% in 2020 compared to 2019. One of the new search terms on Houzz this year is ‘yellow kitchen’, proving that homeowners are prepared to go bold with their colour choices.

There is also a surge of people showing interest in dusty pink, sage green and soft grey. ‘Cream kitchen’ also made an appearance in the rising search terms list, marking a step away from the classic white kitchen.

It doesn’t have to be all dark however. Colours like deep forest greens can be balanced out with soft shades like latte and the addition of soft metallics to bring an element of luxury.

Worktops and accessories can help bounce light around the kitchen and balance the heavier hues. Adding white marble to your worktops and even a touch of brass through your design accessories like lighting and handles will illuminate the space.

Hot Water on Demand

We want to make our day-to-day life a little bit easier, while also being as sustainable as possible. While the kettle is the most precious appliance in the Irish home, it is the thief of precious minutes from our busy day.

Typically, kettles are overfilled so you will end up boiling more water than you need, but with an instant tap, you only use the desired amount, meaning no energy or water is wasted.

Hot water taps are sought after as ever. Google searches of hot water taps increased by 25 per cent in 2020. The addition of hot water taps changes the way we complete everyday tasks; entertaining guests, preparing meals and even making our beloved morning coffee.

Smart Storage

Thanks to influences like Marie Kondo, we strive to declutter; which means our storage solutions are key. It’s easy for our kitchens to seem crowded, from ingredients to cooking equipment.

Features like the kitchen larder have made a huge appearance. We have lots in the kitchen, but we don’t necessarily want to show it off. Well placed and concealed storage is a savour for the aesthetic of our kitchens.

The kitchen island is set to become one of the focal storage solutions in our kitchens; allowing us to have both sufficient storage, and a casual seating area.

Bold Brass Accessories

We are seeing more and more of the warming tones of brass. A stunning accessory to our darker kitchens. The addition of brass helps illuminate the space with a touch of sophistication.

These are often overlooked while designing a kitchen. However, attractive taps, hinges, knobs and handles can really transform a kitchen design. It’s the finishing touches that can make or break a scheme.

Smart Kitchens

Technology has become one of the key aspect’s kitchen designers need to include to coincide with the evolution of modern lifestyles; all whilst maintaining a sleek aesthetic.

The development of technology in the kitchen has seen new additions such as steam ovens, vacuum drawers and even fridges that keep food fresh for longer. Built in automated lighting solutions can be controlled by virtual digital assistants such as Alexa and Siri; so, you can operate your kitchen lighting by your voice or by remote control.

It has even become an essential to have new technologies such as wi-fi enabled gadgets that can be easily controlled from the phone, and USB points and sockets in drawers.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly

Research shows that eco-credentials are a growing concern to the modern homeowner. A new consciousness surrounding our planet and trying to reduce our carbon footprint means we are seeking out more eco-friendly interior solutions to create our homes.

Sustainable taps such as the Quooker Boiling Hot Water Tap and its new CUBE extension cylinder, means you can have, not just hot water, but also filtered, chilled and sparkling water; this means you can massively cut down on your plastic bottle expenditure.

More sustainable living may be including a recycling bin inside your cupboard or choosing induction hobs to help reduce the amount of energy being used and wasted.   

The Painted Kitchen

The ‘painted kitchen’ is a practical approach; it offers a modern take on a more traditional look. The painted effect will emphasise both the furniture and the architectural detail.

We will continue to see the ever-versatile grey act as the neutral of the moment. Taupe and light greys, right through to charcoal and slate grey will also continue to make a stamp.

A lick of paint is a great way to add a new lease of life to a kitchen, and when paired with raw materials such as marble and concrete; it will create a kitchen that is classic in nature, yet contemporary in its nature.

Built-In and Concealed Appliances

While we want a kitchen full of technology and gadgets, we don’t necessarily want them to be a focal point of our kitchen. Sometimes our appliances just don’t fit in with the modern aesthetic of our kitchen.

Built-in appliances have proven to be very modern as they are hidden from view, while also providing a modern and unique twist; especially when they are enclosed in a chrome setting.

Concealing appliances can take the simple form of cabinetry to conceal a dishwasher or a fridge. Storage can be designed to minimise counter top appliances. This can include a hidden station to keep the kettle and toaster from cluttering a workstation.  

The Kitchen Island

The kitchen island has become one of the focal points and a main hub of the kitchen. Once an afterthought that was made smaller to fit into a remaining small space; the kitchen island is getting bigger to serve multiple uses. The island can provide a great space for casual dining; but it is also a great storage solution.

As we are seeing less wall cabinets in kitchen design, the kitchen island gives the benefit of great under-counter storage.

The kitchen island also offers an element of flexible living. Island units have become an all-inclusive workstation, complete with food prep areas and space for cooking; along with casual dining and home office work.

A convenient option if you use your kitchen for entertaining; we can integrate both cooking and socialising. The kitchen island can be a multi-functional space without cluttering up your kitchen space.

Two Toned Kitchens

Two-toned kitchens are becoming the most desirable aesthetic in the kitchen. It’s a great approach to adding an interesting twist to your aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for contrasting wall and floor mounted cabinetry or choosing an island in an eye-catching hue, mixing colours and finishes is the perfect way to make a kitchen design stand out from the crowd.

This design feature can also be utilised in parts of the home that aren’t as visible, such as drawers and cupboard interiors; which now demand the same consideration as the exterior finishes.

The trend of combining two colours in your kitchen is a great way to add an interesting twist to your aesthetic and can really change the overall feel of the room. Deep, dark units and a contrast of brighter shades elsewhere will add depth and character to a space.

This trend can go beyond the colours painted on kitchen doors. You can play around with contrasting fabrics and textures. Rich textures such as wood grains, matte finishes and sleek laminate can all be used to create contrasts to change the entire feel of the room.