The spirits of the nation have been lifted with the long-awaited news that lockdown restrictions will be eased. We have timescales and a plan, and goodness knows we all like a plan.
Splinters of sunlight are piercing through the dark depressing clouds with the promise of warmer days ahead and the colour of the flowers that have started to bloom bring with them the hope of the new start we have all been waiting for. So, what plans are on your agenda for the months ahead?
When we reflect on the time we have spent in our homes over the last 12 months, no doubt we have formed new relationships with the rooms within them. Whether it’s been the opportunity to enjoy ‘proper’ family mealtimes or releasing our inner master-chef with batches of banana bread, the kitchen in particular has become the fast-beating heart of the home and we have found ourselves calling upon it to serve us in new ways. In so many homes this may have highlighted any shortcomings in the current design or simply sparked a desire for a new one. The perfect kitchen is reflective of our personalities and practicalities which can be expressed in the aesthetic and confirmed in the design.
With the addition of a statement piece such as an oversized island you can bring to life your dreams of bringing the family together and socialising with family and friends. Gathering around the island will bring a sense of unity and community over a mutual love of food. A sanctuary to share and enjoy.
As well as indulging in glorious statement features it is also important to create a multi-purpose space that is full of light with a natural flow and feel. An open plan kitchen diner is the perfect way to achieve modern multi-space that lends itself to a range of occasions from breakfast time shared with the children to a dinner soiree with friends. Talk, laugh, eat. The installation of bi fold doors to harmonise the inside space with the outdoors will immediately open any space and invite in plentiful light. Natural wood and a mix of textures will create interest and a beautiful natural feel to the space.
The use of a bold statement colour will bring any design to life and can further accentuate the personality expressed within the design, all backed up with some ingenuitive storage solutions that increase the practicality of the kitchen without infringing on the style. All that’s left to do is add an eclectic mix of house plants and you have created a space to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
It seems colour trends are mirroring our desires to protect our fragile planet, which we seem to have a new-found respect for. Earthy tones mixing pale greens with muted colours to create an air of calm, peace and being at one with nature. To suit an eco-minded renovation, mix old with new and embrace natural with bold statement. Or for an opulent style, achieve cottage comfort with rich, jewel tones. Think teal, navy, plum like a vibrant peacock feather. Mixed elegantly with velvets and simplified pieces to give a somewhat 1950’s vibe.
Nordic blue with an oriental air mixed with simplistic, elongated shapes to create a clean and uncomplicated feel to the kitchen. Add some interest with simple ornaments paired with natural wood and fresh clean and crisp white walls. Or delve into deep and meaningful, perhaps the battle of the last 12 months could be the inspiration behind your renovation, using bold strong sunshine yellow coupled with dark moody April cloud grey to give a sense of strength, indulgence and endurance. Alternatively, use pinks and silvers to keep the space bright and reflective making it bright soft and feminine without an overbearing girly vibe.
However you choose to style your new kitchen, remember how our homes have been our refuge while the world outside went a little crazy. We laughed, we cried, and we battled an enemy we couldn’t see.
There is no better time to give your kitchen some TLC and create a space to create new happy memories and a place to reflect upon the year that changed everything.