Finishing touches and design details

Beyond selecting colors that bring you joy or creating thoughtful pockets for family living, the kitchen takes a lot of practical planning focused on function and purpose. Thoughtful details and clever finishing touches in a kitchen can improve flow, maximize space and storage, and turn accent pieces into something useful.

“Often overlooked, it’s the kitchen details like pulls, storage solutions, hardware and cabinetry that can really transform a design,” says Lizzie Beesley, Design Manager at Magnet. “They’re the finishing touch that can make or break the look of your space — and they’re great for injecting personality.”

These details are largely unique to a family or home and adaptable to personal tastes and the requirements of each kitchen. “There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to kitchen design, except that your kitchen should work for you and your lifestyle,” says Tom Howley, design director of the eponymous kitchen company .

Here we take a look at trendy kitchen details, including both functional and decorative backsplashes, a more thoughtful approach to kitchen lighting, smart storage details, and the materials we’ll be seeing a lot more of.

Splashbacks

“Kitchen backsplash ideas used to be overlooked as a primarily functional feature,” says Lizzie. “But the resurgence of interest in kitchen trends and remodels in recent years has led homeowners to recognize them as a crucial and often cost-effective design feature that can add fantastic aesthetic and practical design value to a space. “

Mosaic splashbacks offer a wide variety of colors, textures and glazes, while glass splashbacks can be reinforced and etched or printed with a pattern.

“A new splashback is a great way to add personality to your kitchen. They can be used to complement an existing design, or even act as a design focal point in your space by adding color and texture. even, they’re an effective way to refresh your space without committing to a whole new decor makeover.”

Decorative lighting

Kitchen lighting is often designed with functionality in mind, and while it’s true that lighting has to work hard in a kitchen, there’s a tendency to layer task lighting with accent lighting. .

“Recessed spotlights or under-cabinet lighting are a common solution, but also consider space when it’s not functional,” says Niki Wright, co-founder of lights&lamps. “Family and friends often gather around an island, so consider low or overhead lighting here. Don’t be afraid to use ‘living room’ lighting in the kitchen: a floor lamp in a corner or a lamp table at the end of a work plan.”

Adding decorative lighting gives you the ability to switch between the brighter spotlights needed for cooking and a more ambient lighting scheme for dining or entertaining.

Favorites: Country kitchen lighting

Country Living Farmhouse Dome Pendant

Porsa brushed brass and porcelain wall light

Country Living Farmhouse Plug-in Wall Sconce

Space-saving solutions

“Sliding pantries and slim pantries are just two ways to maximize storage and efficiency in a compact kitchen. With limited space, utilizing the full height of the room and the depth cabinets means that every square inch serves a purpose,” says Tom.

Clever storage extends inside cabinets and drawers, with knife holders, recycling bins and spice racks all seamlessly integrated.

“Bespoke inserts provide space to neatly store the things you use most often, such as cutlery and cooking utensils. This means you can reach the things you need more easily because everything has its own Choose a contrasting wood with the exterior of your cupboards, adding a real style statement.

Hard work spaces

“Every nook and counter is a chance to add practical value to the kitchen,” says Tom St Quintin, furniture buyer at Furniture Village. “There is a growing demand for compact, minimalist rooms that provide places to eat and entertain that can be easily stored away when not in use.”

Multifunctional spaces are one of many trends accelerated by Covid, and in the kitchen this has translated into interest in breakfast nooks, combined kitchen-diners and more comfortable seating to allow for a balance between work and relaxation.

“The combined kitchen and dining areas are very versatile and end up being the center of the home where families, friends and partners can cook together, dine, relax and entertain,” says Kelly Collins, architect of interior and creative lead at Swyft Home.