Cover image: blu_line. Not without reason, in 2020 South Africa, many homeowners are opting for renovation rather than relocation; noting that kitchens and bathrooms are likely the most deserving interiors in terms of ongoing viability, viz. spend. Creativity here is key to a successful result. But it’s perhaps wise to note that this ethereal factor is difficult to value, impossible to replicate – yet easy to discard.

Overall, the trend towards the open-plan living area / adjacent kitchens, seen for more than a decade in SA will undoubtedly continue in 2020. This direction is simply a reflection of family needs and an intelligent interpretation of today’s lifestyle. The solution lies in realising the contemporary kitchen as a vital sector of the fluid space within the home; proof that today, preparing and consuming food interacts with both family and social life.

Aesthetically, the open kitchen is a continuation of both the living room and dining room and it, therefore, becomes integral to the decorative style of these most noticed interiors. An effective approach here is to use the same finishing materials on floors, walls and cabinetry; to create visual flow, i.e. extend the common shell.

So, the 2020 family dynamic has established the kitchen firmly at the heart of most homes; it’s an already well established global design trend involving both eye appeal and practicality. In essence, it’s the lifestyle benchmark of modern homeowners and interior architects and designers favour an integrated sequence of spaces. This will ideally include the aesthetically appealing and well planned kitchen, plus stylish dining and comfortable living areas for multidimensional activities. All planned in an intelligent configuration.

Such a format requires the décor to be unburdened from unnecessary design confectionary, rather offering functional yet minimalist utilisation. So designers and suppliers are opting for agile, movable and tidy furniture elements to equip this hub of the home; without making it too dominant within its surroundings. The principle ‘hide it if you can’ becomes evident, a most noted trend being that the kitchen aims to become a non-culinary extension of the living space. Look for materials that coordinate with the living area shell surfaces, such as timber and stone finishes.

So how best do we choose kitchen design and decoration that will last and stay relevant? It’s vital to select coordinating textures, tones and materials that remain fresh for their lifespan.

Can kitchens be both classical and trendy?

For the full article see Habitat #276 March / April 2020 | Habitat Online #7 April / May 2020

 

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