Want to upgrade your space this year? Our new series of blogs taps into the minds of some of Ireland’s top interior designers to get their top trends and space-maximising tips for 2024.
The kitchen is often seen as the heart of the home, so when things aren’t working, your entire home’s vibe can feel off. Kitchen decor taste can vary widely from person to person, but there are a few key ways to upgrade your space – as told by the experts.
Make a statement
Megan Arbuthnott of Canny Creative is a big fan of using your kitchen as a statement of your personality, no matter what size you’re working with. “In smaller spaces, I’d tend to opt for lighter cabinetry and add further colour and texture through tiling, crockery, and accessories. Lighter doesn’t necessary mean white or cream though - there are some beautiful pastels that offer a fun light feel. If you have a larger space, you can have fun with a feature island or some darker coloured cabinets. Navy, graphite and rust can add a sense of sophistication.”
Clever storage can be a saving grace
We all know how difficult it can be to tackle storage, especially in a smaller kitchen. Marette Cronin encourages us to think outside the box. “Double tray long drawers, having large pantry and larder style presses as opposed to lots of smaller storage presses, having an island with storage and a bin drawer – there are so many ways to be clever with your kitchen design ideas. I’d always advise going with less presses and drawers but making them more practical and functional.”
Focus on function
According to Niamh McKenna of NMcK Design, kitchen decor should be kept to a minimum to focus on what really matters. “For me, the decorative items in the kitchen should also be functional. Minimise décor for décor's sake to keep things feeling clutter-free. For example, herbs used for cooking, wooden chopping boards, cookbooks, and hanging pots or utensils are all great ways to show personality. Light fixtures and cupboard handles or knobs are also the room's jewellery and can be art pieces themselves. Extra additional décor could include a washable rug, and a beautiful piece of art on the wall.”
Greens and blues are in right now
Brenda Sorensen of Aspect Interiors lets us in on the colour trends of this year for kitchens. “Kitchen styles differ from house to house but the most common colours used at the moment are green, navy and dark grey. Oak is making a big comeback too and I like to mix a combination of painted and wood finish to give the kitchen depth. When using floor tiles, I like to use the biggest tile within the budget, so usually 1m*1m tile. This gives a seamless finish and makes the area look larger.”
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