Homemakers today are striving to create spaces that are inviting, inspiring... and bang on trend. Whether you're a professional interior designer or a budding amateur pouring your passion into your own property, an 'in-vogue' home is the ultimate showcase of good taste.
When it comes to interior design one room usually takes precedence: the kitchen. The beating heart of the home.
There are certainly key designs that jump to mind when you think back half a century. Generally, a kitchen was a small utilitarian space purely designed for food preparation and cooking.
Family life, instead, revolved around a reception room or formal dining room separate from the kitchen space. And 50 years ago, for instance, a butler's pantry was still a well-used essential to keep food fresh. Architectural pendants were few and far between.
How do modern kitchen trends shape up against the kitchen trends of the past?
In recent years, the kitchen has moved on from just a food preparation and cooking space to become a true hub of the home. A multi-faceted, multi-generational living and social space, it's a room where families come together, couples connect, and young minds finish their homework.
With this mammoth shift in how we use the kitchen, it's no wonder it has, in turn, seen a monumental transformation in design. Time machine at the ready, let's look more closely at some of the key kitchen trends from over the years.
1. Open plan layouts
One of the most significant shifts in kitchen style has to be the move towards open-plan living. In the 1970s, kitchens were often completely closed off from other living spaces.
However, in the 1990s and 2000s, creating spaces with kitchen diners and open floor plans became increasingly common, with kitchens integrated into large dining rooms and living areas, creating a more social, inviting atmosphere.
Fast forward to now, and the biggest trend we are seeing in large-scale homes is kitchens that seamlessly connect to outdoor spaces, further extending the openness of the room. In modern home design, the kitchen is the most important space for entertaining, gathering and living.
Sommer Pyne, of House Curious, has a kitchen that effortlessly integrates nature into the open-plan space, bringing together areas for cooking, eating and living.
Openness is a theme that has also moved into the finer design elements of the kitchen. The latest kitchen trends include a preference for open shelves in place of the more traditional wall cupboards, and kitchen lighting that sits flush with the ceiling level, all to create the illusion of a lighter, brighter, and larger space.
2. The kitchen island
Kitchen islands have become a focal point in modern kitchens. While they first appeared in the 1970s, islands truly gained popularity in the 1990s and have remained a staple for interior designers and homemakers ever since.
An island provides an additional preparation space and cooking area, more storage, or even seating, making it a multi-functional element that supports the kitchen's role as a social hub. It is often used as a bridge between the more traditional dining table area and the main kitchen space, connecting different areas together to make one cohesive kitchen design.
Today, islands often have integrated appliances, such as hobs and hidden extractor fans, or seamless sinks with multi-functional taps. The kitchen island can often break up the cooking spaces and dining spaces.
Rebecca Lawson, of Malmo & Moss, has a large kitchen island that features a sleek induction hob, providing plenty of additional countertop space.
3. Appliance design and technology
The advancement of kitchen technology has dramatically changed kitchen aesthetics and functionality. Perhaps the most iconic popular trend was the avocado era of the 1970s.
Pastel green was the height of fashion, however, it wasn't long until white appliances were on the rise throughout the 1980s – from kettles to toasters and fridges to washing machines.
It wasn't to last forever. Stainless steel became popular in the 2000s and continues to be favoured today. This modern, sleek 'pro kitchen' feel is also seen in smaller design choices, for example, aluminium hardware, and under-cabinet lighting. However, in spite of their continued popularity, the current design trend is to hide appliances away from view, with many favouring minimal clutter-free spaces.
As we look ahead, maximalism may yet rise again. We have seen more niche design trends emerging, and an easy place to bring your personality to the fore is to choose bold colours and loud patterns, even on small appliances, to add personality to your kitchen.
Smart appliances with advanced technology have become increasingly common in recent years, with one of the most coveted luxuries being the multi-functional filtered drinking tap.
Our HydroTap range boasts the latest in drinking water technology, offering filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water - plus unfiltered hot and cold - all from one stand-out tap.
We have also recently launched our new All-in-One HydroTap with an extendable hose, beautifully engineered to be a true hydration champion for the home.
4. Cabinet and countertop materials
Material choices for cabinets and countertops have evolved significantly, both in appearance and price tag.
Wood cabinets, particularly pine and oak, were popular in the 1990s, alongside laminate worktops which were hardy, cheap, and available in a huge variety of engineered finishes, as well as being incredibly easy to install.
However, it wasn't to last. Throughout the 2000s, a trend for darker tones in wood cabinets, and granite countertops reigned supreme.
More recently, we've seen a shift towards painted cabinets in various colours, including bright pops of colour. Luxurious quartz countertops, or those made from other natural materials like solid oak, have also become increasingly popular, despite the more expensive price tag. Quality and durability is worth the investment!
Looking ahead, we're expecting a resurgence in more classic styles, incorporating natural elements, like dark wood. With more people looking to nature for kitchen ideas, we're also expecting to see more wood kitchens, with natural textures, rounded edges, and natural shapes.
5. Colour schemes
When you think back to a 1970s kitchen, there is a colour scheme that immediately comes to mind – as we mentioned earlier... avocado green.
From fridges to walls, tablecloths and matching bathroom suites, green was the colour of the moment.
The 1980s saw a shift towards stark white kitchens and reflective, mirror-like surfaces. This soon evolved into Tuscan-inspired designs with warm earthy tones that topped design trends in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Terracotta was the most popular hue, as British homemakers strived to transport themselves to warmer, more exotic climates through interior design.
Today, there's one standout trend that is top of the class – clean, minimalist, clutter-free kitchen designs with natural patterns, neutral colour schemes, and light airy spaces – often only incorporating pops of colour through selected accessories, such as a gold kitchen tap.
However, there are many interior designers who are rebelling against the minimalist rule book. Colour washing, bright accessories, pattern clashing and bold, extravagant design nuances are also having a big cultural moment. Maximalism is on the rise!
The kitchen has changed beyond comprehension in 50 years, in both the design and use of the space. These design evolutions reflect broader shifts in culture, family dynamics, technology, lifestyle and varying economic pressures over the past five decades.
There is no denying that the kitchen has become a true centre-piece for the home and family life. Despite certain kitchen styles influencing the overall look and feel of the space, the most beautiful kitchens are the ones that reflect a personal style. The best kitchens are unique, multi-faceted and surprising. No doubt there is more change to come.
When you look at the pace of change over the past 50 years it feels impossible to predict what the winning kitchen design trend will be in 50 years. Only time will tell.
If you are looking for a beautiful, timeless tap to be the focal point of any stunning kitchen, explore our range today, or get in touch for a bespoke quote.