Approximately 45% of homeowners surveyed by Houzz this year stated that they are renovating their homes because they finally have the budget and time to do so. The most renovated features are also those which luxury developers are prioritising in new apartment builds—countertops and backsplashes. Sinks are whizzing into the future via cutting-edge design and water-saving elements. Whether you are interested in making changes to your kitchen or you are looking for a new apartment with a contemporary kitchen, watch out for the following trending features.
Bigger is Better
Newly built apartments are boasting larger kitchens, largely owing to the events of 2020 and the ever-growing percentage of people working from home. The kitchen is a true meeting point for families, but they can also serve as ad hoc offices (think of popping your laptop on a large kitchen island while you check your emails in the morning) and spots for entertaining friends and/or clients. Some developers are including two islands in one kitchen, with one smaller island for food preparation and another that also serves as a table. Islands now boast features, including storage space and small cut-out areas for water taps.
More Spacious Storage Spaces
Reality TV (Kim Kardashian’s spectacular food storage room, in particular), alongside the greater amount of time people are now spending at home, has led to a demand for larger storage spaces. From open-shelved pantries to cool rooms and wine cellars, luxury apartments are proving home dwellers with practical spaces in which to store non-perishable foods and cleaning items. Luxury pantries also contain multiple food preparation stations, so home dwellers can prepare their in comfort snacks within this space. Some storage spaces are also doubling up as ad hoc work stations, with classic countertops serving as desks and storage furniture now containing space for legroom while dwellers are working on their computer.
Solid Stone Countertops
The biophilic design trend—which seeks to build a stronger connection between human beings and nature—has led to a penchant for natural materials such as wood and natural stone in contemporary kitchens. Granite is known for its exceptional sturdiness, while marble (with its colourful veining) is ideal for luxury kitchen countertops and islands. Also trending are quartz kitchen worktops. Although they are made from engineered stone, they are considered a premium material that is hard-wearing, non-porous, and low-maintenance. Some of the
Cutting-Edge Sinks
Integrated sinks are still all the rage among lovers of modern design, though developers are taking it to the next level, with features that capture the eye and boast artistry that was usually dedicated to other parts of kitchen design. Currently on trend are matte black sinks and gold and brass finishes. Additional materials to watch out for are cast iron and fireclay.
Kitchens are increasingly becoming a space that appeals to the eye, with trends like biophilic design making for warmer, relaxing spaces that are appealing to socialize, live, and work in. New builds are boasting bigger, brighter kitchens, sometimes with two islands for an easier partition between work and relaxation. Solid stone islands and worktops are stunning homeowners with their bright or intense hues, while kitchen sinks are fast rising in appeal thanks to new materials and textures.
