Photography: Hannah Puechmarin
Long gone are the days when kitchens were purely functional spaces, tucked away within four walls. Now they’re hubs that serve purposes individual to each household. As such, the latest kitchen design trends centre around personal preferences and distinctive styles. “Homes are reflections and extensions of our identities,” says Giorgia Manenti, social media and content manager of Kaboodle Kitchen. “Homeowners are craving unique kitchen spaces that speak to their personality and character.”
Wondering how to incorporate the latest looks to suit your own personal tastes? Read on.
1. Kitchen colour ideas
An effective way to imbue your kitchen with character is to update the colour of your cabinetry. In recent years, Giorgia has noticed a shift away from the classic white-on-white look towards vibrant kitchen colour schemes, such as lush greens, calming blues and muddy terracotta tones. “This infusion of colour adds distinct personality to kitchen spaces, and it’s a trend that shows no signs of fading anytime soon,” she shares. And don’t be afraid of a finish that has some natural texture to it! Timber cabinetry with wood grain that shines through the painted finish is growing in popularity. Giorgia recommends a warm walnut.
A deep navy blue finish was used on Kaboodle Kitchen ‘Raw Board’ Alpine profile cabinet doors in this cooking space. The Shaker aesthetic has been given a European appeal thanks to the lively Spanish-inspired splashback tiles from Stone Arc.
Kitchen style tip
2. Personalise your hardware
Far from an afterthought, hardware is now seen as a final flourish, the last opportunity to inject individuality. “Detailed hardware is becoming increasingly popular,” explains Giorgia. “Where we would once have opted for a discreet, simple handle, we are now exploring how hardware can enhance the specific style we want to emulate.” Thankfully, these embellishments are truly diverse in form and material. “We’re seeing unique shapes, knobs, discreet grip handles and aged, antique styles in brushed as well as shiny metallic finishes,” says Giorgia.
Kaboodle Kitchen ‘Antique Bow Handles’ in Brushed Bronze exude classic country style, but here they’re coupled with matte black tapware for a contemporary approach. “We’re seeing more mixing of metal materials and we love the way it creates intrigue and uniqueness, rather than everything perfectly matching,” says Giorgia.
Kitchen style tip
Shop kitchen style trends
01
Morris & Co. rug in Indigo and Ivory
From $319, Ruggable
Best for: Easy maintenance and style
For high-traffic zones like a kitchen, floor coverings need to be as resilient as they are stylish. This washable runner from Ruggable marries style and practicality, featuring William Morris’s timeless block print pattern in four elegant colourways. Water-resistant, stain-resistant and machine-washable, this rug is perfect for the wear and tear of everyday living.
Sizes: 75cm x 215cm and 75cm x 305cm
Colours: Indigo and Ivory, Stone Gold, Indigo, and Sage and Rose
Materials: Polyester with a polyurethane water-resistant barrier
Key features:
- Choose a flatwoven or tufted cover
- Standard and cushioned rug pad
- Nonslip
02
‘Antique Bow’ handle in Brushed Bronze
$7.20/96mm, Kaboodle Kitchen
Best for: Classic country style
The bronze finish on this antique handle has a charming, lived-in quality – the perfect finishing touch for a country-style kitchen. With its heritage detailing, it beautifully complements timber cabinetry or serves as a warm accent to coloured cabinetry. For a modern edge, opt for the ‘Antique Bow’ handle in matt black.
Size: 96mm x 160mm x 65mm
Finishes: Brushed Bronze and Matt Black
Key features:
- 5-year warranty
- Stylish bronze finish
- Antique look
03
Built-in pyrolytic oven in Stainless Steel
$3049 (usually $3299), Miele
Best for: The ultimate all-in-one oven
This generously sized built-in oven handles everything from air frying and pyrolytic cleaning to smart cooking via the Miele app for extra convenience. Pyrolytic cleaning eliminates the need for cleaning chemicals by using super high heat to turn grease into ash. It also features a 76-litre capacity and five cooking levels.
Size: 60cm
Finishes: White, Graphite Grey, Stainless Steel and Black
Key features:
- AirFry mode
- Soft open and soft close doors
- Connects to the Miele app
04
Round kitchen sink mixer in Black
$319 (usually $399), Meir
Best for: Mixing and matching your finishes
The sleek black finish of this sink mixer adds an edge of sophistication to any space, whether in the kitchen or laundry. It also features a 4-star WELS rating for water efficiency, offers 360-degree rotation and is crafted from solid brass for lasting durability. Pair it with matching tapware for a cohesive look, or mix with antique-style hardware for a personalised touch.
Size: Fits sinks or bench tops less than 23mm thick
Colour: Black
Material: Solid brass
Key features:
- 35mm ceramic cartridge
- Lifetime warranty
- 360 degree rotation
05
‘Alicante Eton’ matt cushioned edge porcelain tile
$80 per sqm, The Blue Space
Best for: A standout splashback
Drawing inspiration from Spain, these geometric tiles merge contemporary functionality with enduring old-world elegance. The cushioned edge tiles, crafted from glazed porcelain, feature a unique blend of colours that effortlessly capture attention, making them ideal for both floor and wall surfaces.
Size: 316mm x 316mm
Colours: Alicante Derby, Alicante Brighton, Alicante Heathcote, Alicante Kirkham, Alicante Eton and Alicante Shrewsbury patterns
Material: Porcelain
Key features:
- 2 year warranty
- Natural irregular edges
- Six different patterns and colour palettes
Join thousands of savvy renovators who have saved heaps by designing and installing their dream kitchen with kaboodle. Choose from a wide range of products available straight off the shelf from Bunnings, perfect for a quick kitchen upgrade. Visit kaboodle.com.au and create your kitchen, your way, today!
