Kitchen Connections : The Hub Of The Home

Kitchen Connections in Earlsfield has a well-earned reputation for creating beautiful bespoke kitchens that provide families with the perfect central hub for their home. Known for sourcing top-of-the-range cabinetry and cutting-edge appliances from global suppliers, owner Anna Sadej has a keen eye for materials, colours and textures and strives to provide a smartly curated range to her clients. We spoke to her about the latest trends to look out for in 2018/19.

“COMBINING FAMILIAR TEXTURES IN UNUSUAL WAYS IS A FRESH APPROACH”

Colours

These will be bolder and more vibrant. The greys and whites so loved by many are still there, but more dramatic colours, such as plums and purples, are making an appearance. Organic shades like orange, sage, petrol green and saffron yellow are becoming popular, and blues are set to be big news, from cobalt to teal to powder. These new colours can be incorporated in different ways. For those feeling brave, the entire kitchen can be painted, but two-tone combinations remain strong and can be used to create zoning. Perhaps just the island or base units may be painted the bolder colour  against a neutral scheme. For a gentler nod to colour, pastels in rainbow shades are on the increase.

Texture

Veneers, in particular dark ones, are a trend to watch for, as well as more wood. Industrial materials will remain popular – brass, copper, metal and concrete are still current along with metallics. Combining familiar textures in unusual ways is a fresh approach you can expect to see more of, for example, matt and glossy surfaces, handle and handless units, contrasting wood and concrete. Through this styling you can create contemporary spaces with traditional features (sometimes called urban rustic), by combining a Shaker-style with stainless steel worktops, for example.

Design

Open shelving is having a moment, replacing traditional wall cabinets. Underlit with an LED strip, this is an effective way of showcasing more personal items and linking the kitchen to the rest of an open-plan living space. Islands remain popular as an informal place for family dining and socialising while entertaining. Housing warming drawers and worktop extractors, they are more easily incorporated than you may think and can revolutionise a space.

Technology

Appliances continue to develop to be even more high-tech and multi-functional. Boiling water taps and filtered water taps are virtually standard and extractors have improved immeasurably, with powerful, easy-to-install models on worktops requiring no ducts, now a viable and affordable option. Integrating music and lighting within a kitchen is popular as are dedicated charging points and hidden TVs that pop up when required. Kitchen Connections can accommodate varying budgets between £15-45,000, and with a free design service, a German manufactured product and in-house installers, you can be sure of a smooth transition from planning to finish.