Your kitchen in 2011

Published : 15/02/2011 | Author: HOMEMAKERS | Annelien Nolte

Using natural light, thereby saving electricity

Blue and silver-grey, popular colour trends for 2011

Ecological awareness in the kitchen with these sleek recycling bins

Bright accessories accentuate the colour used in your kitchen

Ask any estate agent and they will tell you that there are two rooms in the house that can make or break a sale – the bathroom and the kitchen.

Today’s kitchens are not only functional but also fashionable. Gone are the days where our kitchens shouted practical and are hidden behind closed doors. These days, we proudly open the kitchen doors inviting friends and family into the heart of the home.

Stephanie Forbes, Regional Manager at the Kitchen Specialist Association tells us about the latest kitchen designs and trends.

Q: What is going to be the most popular kitchen trends in 2011?

A: “Having a green conscience will be important when designing a kitchen. This will be evident not only in the design and products used but will also be reflected in the colours used. Expect to see tones inspired by our need to go green and nature. The sleek lines of European design, with the combinations of timber and high gloss duco (painted with water soluble eco friendly paint) are increasingly popular. The classic country kitchen is still in style but with a contemporary twist. Colour focal points are created with appliances and accessories and new technology in hardware will prove popular.”

Q: What is going to be the most popular colour schemes in the kitchen in 2011?

A: “The 2011/12 colour palate is inspired by our growing ecological awareness. Black and white is replaced, to a large extent, by dark blue and silver grey. There will be a lot of natural shades inspired by sisal, wheat and hessian. Shades of green will be popular and are inspired by the green tea plant. Although the palate is largely natural and muted as always there will be highlight colour to allow a little self expression, berry colours and pale rose will be popular.”

Q: What was the main source of inspiration for 2011’s kitchen styles?

A: “Kitchen design will be looking to encompass ecological design maximising natural light and recycling bins and will look to be sleek and clean lined while harkening back to simpler times with less stress.”

Q: What shapes and materials will be popular in the kitchen in 2011 and why?

A: “You will see less curves and decorative panels. Clean lines even in a country kitchen will be paramount. Materials to watch will be bamboo, glass, stainless steel and concrete. Companies will also be looking to up their environmental status by using E1 rated board, hollow core boards and recyclable tops like Paper stone.”

Q: Tell us a bit more about exciting new kitchen concepts in 2011?

A: “Hardware has had some exciting developments with the advent of fully mechanised drawers and doors.”

Q: Will there be any eco-friendly products available?

A: “In a big way. Lansdowne Boards are importing a new eco-friendly MDF board. More companies will be using E1 rated board. Hollow core boards are an eco friendly way of making laminated top and the arrival of Paper stone in SA heralds a composite top made from recycled paper. There are also a lot of eco accessories with recycling bins and waste disposal units.”

Q: Which appliances will be popular in the kitchen this year and why?

A: “Appliances that conserve water and electricity will prove popular. The popularity of the freestanding gas or electric range will continue as key suppliers continue to come up with new and exciting designs. Fridges become more exciting with suppliers launching new shapes, colours and material (one has a fridge cladded in coloured glass). Sinks are also getting more attention design wise with some very exciting sleek sinks with nice deep bowls becoming available.”

Q: Which styles and designs have been the most popular over the past years and why?

A: “In the past traditional heavy wood kitchens were popular for the more affluent clients with wrap being a popular trend owing to its ease of maintenance.”

Q: Which new trends mentioned in this forecast do you think will remain popular and why?

A: “Clean lines will always be popular as they are timeless and adapt to changing trends. The use of neutral colour with timber will also endure as this palate can easily be spruced up with bright accessories, good classic timbers don’t date.”

Q: Please give our readers some practical tips on how to choose the perfect accessories when revamping their kitchens?

A: “Accessories are your way of decorating your kitchen. It is a way to put colour or neutrality onto your kitchen canvas. Many accessories will only last a few years so you will be able to upgrade and replace once the colour or style has gone out of fashion. Have a little fun with the accessories but make sure they are still practical to use and store.”

Interesting new kitchen appliances

Russell Hobbs Allure Kettle

This stylish polished stainless steel kettle, with matt white accents has its brand name embossed on the side. It is fitted with an easy open push button lid which is positioned on the handle. It has a LED power on indicator, dual water gauge, 1.7 litre water capacity and a removable filter. The ideal accessory to any modern day kitchen.

Visit http://www.amap.co.za for more information.

Tefal Raclette-Grill-Crêpe maker

Is it a Grill? Is it a Raclette? Actually, it’s both (as well as a crêpe maker). This premium, non-stick piece of equipment is culinary hat trick waiting to happen.

Every time it seems multi-tasking has reached some kind of zenith, people take things one step further. This clever machine, with integrated pans and cord for simplified storage, will assist you in a variety of specialised cooking experiences from hot-rock steak to pancakes and Swiss Cheese melting celebrations.

It is equipped with: