by NICOLETTA RICHARDSON
As a new year—nay, a new decade—nears closer, you might find yourself itching to change something in your home. If the kitchen comes to mind, then you’re in luck: Pantone recently partnered with Breville to announce the latest kitchen trends to look out for.
The findings ranged from vibrant color combinations, open floor plans that speak to multi-functionality, and more. Let’s dive into each kitchen trend we can expect to see in the next decade, courtesy of Pantone’s color experts.
Bold Color Combinations
Lately, there’s been less emphasis on white-only kitchens and an increased in use of natural woods and colored cabinetry. And it sounds like brilliant hues aren’t going anywhere—if anything, they’re going to everywhere. “We’re seeing more color being brought into the kitchen: this can be in cabinetry, flooring, appliances and is happening across the color spectrum,” said Laurie Pressman, Pantone Color Institute’s Vice President.
Guess what generation is to thank for that? We’ll give you a hint: Millennial Pink. “The millennial audience has absolutely influenced this trend toward the color of the kitchen,” said Pressman. “This is a demographic who’s very comfortable and social, and color gives a way to visually express who they are across the color spectrum, including the pastel shades, reflecting the Scandinavian design style, and—from a psychological point of view—are perceived as clean and bright and cheery and gender neutral.”
A Mixture of Materials
Gone are the days where you should only stick to one metal, texture, and/or finish, which is a traditional way of looking at kitchen design. In fact, Pantone suggests that you should do quite the opposite. “Mixing different types of materials is another way to create visual interest,” said Pressman.
Use colored tiles and concrete together, or countertops with copper and gold accents along with wood drop holes. “With a focus on what’s real, natural materials create a very authentic look, something which obviously can be done in a very contemporary way,” Pressman said.
Open Floor Plans
It seems like the whole home is going in this free-flowing direction these days. Collaboration is encouraged by allowing the kitchen to be part of the rest of the living quarters, where people can hang out, be productive, and of course, share a meal.
“With some people turning it into a more multi-functional space that concerns the family room or the recreational room or even the entertainment space,” Pressman said. “It’s one more place in the house instead of this closed-off room.”
“Emotional” Home Appliances
No, we don’t mean home items have feelings (well, maybe they do—who knows), but rather consumers are investing in more kitchen appliances that fulfill their needs emotionally. That means buying into the design, softness, tactility, and colors, as Pressman suggests Breville’s new appliances embody.
Art Gallery Vibes
Whether it’s on the walls, the countertops, the dining table, or the island, bare spaces in kitchens are starting to be filled with personality and style. “As the kitchen becomes more than just a place to cook, we see many more people introducing their own personalized styling, but by a distinct design,” Pressman said. “Kitchens are almost being turned into an art gallery where your everyday products are being displayed in such a way that it looks like art.”
