Home Improvement Blog: Kitchen Fashion/trends of 2014

Considering a kitchen makeover? Check out our round-up of the top kitchen trends for 2014, so you can find a stylish new look that suits your style.

Monochrome Minimalism

Scandinavian-inspired black and white interiors are all the rage for 2014, and the kitchen is a great place to introduce this pared-back trend. Simple, sleek white units, white worktops and unfussy, clean lines are a great way to start. Don't bother with tiled splash backs - just a small strip of protective worktop or glass fixed to the wall will do - and keep your walls white, with a black feature wall for some drama. Opt for clever built-in storage for a minimalist, stream-lined look, but fit one long open shelf to display tableware on. Shop for simple, chrome appliances and clear away clutter for a modern, urban look. Be careful: this scheme can feel cold and clinical, so introduce a few elements of natural wood to warm it up - in seating, doors or flooring for example. Unless you like the mortician look...

Worktop Zoning

A practical idea that is taking 2014 by storm, a kitchen with more than one use is beneficial to all of us who don't have that much space in our tiny British homes, which incidentally are are the smallest homes in Europe! Instead of just having one depth of worktop surface, fit a deeper depth - in a contrasting colour and/or material - in one area to create a separate zone. It's perfect for sectioning off a 'breakfast bar' or a mini desk area within your kitchen. Use lighting to further separate the space visually; A low-hung pendant works well above your dining / working zone, while the rest of the room needs nice bright task lighting for cooking.

Denim Blue

It's one of 2014's most fashionable shades and now the navy trend has spread to the kitchen, too. Forget pretty apple-greens and pale putty greys - the new trend for painted kitchen units is dark denim blue. This colour looks great with industrial, raw features, so include a wall of exposed brickwork if possible, choose simple, rustic floorboards and go for wooden or stone worktops. Although use caution, Bikers will be perfectly camouflaged in your kitchen.

Outside Kitchens

The all-year-round al fresco cooking trend has been huge in America for a few years but it's only now that we Brits are being brave enough to install outside cooking facilities more glamorous than a humble barbecue. And I reckon that Britain's weather will get a whole better this year, take a risk, when it works out all your friends and neighbours will be jealous! Posh new outdoor kitchens have proper sinks with running water as well as built-in stoves, pizza ovens and grills with plenty of storage space for firewood. Interior designer Abigail Ahern is now stocking a concrete design that's modular, so you can buy it panel by panel, but it's easy to make your own outdoor kitchen on a budget just using bricks and concrete slabs from a DIY store.

Copper accessories

I know, its a surprise for me too, COPPER is trendy.. But It's 2014's most on-trend metallic finish and introducing some copper accessories and small appliances to your existing kitchen is a great way to get the look without a huge makeover. Head to Sainsbury's for expensive-looking copper saucepans and a brand new copper stove-top kettle - all with refreshingly small price tags. Alternatively, shop for copper-coloured 'S' hooks (available from Drift Living) to hang your utensils up with and introduce the metal subtly.

Natural Materials

The 2014 trend for all-things-natural is going to have a big impact on kitchen décor. Choose rustic, wood (or realistic but cheaper wood-effect) cabinets and pair them with simple metal worktops (inspired by pared-back, industrial or professional kitchens), then install a patterned vinyl behind plain glass splash back panels to introduce nature-inspired patterns to your kitchen. This bamboo-print splash back vinyl from Purlfrost is a quick and easy way to introduce 'back-to-basics' charm.

Contrasting Cupboard Colours

Want to introduce a bold colour to your kitchen scheme but feel a bit nervous about it? Don't panic! The latest 2014 kitchen trend is to mix coloured cupboard doors with plain ones in the same scheme - it's the kitchen equivalent of having a painted feature wall and three neutral walls. This trend means you can introduce a striking, statement colour without going overboard. For a really contemporary look, install coloured lower units and plain high units on the same wall.

MY PERSONAL, EXPERT OPINION

Watch out, opinions flying your way! From the research I have done it seems to me that strong, earthy, bold colours are the general trend of 2014. From accessories to cupboards its the definite trend that all you lovely lot need in your kitchens! Maybe its a reflection on what 2014 is coming into recently, as it is becoming more of a green renewable age back to earth basics seem to be trending. If you've read my previous blog posts you'll know what I mean, with Solar Power constantly on the rise in popularity and more in demand by the general public. 2014 is definitely 'The Earth Year'

If you are interested in having a brand new 2014 Kitchen I found this great website that gives you a FREE QUOTE on them right here: http://kitchenquoter.co.uk/