Stay on top of the latest kitchen and interior design trends straight from Milan! This year, Caesarstone brings you the best kitchen design ideas from the infamous design capital – including everything from lighting and biophilic design to functionality and innovation in the kitchen and your home. PLUS get the exclusive trends insight of three local industry leaders: Mnqobi Ngubelanga (Interior Designer, Akha Designs), Thuli Mahlangu (Interior Specialist, Zing Design), and Adolf Conradie (Kitchen Designer, Optima). WATCH the full forecast below and read on to get the key insights…
TOP 3 DESIGN TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2022…
1. Integrated Lighting
Never underestimate the power of lighting. It can literally transform a space. Because the kitchen has become so integrated with the rest of the house, ambient lighting in the kitchen is so important. “People want to be using their kitchens for more than just cooking so that it’s open to other spaces – it needs to speak the same design language,” says Mnqobi.
There is lots to consider with lighting depending on your space, so it’s a good idea to consult an interior expert on the options. “I’m looking forward to seeing more integrated lighting in kitchens. What we’ve seen in the kitchen industry now is that, because the space is so integrated into the rest of the house and living area, the ambient lighting in the kitchen is extremely important.” says Adolf.
2. Tones & Textures
The developments and variety of surfaces has been mind-blowing in the last few years. You can literally find whatever your heart desires. Being creative with tones and textures in your space is a sure-fire way to create interest in a space. “We’re seeing combinations that haven’t been used before like your pale pinks with your burnt oranges,” says Mnqobi.
There is no longer simply a polished or matte surface choice. Many details can be included on these types of finishes so it’s not a flat matte, but rather a textured look like a wood or masonry grain. Concrete-inspired surfaces are still trending, but now it doesn’t fall flat with a simply grey colour but with a silky concrete feel as well. We’ve seen a big move towards muted tones that are more relaxed and calming, more earthy. Perhaps the grounded element is what people are seeking.
“Spaces shape us, so you want to have a space that shapes you for the better, and not to the detriment of yourself. In terms of colour and texture, we’re going a lot with the muted tones that are more relaxed and calming,” says Thuli.
3. Biophilic Design
With more people working from home, and living in smaller settings such as apartments, there’s a greater need for a seamless flow between the natural and the area you live in. “The earthy tones are important in biophilic design. It helps to make a space warm, inviting, and comfortable,” says Adolf. Bringing the balance and elements of nature into your interiors is important through tones, palettes, and textures that replicate elements in nature.
“Biophilic design is bringing the elements and balance of nature into your environment. Having greenery and biophilia in a space is healing, not only from a mental health perspective, but also from a wholesome and emotional perspective. It’s important for us to go back to nature and connect with the world in the way it was intended to be,” says Thuli.
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