2018 Trends Kitchen Design

Whether your current layout needs renovating or you simply want to refresh a tired colour scheme, now is the perfect time to plan your dream kitchen. But what's hot in the world of kitchen design?

From colour to materials and appliances to aesthetics, take a look at the best kitchen trends of 2018.

Natural unpolished timbers and attractive veneers

With homeowners more mindful about use of materials, we're likely to see an increase in the use of characterful`veneers such as Pippy Elm & Walnut for 2018, predicts Papilio. 'These materials add texture and intrigue to the kitchen and when working in a bespoke manner can be used for everything from statement wall veneers to unique cabinetry and shelving. The use of high quality wood to create statement rooms is going to be big.'

Bold, vibrant colour schemes

Style inspiration: Sunshines shades - yellow. Styled by Lorraine Dawkins.

'Vibrant colour schemes will continue to be popular for 2018 with a focus on both Scandinavian application – pops of bright colour – or complete maximalism –with colour clashes,' says Matt Prall and Stephen Garland of Papilio. 'The use of colour in the kitchen is extremely important and should reflect homeowners' personalities and their needs. For instance, a space for cooking should be light and bright while spaces designed for entertaining could have a darker essence to provide a suitable ambiance.'

Shaker style retains popularity

The Aldridge Shaker style kitchen cabinet doors
The shaker door is still a popular choice with kitchen buyers. 'In recent years we have experienced a 16 per cent increase in shaker style doors sales,' says Kieran McCracken from kitchen door manufacturer BA Components. 'Shaker offers distinctive yet practical styling as many consumers opt for a traditional design with unicolour matte finishes being very popular.'

Delicate pastels

Pink kitchen cabinet shelf
'Pretty pastels present real design advantages and are a great way to inject a little fun into the kitchen, especially when used as co-ordinating or contrasting finishes,' say the team at Schüller. 'For those keen to create some individuality, yet not quite brave enough for the dramatic contrast of bold colours, then pastels are ideal partners for popular grey palettes and wood effect finishes. Used for highlighting and creating features, pastels in blue, yellow, pink and green can create a real wow factor.'

Shelving is making a statement

Heavy metal/industrial kitchen design
Open shelving is becoming increasingly popular with homeowners able to make a statement in their kitchen by adding their own personality with small accessories and even deluxe food items placed on shelves. 'It's the perfect chance to add lots of greenery in a physical format with bright, airy kitchens providing the perfect setting for succulents and hanging Ivy, incorporating yet another important interior style trend,' says Papilio.

The team at Kitchens International say floor to ceiling units with no plinths or space above the unit is a key design trend that will provide maximum storage in smaller areas. They add: 'Open shelving with internal lighting produces a more living room feel and look to the kitchen and is becoming increasingly popular on islands.'

But hidden storage will be 'more important than ever for hiding older cookware that you don't want on display, ambient food and other bits and bobs that find their way into the kitchen,' says Trainor from LochAnna Kitchens. 'Internal drawers, pull out storage systems and tall larder storage will also be making their way into kitchens.'

Hues of blue

The Shaker Layon range from John Lewis of Hungerford, priced from £17,500 inc. vat
From cobalt blue to powder blue and teal, blue is the colour of the moment when it comes to kitchens. Darker shades of this versatile hue will prove to be the most popular. 'Undoubtedly the biggest colour trend the industry has seen this year is the desire to have blue in the kitchen,' reveals BA Components. 'This bold and dramatic move is for those who are brave and want to make a statement within the home.'

Hardworking islands

Masterclass Kitchens - Scotts Grey and Terracotta Sunset colour scheme - Carnegie kitchen
'Layouts are usually dictated by the space available, but islands continue to dominate with many larger kitchens now opting for two islands,' say the experts at Kitchens International. 'Most will have breakfast bar seating or banqueting seating attached to the island so that dining is incorporated into the kitchen area.'

Trainor from LochAnna Kitchens, adds: 'An island or breakfast bar can also work as both a storage area and a place for dining. But less often they are used for actual food preparation. Utilise your island further by installing an appliance – the addition of a small sink or hob in your island will mean everyone can get involved with food prep!'

Warm neutrals and gold accents

Warm Tones - Papilio - Georgian Manor Kitchen
'Golds have been on trend for a while now but the move to combining them with browns and organic materials is going to be big for 2018,' predicts Papilio. 'Combining the use of neutrals, golds and organic textures makes for a warm environment with a slight seventies feel, hitting the mark in terms of both style and substance. The boho look is not only easily adaptable with other colours but also comes hand in hand with good quality and timeless design – something which a kitchen needs to present.'