Domain’s Kitchen Trend Predictions for 2019: Do We Agree?

With just a couple of months left in 2018, we’re starting to look ahead to the trends that will be carried through to next year and the predictions have already began rolling in. Real estate website Domain has been closely following renovation series, The Block, to glean an idea of which kitchen designs are proving strongest, along with the styles likely to fare well in 2019.

The kitchen renovations featured on the series are all beautifully executed and strongly skewed towards luxury living, so we decided to round up some of our thoughts on these trend predictions and how they can be incorporated into an everyday home. Strong themes include high-tech appliances, natural materials and a shift towards moody palettes.

Natural materials

The use of natural materials such as marble has been gaining popularity for a couple of years now, and looks to be here to stay. With a focus on more sustainable and eco-friendly choices throughout our lifestyles, design is following suit by making use of natural materials as a focal point within the aesthetic.

Granite, marble or timber bench tops are hard wearing and will last for years. We continue to see the use of marble in particular throughout home design - in both the kitchen and bathroom - offering a perfectly on trend yet neutral feel that leaves a luxurious finish. Brands too are catering to this desire for alternative materials, with granite Franke sinks proving popular, so this is definitely an observation we’d agree with.

Photo: domain.com.au | The Block

Colour palettes

Leading on from this natural theme is the use of darker, moodier colours. Domain have noted the move away from all white kitchens, and we’ve seen for ourselves the rise in dark cabinets paired with a mix of materials to build warmth and depth within the design for a really strong look. One of the leading kitchen trends at the moment is matte black, which we’ve seen across some our most popular tapware ranges, with brands such as Phoenix and Franke offering matte black finishes in their collections.

Photo: domain.com.au | The Block

While these darker shades offer a great way to accent certain features and break up the space, Domain also predict that renovators will become more comfortable using colour throughout their homes. We’ve seen this trend on the rise too, with interiors experimenting with muted tones and coloured cabinets or splashbacks to bring a little personal style into the home.

Although embracing a mix of colours and materials, they do suggest a move away from metallics. During The Block’s kitchen episode, the use of metallic cabinetry was a bit of a gamble, and has the potential to not age well. When it come to cabinets, this is something we’d agree with, however we’re not in total agreement with their stance on metallic tapware. While this trend is best suited to bathrooms there’s still room for it in new kitchen designs, as proven with the use of this brushed gold Vivid Slimline Sink Mixer by Phoenix. When used in moderation to add subtle accenting, it can create a fun, sophisticated look, especially when combined with the use of colour throughout the design.

Photo: @phoenixtapware on Instagram

High-tech appliances

Highlighting the need for efficiency in the kitchen, Domain are predicting a growing demand for induction cookers. It’s not a stretch given how easy they are to clean and their safety features, with both Kleenmaid and Baumatic offering fantastic models in their range of induction cooktops. For those on a tighter budget though, we think ceramic cooktops are still a relevant and affordable option.

Photo: 9now.com.au | The Block

While a kitchen filled with high tech, top of the range appliances is the dream for any home chef, budget wise it’s not always possible. There are elements that can be adopted such as the rise of ‘invisible’ appliances, in line with minimalist trends. For your own home, a slim slide out or undermount rangehood is perfect, along with integrated dishwashers neatly disguised as cabinetry.

Layout

The key takeaway in Domain’s predictions regarding layout is that functionality should be a priority. Carefully planning the layout of your kitchen to ensure everything is close by when needed. For example, keeping your dishwasher near to the sink, hiding the rubbish bins within an island, including a butler’s pantry if space allows are all tried and tested tips that needn’t be reinvented.

For ideas on your next renovation, visit our kitchen and bathroom showrooms in Melbourne’s Western suburb, Flemington, or Fawkner in the North. Create your own luxury kitchen featuring high end appliances and designer brand kitchen products such as Franke, Phoenix, Oliveri, Faucet Strommen and Methven taps and sinks.