IN THE PRESS: A home’s heart and soul

It is not called the heart of the home for nothing.

The kitchen in most homes is truly the centrepiece that everything else revolves around, so it makes sense that most homeowners would seek to make it a space that was not only functional, but pleasing to the eye.

Brian Burke Homes Group Client Manager Erin Cooper said contemporary trends for kitchen design included industrial, modern, modern farmhouse and warehouse, with Hamptons-style kitchens also a popular option.

Certain kitchen layouts are also increasingly graining traction.

“If a client doesn’t have a scullery they often look for ways to conceal appliances, so integrated fridges and dishwashers are always a go-to,” Ms Cooper said.

“Tea and coffee stations or appliance cupboards behind doors are a popular way to keep items that are used regularly in an easily accessible location, but hidden away when not in use.

“Clients are also focused around entertaining, so many are incorporating a bar area or a tea and coffee station into their kitchen cabinetry instead of purchasing a freestanding piece of furniture.

“Island benchtops are being kept clear of appliances and sinks are being kept small and to one side so the island is not just a prep space, but a serving, gathering, homework, work-from-home and eating space.”

Ms Cooper said clean lines were really popular, and a good way to achieve this was through concealed finger-pull cabinets, drawers over doors and creating a shadowline effect by highlighting the kick, scribes and fascia trims in a darker accent colour that framed the cabinetry.

“Functionality is critical, but it varies from client to client as to the type of cook or entertainer that they are,” she said

“Whilst the work triangle is always considered, many clients will push the limits of this to ensure the aesthetics of their kitchen are met, using tricks like putting their fridge and/or ovens in the scullery, and the sink next to the cooktop in lieu of on the island bench.

“Many clients are wanting multiple appliances – two dishwashers or two or three ovens for example. The scullery trend allows for these multiples to be housed out of sight so the main kitchen remains streamlined.”

When it comes to materials and textures, a variety of options can work.

“There is a lot of black or charcoal with blonde or warmer timber accents in kitchen cabinets,” Ms Cooper said.

“For most clients, laminate is a serviceable and cost-effective finish on their cabinets. There is a huge range of colours and most are available in a matte, gloss or timber-grain option.

“Concrete-look benchtops are popular, and marble-look engineered stone is still at the forefront of selections – matte finishes are also becoming more mainstream.”