5 Designers reveal their insights into kitchen design for 2021
Five respected designers from across Australia shared their thoughts on the ideas and engineered stone colours currently shaping kitchen design across Australia this year. Whilst there may not be many surprises, it is reassuring to know your investment is on track to create a timeless design that future home buyers will love as much as you do.
Adele Bates, Adele Bates Studio
About Adele: Adele founded the Adele Bates Studio in 2012 having worked in multiple sectors and firms over several years. Adele’s Studio takes a holistic and collaborative approach, blending aesthetics with client objectives to achieve well-considered and designed spaces.
What do you see in kitchen design this year?
We’re seeing is a tailored design approach to kitchens, more specifically focused on the client’s personal needs and how they utilise the space. Interest in tactile materiality, movement and texture is definitely a ‘visual trend’ that is still prevalent. We’re excited to use the Caesarstone® Outdoor range this year; it gives us the opportunity to blend the design between the interior and exterior spaces.
What makes a timeless kitchen design?
‘A timeless kitchen design for us is one that creates a perfect balance between function and aesthetics, as neither would work without the other. Establishing the function through good planning and detailed design, paired with unique design elements and finishes that will stand the test of time, will create a kitchen that is built for longevity.
John Hall, Nobby Kitchens
About John: Kitchen design is in John’s DNA. He’s the third generation to run Nobby Kitchens, following his father, Peter, and Grandfather, Stanley, who started the company 80 years ago.
John says, ‘I love kitchens and how they transform a family’s enjoyment of cooking and preparing meals. They’re a great space in which to live.’
What do you see in kitchen design this year?
‘White kitchens are always popular, but now we’re seeing splashes of timber and dark colours. Neutral colours and earthy tones of greens, winter sky and dark moods are making an appearance. Our top design requests are for a large kitchen island with a 20mm Caesarstone® Calacatta benchtop, again looking for that earthy appeal.”
‘I’m excited about the colour and finishes that appliances are adding to the kitchen. Gunmetal, rose gold and copper are recent inclusions for sinks and taps, making such a visual statement in kitchens’, says John. ‘It’s wonderful to see the development in the outdoor space with Caesarstone’s UV stable stone benchtops. We now get the functionality outside around the alfresco areas as well.’
What makes a timeless kitchen design?
‘If you are looking for a timeless kitchen, I recommend a white polyurethane kitchen with beautiful Caesarstone® Calacatta Nuvo or Caesarstone® Statuario Maximus surfaces and a large kitchen Island so the family can gather and enjoy the kitchen space forever’.
Sheree Bounassif, Kitchens by Emanuel
About Sheree: Kitchen design is a lifelong love and interest for Sheree. Her father, Emanuel, established Kitchens by Emanuel in 2000. Following his retirement in 2012, Sheree took the reins, using her interior design training and trade expertise to continue building the company.
Sheree says, ‘Taking a project from design through to manufacture and installation and having the freedom to build joinery in any style to satisfy a client’s taste is what led me to become an award-winning kitchen designer and manufacturer’.
What do you see in kitchen design this year?
“It’s all about the decorative panelling at the moment. Fluted, rounded or square, these patterns bring style & elegance to modern kitchens. I’m excited about curves and textured matte finishes; these modern details bring interest to kitchen spaces.’
‘I’m looking forward to working with Caesarstone® Topus Concrete™ this year. It works exceptionally well with modern kitchen designs. Its neutral blush undertone makes it workable with different design styles and shades of white.”
“Another colour I am hoping to design with this year is one of Caesarstone’s newer colours, Vivid White™. It’s contemporary and pure. It’s sure to brighten any space whilst being super easy to maintain.”
What makes a timeless kitchen design?
‘A timeless kitchen design is an amalgamation of colour palette, detail & layout. When it comes to colour palette, keep it neutral. Palette trends come and go so frequently, but a neutral colour palette is timeless, it is also good for resale purposes.’
‘Your kitchen layout needs to make sense, and above-all be practical. Keep the working triangle front of mind and design to suit your space. The details make your kitchen unique but should tie into the theme of your home. For example, a Hamptons style home generally calls for a Hamptons style kitchen, so I would design with profile polyurethane doors, whites, navy blues, a simple range hood mantle, handles and marble inspired bench tops.
Georgia Ezra, Tiles of Ezra & Studio Ezra
About Georgia: About Georgia: Georgia is an Interior Architect and the owner and founder of Studio Ezra and Tiles of Ezra. Creating an interior that changes the way people feel on an experiential level brings Georgia joy.
Georgia says, “Walking into a space that has been born in your mind and then constructed is a feeling that never grows old.”
What do you see in kitchen design this year?
“What I’m seeing is designers and homeowners’, wanting to take more risk and create a bespoke and individual space that is unique to them.”
‘I currently love Caesarstone® Topus Concrete™ because it’s a soft, warm tone that’s reminiscent of the earth. It goes beautifully with so many other finishes that surround it.’
What makes a timeless kitchen design?
“For me, it’s an exclusive unique design that’s true to the end user and the end user only.’
Kat Moore
About Kat: Kat is the Interior Design Manager at Boutique Homes Victoria – a Melbourne-based home building company committed to building better homes for living.
What do you see in kitchen design this year?
‘Curves! Soft curves and arches dominate the world of interiors with a shift towards inviting, homely environments without harsh edges and corners.’
‘Designers are becoming savvier about how we bring curves into our homes and spaces. It’s more timeless than a lot of other short-lived trends. Plus, it’s a more social configuration for entertaining guests in your home! Big Fan!’
‘We’re getting more adventurous with our finishes and colours. Homeowners want individuality and something a little more interesting. We have seen a surge in client requests for the sleek and moody aesthetic.’
‘Black ply is promoting a designer look; its warm timber grain softens the harshness. Pairing black with white-veined stone is a timeless look that commands attention and presence.’
‘Black appliances, tapware and hardware, are rising in popularity. It’s not unusual for clients to pair black cabinetry with a black stone benchtop and splashback. Use as much or as little as you like. Black is a versatile colour that goes with everything! Black is always on-trend!’
Words: Caesarstone Australia
About Caesarstone
Caesarstone is a leading manufacturer of premium quality quartz surfaces. Established in 1987, the company pioneered high-quality surfaces utilising advanced technologies and expertise. Caesarstone continues to lead the industry with new trends and colours of high-quality quartz surface. Consisting of up to 93% quartz, they retain the cool tactile qualities of nature’s strong stones with enormous application possibilities including kitchen benchtops, bathroom vanities, furniture and more. Caesarstone offers a product that is highly functional, design-forward and beautiful. The unique and rich variety of colours, patterns and textures enable customers to find their ‘ultimate surface’ and create their own unique space. Caesarstone’s extensive designs are continually evolving and developing to meet the latest global trends and the highest level of international quality standards. Caesarstone® quartz surfaces are available across all states of Australia and New Zealand.