The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the way people view their living spaces, with the ‘new normal’ for many including working from home there has been a rise in the need for versatility in our homes. In this blog post, the SPS experts look at new colour trends, clever cabinetry, and whether the pandemic means a move away from open plan living.
Concealed kitchens
Small livings spaces have forced a new kitchen trend based on innovative thinking and inventive design. Chic handless or recessed handle kitchens give the impression of space, whilst concealing the cooking areas with skill allowing the focus to be drawn to other areas.

Masterclass, Sutton H Line – Silk finish handleless kitchen
It is possible to capitalize upon the feeling of spaciousness by uniting cooking, dining, and relaxing into one light, open-plan space. Here a small, divided space was reimagined into a versatile space.
The layout is flexible so it transitions from a kitchen to a dining room to an entertaining space in an effortless way. The kitchen doors are designed to look discrete and to give a high-end result.
Brave colour choices
Picking shades on opposite sides of the colour wheel, like orange and blue, will achieve bold contrasts. Here the Roma modern J Pull kitchen in Oxford Blue, Scots Grey, and Terracotta Sunset from Masterclass Kitchens demonstrates how a brave colour choice can create a warm and inviting space.

Masterclass, Roma – Silk Painted J Pull Kitchen
When paired with muted walls, the latest kitchen trend for bold cabinet colours helps to open up rooms and draw attention to the open space.
Timber takes centre stage
We thought the days of dark timber kitchens were gone, but they are seeing a revival. Bright whites are being used to contrast with rich timbers and soft curves to lend a modern mid-century flair to modern kitchens.

Masterclass, Madoc – Wood & Stone Effect Modern Kitchen
Timber and effect cabinetry works to keep the look simple with smart detailing. Light worktops and white cabinets help to create an illusion of space.
Handleless design
The latest kitchen trends are all about achieving a contemporary, paired-back look. Technological advances such as push open and close doors allow for a chic handleless finish to become a reality.
If you prefer not to have push-open cupboards, then recessed handles – as pictured below – provide the same sleek high-end finish.

JJO Kitchens, Colonial – Integra Matt Deep Lichen
Pantries
Pantry cupboards have recently re-established themselves as one of the must-have items in modern homes. It could be a side effect of lockdown and the shortages we experienced in the first wave of Covid-19, but we are definitely getting asked more frequently about pantries.

Masterclass, The Hathaway
One advantage of a pantry – apart from its obvious storage capacity – is its impact on kitchen design! There is suddenly less demand for cupboard space. This can free up entire walls helping modern kitchens feel open and airy like an extension of our living space.
Broken plan living
Move over open-plan, broken plan has come to steal your crown. Set to define the next decade, zoning your space is starting to replace traditional open-plan layouts in this latest home design trend. Broken plan living allows homeowners to retain the spacious feel of open plan, but section it off to provide workspaces, etc when needed. This trend in kitchen design utilises freestanding furniture and house plants to establish separate zones intended for cooking, relaxing, and working.
Talk to the experts
The SPS showrooms include a selection of kitchen displays which will help you visualise how these new trends can work in practice. Our helpful design team will be on hand to plan your bespoke kitchen producing a CAD design so you can visualise your new kitchen in all its 3D glory!
Pop into our kitchen showroom to find out more or book a design appointment with our in-house kitchen designer!
BOOK A KITCHEN DESIGN APPOINTMENT
(Polegate Showroom)
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