Design trends for kitchens and bathrooms

An updated kitchen or bathroom can change the whole look and feel of your home (not to mention making it a whole lot more comfortable to live in), so this week we’re taking a look at what’s new in the busiest rooms in the house. 

Kitchen design 

Your kitchen is the heart and soul of your home – it’s where many of us spend a big chunk of our time, so a well-designed, functional and chic kitchen can take your mood from dreary to bright. There are loads of kitchen design ideas that are on trend, and here a a few that will help you to revamp. 

Smarten things up 

Smart technologies aren’t just the domain of your new television – smart functions have entered the kitchen in full force.  Hi-tech kitchen gadgets and appliances are all over the market now, and a kitchen engineered with the latest technology gives you that one click option to set up different functions in your kitchen. From faucets to the fridge through to your lighting and smart benctops that transform into dining tables, one touch is all it takes.

Functional cabinets 

The way you approach the design of your cabinetry can make a huge difference to the amount of usable storage in your kitchen. A great design will incorporate  appliance garages for small electonic goods, drawer dividers for cutlery and utensils, pull-out drawers for your spices, and roll-out trays and caddies for pots and pans. These will definitely change the look of your kitchen and will give you an easier way to store your pantry items and kitchen essentials.   

Practical islands 

If you’ve got the space, then a multipurpose island is a must in your new kitchen.  These days the humble kitchen island has transitioned from just being some extra workspace to the focal point and the hub of the kitchen. A single level that’s larger in size is perfect to provide seating and a serving area for casual dining or your drinks bar. For many families, the kitchen island has replaced the dining table because the family can gather round while mum or dad get dinner organised. 

Sensational splashbacks 

Splashbacks aren’t dull and boring any longer! If your kitchen is small, a mirrored spashback will give the illusion of more space, and if it faces a window or sliding door that looks out onto the garden, your kitchen will defintiely bring the outdoors in. If you have a stone benchtop, another option that’s very on-trend is to run the stone up the wall, creating a minimal and elegant feel. 

Colours and textures 

It had to happen. The all white, high-gloss kitchen, once a classic kitchen design trend, has finally seen its day and is now well and truly yesterday’s news. These days designers are looking to matte finishes, warm greys and timber elements to create chic, mature and welcoming kitchen spaces. 

Bathroom design 

These days the bathroom is a luxurious sanctuary where you can close the door on whatever’s happening outside and indulge in a little me time. The latest bathroom ideas offer lots of diversity and there are plenty of fun and fresh ways for you  to create some luxe and amp up the style. 

High-tech toilets 

Japan has lead the way when it comes to toilet technology for a long time and finally the rest of us are catching up and embracing some really cool features. Technologies available these days include seat warmers (perfect for those chilly winter mornings), automatic lid openers (finally!), adjustable air dryers and built-in deodorisers. 

Tantalising tiles 

Manufacturers are embracing artistic tiles in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours, and the latest design trends feature intersting shapes such as hexagon, arabesque, diamond, and chevron patterns. These eye-catching shapes can be used as a feature in just one area, or to bring a fun new touch to your bathroom walls or floors. 

Black and brassy 

Chrome tapware is so last decade. New bathroom designs feature black or warm-toned brass faucetry that blends perfectly with the grey feature paint colours that have become uber popular in recent years. To stay on-trend, black tapware should always be matte but if you choose brass or gold-toned tapware then you could also consider a stain finish. Both options will give you the added bonus of keeping fingerprints and water spots hidden. Whether you choose to go with the warmer brass tone or the dramatic look of black, either will become accent pieces of your room. 

Neutral styles 

Neutral decors have long been a favorite and are definitely still on-trend as many of us appreciate the whites, grey and warm brown color palettes that make our spaces look elegant. Add some interesting touches with a bit of organic fusion such as aged flooring or weathered tiles to enhance the natural feel of your bathroom, and make it more relaxing. 

Time to update? 

If it’s time to give your kitchen or bathroom an elegant new look and you need a hand so the budget can stretch to some of that new technology or latest on-trend style, we’re here to help. Just check out our fast cash loans up to $5K to find out how quick and easy it is to get your hands on some extra funds. Once a loan is approved, we can usually deposit the cash into your bank account within a few hours - so you can start designing your new kitchen or bathroom today!