The trend chase is over: here are the design elements that will future-proof your forever kitchen

Despite the financial and aesthetic commitment they involve, many people renovate their kitchens more often than necessary, driven most likely by the frivolous desire to keep up with the latest trends, which tend to change much faster lately and embrace the stylish designs plastered all over social media. Kitchen renovations and remodels are so common nowadays that they have become a trend in their own right.

But if you’re tired of being at the behest of fleeting design fads and are ready to step off the trend treadmill, we salute and support you. It takes strength, determination and a dash of wisdom to go against the current and not let yourself be influenced by what everyone else is doing around you. The simple truth is that tearing down your kitchen simply because it went out of style owing to your poor design decisions is not sustainable for your budget or the planet – or your mental health, for that matter. 

A much healthier and cheaper approach is to focus on longevity and build a kitchen that won’t look dated in a few years as so many do. When it comes to creating a forever kitchen, you need to know what elements and features you should incorporate to achieve a timeless design. So, in this article, we’ll walk you through the main aspects to keep in mind when looking to future-proof your kitchen. 

An efficient layout 

Kitchens are primarily used for cooking and meal prepping – and a few other things on the side, depending on your lifestyle. But no matter how you intend to use your kitchen, you need to make sure all the elements it includes are arranged in such a way that allows you to move around freely and makes it easier for you to conduct your usual tasks. You should be able to access the main work zones in your kitchen with ease and have everything you need on hand. An efficient kitchen layout can help you achieve all that. 

You have various options to consider, such as gallery, L-shaped or island kitchens. But if you want to get the layout right, you have to take into account your specific needs and space and apply the kitchen triangle principle. According to this concept, the three most frequently used areas in a kitchen, namely the sink, the stove and the fridge, should be placed at close distance from each other and form a triangle that ensures smooth traffic flow. This is meant to enhance the functionality of your kitchen so you don’t run miles around the room or stumble and knock things over every time you turn around or reach out to grab something.

Natural and durable materials

No matter how many trends come and go, natural materials will never lose their charm. There seems to be a universal appeal to these materials that makes them immune to the passage of time and prevents them from becoming outdated. Therefore, using wood, stone, granite, or metal as the main materials to build your kitchen will lend this timeless quality to the space and keep it current indeterminably. 

These materials are also extremely versatile and can seamlessly integrate with different design styles from traditional to contemporary. What’s more, their durability makes them perfect for permanent fixtures such as floors and countertops, which are also the elements that withstand the most wear and tear in a kitchen. 

A neutral colour palette 

You can’t go wrong with an all-white kitchen. This design has been a popular choice for homeowners for decades and continues to dominate the interior design landscape despite the numerous other styles that have emerged over the years. 

However, if the white kitchen look is not your cup of tea, there are other colour schemes that can help you achieve a timeless aesthetic. Blue kitchens, for example, are just as classic and versatile, but they can be a lot more cheerful and sophisticated. Beige is another safe option that can bring warmth and a sense of sophistication to a space without making it feel overbearing. You can paint your walls in a soft shade of taupe or even install beige kitchen cabinets to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. 

In general, neutral colours such as cream, ivory, grey, off-white and even earth tones or soft pastels are best suited if you want to avoid the trend trap and create a design that stands the test of time, as they provide a backdrop that allows you to experiment with other elements, thus ensures versatility. So, if you’re afraid that a neutral colour palette can make your kitchen look a bit lacklustre and bland, remember you can always add interest and integrate brighter colours into the mix through appliances, accessories and decorative items. 

Classic cabinets 

When it comes to choosing furniture for your forever kitchen, you’ll also be met with a variety of options, as kitchen cabinets also suffer the influence of passing trends. However, certain styles seem to preserve their appeal better than others, and simpler cabinets will always be superior to more intricate models in terms of longevity. 

Shaker-style cabinets are the most relevant example in this respect. Made of a recessed wood panel bordered by a four-piece wood frame, shaker kitchen cabinets have become a staple in home design. Their clean and sleek lines which stand in stark contrast to highly ornamented alternatives, exude a sense of understated elegance, proving that simplicity is often the best solution in interior design. Their flexibility also demonstrates that simple doesn’t have to mean dull and boring, as shaker-style cabinets can pair beautifully with a wide variety of materials and décor elements pertaining to different aesthetics.  

Ignoring trends and taking the classic route might seem like an unusual choice when designing a kitchen, but we can assure you, you won’t regret this decision as it will pay off in the long run when your kitchen will still look current in the face of changing trends.   

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.