If your plans for the New Year include buying a new kitchen, we’ve got the scoop on what’s ‘in’ for 2013. According to B&Q, the UK’s largest home improvement retailer, dark wood is on its way out, glass is on its way up while grey – in all its 50 shades – is coming on strong.

“Modern kitchen design trends for 2013 will reflect the growing popularity of cooking and eating at home,” says the retailer. “Saving money, improving health, having more fun entertaining and a love for homemade meals make cooking a hobby that requires professional, attractive and functional kitchen designs.”

They go on to say that cherrywood is in decline, while other solid woods such as birch, oak, walnut, bamboo and rustic finishes will be the new norms for cabinetry in 2013.

Walnut veneer

Another up-and-coming trend is for a more eclectic look with a mix of materials and finishes that combines dark and lighter tones. This can be applied to both cabinetry and worksurfaces – one of the most popular designs is for pale base cabinets with darker wall units or dark furniture on an island.

Mix it up

There’s been no getting away from the colour grey this year and in 2013 it’s going to be even bigger. It’s the new neutral for interiors and goes well with anything – modern, traditional, muted or colourful. Brian Dews, Kitchens & Appliances Trading Manager at B&Q says: “Grey is a comfort colour, and doesn’t have the upkeep of white.”

Shades of grey

Another huge trend for 2013 say B&Q will be wall murals, be it in the form of a tiled or textured wall, which works beautifully as a focal point behind white or pale cabinetry. They also forecast that designers will be replacing white and cream with green, using it as a new take on the old neutrals with a palette of colours built around it.

Green neutrals

Coloured glass splashbacks are also set to take kitchens by storm, as they create a sleek, contemporary look that’s so easy to clean. Polished chrome is also coming through for 2013. Brushed nickel is still the most popular hardware finish, but polished chrome is close behind. “It’s classic and always matches,” adds Brian Dews of B&Q. “LED lighting is also a real trend taking hold in kitchens across the country; it will be most popular for accent lighting, such as under cabinets.”

Striking splashbacks

You can find all these kitchens at B&Q