Our thoughts may be preoccupied by the new year celebrations right now but if you’re planning to invest in a new kitchen come the New Year, or you know someone who is, here’s what trends are coming through for 2014…

Cabinetry

Believe it or not but Schmidt are going back to wood in a big way. Yes, timber is back again but this time it comes with plenty of different options to suit all tastes – bare or painted; smooth or textured; vintage effect; flat doors or Shaker – even planked doors are ‘in’ (see the Aragon Pastel Oak design below). In fact, they have over 1,000 variations from two basic door ranges, so you really do have the pick of the crop.

Believe it or not but Schmidt are going back to wood in a big way

Roundhouse are also expecting to see lots more texture coming into the kitchen. With this in mind, they have introduced a new finish – Driftwood, a natural looking rough sawn limed oak – and teamed it with an urban/industrial-look polished concrete. Very slick.

Roundhouse are also expecting to see lots more texture coming into the kitchen

Worktops

White is still on top in terms of colour (or lack of) but the trend for next year will be a mix of chunky and thin profiles. This HI-MACS® by LG Hausys design shows how you can differentiate areas with varying thicknesses to shake things up a little.

White is still on top in terms of colour (or lack of) but the trend for next year will be a mix of chunky and thin profiles

Sinks

You may remember my last blog was all about concealed kitchens… well the trend has now found its way into sinks too, with designs that are hidden beneath a glass cover for a sleek, streamlined look. Astracast’s Vantage Sio sink in black glass and brushed steel is a perfect example and the glass covers can also double as a chopping board or drainer, so you can increase workspace in the kitchen at the same time.

Astracast’s Vantage Sio sink in black glass and brushed steel is a perfect ‘concealed’ example

Taps

Beautifully designed brassware is always a good investment and according to the experts at Perrin & Rowe, filtration taps look set to be big news next year. Style-wise, they have noticed a definite shift towards their more traditional designs of late, which would make the perfect partner for a ceramic butler or Belfast sink.

Beautifully designed brassware is always a good investment and according to the experts at Perrin & Rowe

Cooking

According to Electrolux, in 2014 technologies that were once niche, such as induction and steam, will become more embraced in the home. Induction is of course, extremely energy efficient, safe and easy to clean, while steam cooking is so much more versatile than many of us believe. Zanussi’s Easy Steam ZOS37902XD is the perfect example with all the features you need in a multifunction oven combined with steam cooking at the touch of a button.

Zanussi’s Easy Steam ZOS37902XD is the perfect example with all the features you need

Small appliances

Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a big difference and this is where your gadgets, gizmos and small appliances really count. Hotpoint’s latest range is designed by Masio Hasuike and includes a steam blender, slow juicer, digital toaster, kettle, steam iron and kitchen machine for mixing bread dough, whipping cream and slicing veg. There are 48 appliances in total, all with a state-of-the-art stainless steel finish and cutting-edge technology. Cool kit indeed.

Hotpoint’s latest range is designed by Masio Hasuike and includes a steam blender, slow juicer, digital toaster, kettle, steam iron and kitchen machine for mixing bread dough, whipping cream and slicing veg…