British bespoke kitchen company Holte (www.holte.studio) has reported back from the 22^nd edition of EuroCucina at Salone del Mobile 2018 with all the latest trends in colours, materials, design and technology. Here’s what they found…

COLOURS – EARTHY TONES

Shades of pink, beige and brown were popular at the fair with many brands referencing earthy colours relating to natural clay and hues found in nature. Perfectly paired with dark cabinetry and mixed materials, these colours allow for a neutral backdrop while bringing a feeling of warmth and comfort. Terracotta, sand and stone are all visual references for this trend with the occasional mud-like colour filtrating through. As well as the soft brown and clay-like end of the spectrum, soft greens and deep purples presented a more dramatic take on the trend, still focusing on the earth-like qualities but instead, seeding out the colours found in vegetables such as artichokes and aubergines.

MATERIALS – MIXED MATERIALS & YELLOW, MARBLE & GOLD

Stainless steel was everywhere; a clear nod to quality food preparation and people wishing to cook more at home like seasoned chefs. To soften the look and make it more appealing than a restaurant setting, the steel was predominantly paired with lighter woods and marble, creating a homelier feel.

There was a prevalence of mixing and matching with natural plywood mixed with painted cabinetry, alternating in colours. The days of a standard kitchen fit are gone with companies thinking about the different uses of each area and visualising these as different focal points within a room.

Golds have been on trend for a while now but it was clear to see gold with a yellowish tinge were bang on trend, with some companies using matt finishes on their hardware, sinks and taps. Marble worktops also included yellow highlights to add a contemporary look. Combining the use of neutrals, golds and organic textures makes for a warm environment with a slight Seventies feel, hitting the mark in terms of style and substance.

DESIGN – SOCIAL LIVING & OPEN SHELVING

Huge islands with integrated appliances and spaces for dining were at the forefront of most kitchens at EuroCucina, encouraging people to cook and entertain at the same time. Integrated storage also supports this notion with reading materials and objets d’art placed underneath islands for a more relaxed approach to dining on a day-to-day basis.

Alongside a more social way of living, open shelving and storage options are now a must for homeowners. This easy and accessible option allows homeowners to make a statement by adding their own personality with small accessories, artisanal ceramics and even more luxurious items that they wish to show off – high-end pans hung from hooks was a big hit.

Open shelving is the perfect chance to add lots of greenery in a physical format with bright, airy kitchens providing the perfect setting for succulents and hanging ivy, incorporating yet another important interior style trend.

TECHNOLOGY – MAKING LIFE EASIER WITH HOME CONNECT

Technology via apps is becoming more advanced and there is now a wide range of functions you can carry out from your smartphone. Home Connect is featured on a wide range of connected home appliances from Bosch and Siemens and customers are now able to connect home appliances to other devices and services for a smarter way of living.

TECHNOLOGY – MULTI-FUNCTIONAL LIVING SPACES

Small-space living is relevant to most of us living in cities and working with small kitchens is hard work. Spaces need to be multi-functional. One of the products of note was Kartell’s I-table, a new design by Piero Lissoni, which looks like a normal table where you can sit, eat and study but the difference is that this table can also be transformed into a small cooking surface if necessary. These solutions that combine innovation with furniture are seemingly the future and absolutely wonderful for areas where space is an issue.

(www.holte.studio)

Here are just some of the highlights from the show…

1) Scavolini’s Box Lift modular storage system

2) Poggenpohl’s +Venovo kitchen

3) Bertazzoni’s new built-in appliances

4) Hotpoint’s 2019 built-in collection

5) Samsung’s stand featuring Dual Cook Flex and IoT