The pandemic has changed the way we live, work and cook. The kitchen has become the home hub and an important place to relax, connect and entertain, if only via Zoom. Increased awareness of good hygiene and social distancing are having a profound impact on kitchen design as we move into the ‘new normal’.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Using space differently

Our kitchens have never been busier and maximising space to create some calm among the chaos has never been more of a priority. Bespoke kitchen storage that seems to eliminate visible appliances leaving surfaces uncluttered has become a key trend while kitchen islands and large tables play into the need for extra workspace and social connection.

Kitchen design has traditionally focused on workflow from the perspective of preparing and cooking food, but the pandemic has made people more flexible about the way they can use their space to contribute to a well-ordered and smoothly run life. That often means creating space in a kitchen extension for a pantry that puts everything just where you need it for organised mealtimes, creating a highly desirable solution.

Prioritising hygiene

Hygiene is paramount these days, and we’re all aware of the need to keep multi-touch surfaces as clean as possible. That, in turn, is changing the materials we use, with quartz, granite or Corian creating kitchen worktops that are non-porous, stain-resistant, scratch-resistant and antimicrobial. Bespoke kitchens will showcase low maintenance finishes for cabinets, ceramic tiles and appliances.

Easy clean seating in leather and wood and windows stripped bare of fussy treatments will bring a pared-back and uncluttered feel to your dining kitchen, creating a restaurant-style aesthetic while we eat out at home.

Finding comfort and calm

If you’re planning a kitchen extension, keep social distancing in mind when creating your space. The living kitchen that functions as somewhere to relax, unwind, cook and entertain responds to the dream of entertaining friends and family in a safe environment. That’s often one that blends the indoors and outdoors, an ongoing trend that has been highlighted by the restrictions of lockdown.

Oversized islands that provide plenty of space to entertain, study nooks, overstuffed sofas and an intimate breakfast area are just some of the trends that are bringing a sense of comfort and calm to the kitchen.

Designing for now

One of the most important trends highlighted by the pandemic is the need to design for now, whether you’re adding a kitchen extension or remodelling your existing space with a bespoke kitchen.

As we spend more time in our kitchens, it’s important to design for now, not for potential resale. Investing in timeless design, bespoke cabinetry and energy-efficient appliances will create a kitchen that stands the test of time and combines utility and practicality with your own personal aesthetic and style.

Bespoke kitchen design by Kit Parkington

Whether you’re creating a complete extension to house your dream kitchen or remodelling your existing space, maximising your space for the way we live now is 2020’s biggest trend. At Kit Parkington we’ll turn your vision into reality using the perfect blend of craftsmanship, quality materials and design to create the ultimate kitchen.