Little Earth Design are a bespoke kitchen and furniture company based in Henley-on-Thames. Ox Mag sat down with the company’s founder Eliot Strudwick, to discuss some of the standout kitchen trends and how best to implement them.
Two Tone
Two tone contrasting finishes are becoming an increasingly desirable aesthetic in the kitchen according to Eliot. This trend extends beyond simply experimenting with colour accents on surrounding walls. Contrasting floor and wall mounted cabinetry or the choice of an island that has a stand out hue is a bolder option when making your style choices.
Darker cabinets and surrounding lighter shades can add depth and character to space when used in the right pairings. Eliot suggests that when using different colour kitchen cabinets to the island or other kitchen fittings, consider using the second tone as an accent that compliments but not overwhelms.
One way to embrace the two tone trend is through by using a darker shade on your lower cabinets and a lighter shade on top. This allows you to make a statement by using a bold colour and simultaneously helps to ground the space. This creates a feeling of space as the lighter shade on the upper cabinets will help draw the eye upward.
Function and Finesse
Trends at the upper end of the market has seen a focus on kitchens that deliver from both an aesthetic and practical perspective. The goal is an environment that has looks stunning but also meets the various lifestyle demands a kitchen might be required for such as work, family gatherings or entertaining.
Little Earth Design address this challenge by offering a fully bespoke service. Off the shelf solutions might appear to suit initially, but as you spend more time with your kitchen you may start to realise that it is not optimised to your needs or ensuring the longevity of the cabinetry. Eliot explains - ‘’we consult with clients in the very early stages in order to fully understand the kitchens full purpose. This information will guide our recommendations on the positioning of cabinetry, appliances and zonal lighting and ensures we achieve the appropriate style/function balance’’
Statement Stone
This year has seen Quartz countertop preferences increase as a higher end alternative to Granite. Quartz offers a fabulous colour range and consistency whilst also being an extremely durable and non-porous surface . Marble offers a timeless, elegant and durable choice. Thanks to the presence of various minerals and salts, marble takes on stunning
unique patterns and colours, from purest white to shimmering greens. A luxury but versatile option that will continue to feature in high end kitchens is Solid Surface Composite (Corian, Maia, Encore). With no visible joins, it can be fashioned to create striking moulded upstands and sinks to offer a stunning and seamless look.
Tap Trends
Taps are the most used fixed fixture and also play an aesthetic role as the centrepiece of the sink. The favourability of matte black, rose/brushed gold has increased substantially over the past few years at the expense of chrome. Eliot suggested that the increase in popularity for matte black taps ‘’is likely due to the increasing popularity of contemporary, Scandi and industrial influences’’
In 2020 you are not limited to just using just one of those options – matte black can be combined with gold accents to give a striking finish. Function wise there is an increased demand for instant hot water solutions. Quooker and Abode offer convenient yet stylish options. |www.littleearthdesign.co.uk