KITCHENS
“Colour is an opportunity to define the look – modern kitchens can work just as well in lighter, more understated tones or deeper, more dramatic colours. The important thing is creating a cohesive palette and balancing it with materials such as stone, glass or metal,” says Vicky. Times of transition A transitional look represents the marriage of both these styles, blending traditional character with contemporary simplicity. At Henry Rose Interiors, this is where the Shaker door – for instance, the versatile German Smala door – is in its element. “There’s a reason the slim Shaker door has become the design story of the moment,” Gabi opines. “It takes a shape everyone already trusts – the classic recessed-panel Shaker – and reduces it to its essentials. It’s traditional enough to feel timeless, restrained enough to feel modern and flexible enough to move fluidly between country, contemporary and transitional schemes without ever looking like it’s trying too hard.” With cabinetry as the foundation, modern details such as a contemporary island or refined hardware can then be introduced through the layout, materials Modern kitchens can work just as well in lighter, more understated tones or deeper colours NEVER GETS OLD Timeless styles remain popular, notes Nolte Kitchens (above), while Shaker-type doors such as the Rotpunkt Smala Walnut from Henry Rose Interiors (below) are ever-versatile
and finishing touches. “Keeping the frontals traditional gives the kitchen a timeless feel, while contemporary elements can bring it up to date. Integrated lighting is particularly effective as it adds that subtle modern layer without compromising the character of the furniture,” elaborates Vicky. However, restraint and deliberation are advised. “Mix up your colour scheme deliberately rather than accidentally,” cautions Gabi. “A painted slim Shaker perimeter in a warm neutral, paired with an island in a contrasting natural wood or a deeper accent colour, is one of the most reliable transitional formulas going.” This is where the blues and softened greens that are dominating 2026 colour forecasts land best: think ink tones over navy, and sage or olive rather than forest green, paired with warm off-whites instead of cool ones to achieve a grounded rather than clinical effect. “We are seeing a lot more bravery when it comes to colours – rich olives and greens are a joy and a true luxury. Pale neutrals will always be strong contenders as a background to a busy life and combine well with wood and metal finishes, but a stronger colour island can work really well without being over- dominant,” suggests Frances. For smaller decorative touches to update your space without a full renovation, changing your handles, updating your paint finishes or even changing your island surface can all make a dramatic difference. As Frances says, “try creating some kind of display space that is flexible and can be updated. Gone are the days when everything is behind a clinical façade; today’s kitchen is a living space in more ways than one!”
Find out more
David Hall Kitchen and Furniture Makers davidhallfurniture.co.uk
Henry Rose Interiors henryroseinteriors.com
KV Showroom thekvshowroom.co.uk
Nolte nolte-kitchens.co.uk
Schmidt home-design-schmidt.uk
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