The most beautiful kitchen trends of 2015

The kitchen really is the heart of the home. It’s always humming as people come and go, preparing their breakfast in a rush or lingering at the scent of a almost-ready chocolate cake in the oven. This year we have seen some beautiful kitchen trends – here are the top nine of 2015. 

Waterfall islands

 Photo: Savvy Home

Kitchen island benches have always been functional but this ‘waterfall’ trend has ensured they’re beautiful too. These minimal bench tops create the same illusion as an infinity pool, except you can use the space underneath for bar stools or storage space. 

Sky high 

Photo: Better Homes & Gardens

“Ceilings are becoming significant features and focal points of the room. Have a little fun with your walls and add an oversized mirror to help you shine on. Next year ceilings will reach even greater heights, with emphasis being placed on their colour and design as well as height,” says interior designer and founder of Homeroom Studio, Romy Dankner. 

Marble forever

Photo: Domaine Home

Our love affair with marble is not over just yet. This year we have seen our obsession with this trend radiate from the kitchen and bathroom throughout the house. White marble is so elegant, it’s difficult to imagine it ever feeling ‘old fashioned’ or going out of style. “Instead of marble benchtops being the feature, try marble hexagons as a splashback. This trend isn’t going away any time soon so it’s a safe bet your kitchen won’t look outdated,” says home stylist Emma Blomfield.   

Terrific tiles

​Tiles in every shape, every size and every colour have been big in 2015. This year we saw kitchen tiles take on a life of their own. Designers are literally thinking outside the box with hexagon and diamond shapes. Dark grout has even pushed the humble tile to centre stage, making subway tiles pop.  

Photo: Pinterest

“If your tiler has ever asked you how you’d like the tiles placed and then listed off all the different ways to lay tiles you may very well have been seriously bamboozled by the options. One tile laying trend that is quickly gaining popularity is the herringbone pattern. It gives kitchen splashbacks a sophisticated touch and adds a certain elegance to your kitchen walls. Rectangular tiles work best for this layout so choose wisely,” Blomfield says. 

Unexpected accessories

Photo: Savvy Home Blog

Adding a bit of warmth back into the kitchen with artwork or a designer rug, this trend has seen people becoming more creative with light fittings, stools and colours. This trend is so versatile; we are seeing bohemian, farmhouse and industrial chic being incorporated into the kitchen space.

Photo: Marikajarv.com.au 

Kitchen lighting is also in the spotlight, or creating one of its own. Two to three pendant lights are ideal for lighting a kitchen island bench and more and more we are seeing feature lights being used as opposed to other lights that tend to blend into the decor scheme. Concrete and light oak timber pendant lights have been a big feature this year and show no signs of slowing down.

Romy Danker agrees, saying, “Kitchens will see dramatic pendant lights where different light fixtures, styles and eras will be fiercely mixed and matched. Key finishes such as mesh, marble, copper and brass works beautifully against a muted colour palette and will give the room a hefty dose of theatrical flair.

“Select fittings with interesting materials such as wood, iron, that will be a complete contrast to the room’s decor and create a bold statement in this space.”

Vintage feel 

Photo: The Kitchn

​Kitchens are an easy place to incorporate old world charm; like introducing modern stove tops with a 1920s design or by hanging copper pots above an island bench. This year we have witnessed a softer, 1950s vibe being embraced by Smeg and Delonghi who have cahsed in with the cutest fridges and kettles imaginable. Tala Homewares have also caught onto this sugary retro trend. 

Fantastic fittings 

Photo: Pinterest

​Oh hello gold, rose gold, copper and brass, you’ve been on the scene a lot this year. You can get your metal fix with fittings, faucets, knobs, handles, bar stools and lights.  

Photo: Refinery 29

Black has also been holding its own. “This trend is quickly catching on as an alternative to the regular stainless steel appliances and hardware. Black works best in a modern kitchen as it is a little dramatic and masculine. I would avoid using this trend in a classic or older style home unless you’ve got the space for a big old school smeg oven! If you’re wanting to test this trend out without committing to the appliances try just updating your tap ware,” says Emma Blomfield. 

Colour block

Photo: Brit + Co

2015 has been colour beautiful with people being more bold and creative in their kitchen design. “We are slowly moving away from all-white kitchens and splashing out with some coloured options. If you’re getting sick of the white cabinets try a dark charcoal or teal for drama. If you aren’t that adventurous light grey or taupe work well with stainless steel appliances while injecting some warmth into the kitchen colour scheme,” says Blomfield. 

Open shelving 

Photo: Pinterest

No longer does your tableware have to be banished behind closed doors. Open shelving is putting all your pretty patterned plates on display.