The kitchen is no longer just the room where you prepare meals. It can be a social and family hub, where people work, cook and hang out — you want it to be interesting, stylish, and functional.
Whether you’re overhauling the whole room or just looking to add some accessories, here are some things to try if you’re wanting to make a statement with your kitchen.
1. Use natural stone
Designer and co-founder of Anju Designs, Rebecca Reiken, says natural stone always makes a statement. Whether incorporating it into the benchtop, floors or walls, it is the fastest route to a sophisticated and polished look.
Natural stone makes the right kind of statement. Picture: Pexels
“To make the biggest impact, I would say do an amazing stone benchtop, something with some real character,” Rebecca starts.
“Even if you don’t have the budget for that, companies like Polytec are doing really good composite stone at a lower price point than natural stone.”
For added sophistication, Rebecca recommends running the stone up your wall to create a feature splashback.
2. Add some statement appliances
If you’re not doing a full renovation, you can revolutionise what’s happening on your benchtops by changing up your small appliances.
Firstly, clean up and declutter the space. Then, coordinate some coloured accessories and benchtop appliances, like your kettle or toaster.
Benchtop appliances like The New Black Classics Collection by Sunbeam can make a sophisticated statementThe New Black Classics Collection by Sunbeam. Picture: Sunbeam
Instead of white or stainless steel appliances, consider something with some statement appeal. Sunbeam has a range of small appliances in chic styles and colours. Their latest The New Black Classics Collection will complement most set-ups thanks to its sleek design and matte-black finish.
3. Get creative with timber
We’re seeing a shift towards bolder choices in homes all-round.
“We’ve moved away from white kitchens,” Anju Designs co-founder Penny Middlemiss says.
“People are moving toward soft greys instead. They want more colour or mid-tone timber veneer looks.”
Matte black and warm timber creates a very modern look. Picture: Pexels
When it comes to timber, your theme will dictate the shade and style. A Scandi theme may lend more to light timbers. Coastal or country-style kitchens may want distressed or raw timber or even pastel-painted timbers.
In a contemporary kitchen, the above-pictured mid-tone timber paired with black appliances and natural stone can make quite the statement.
4. Add a pop of colour
Only a few years ago, crisp, white kitchens were all the rage. Now, we’re welcoming some bold colour choices back into the mix.
Change all your cabinets or just add a pop of colour here or there – don’t be shy! Picture: Anju Designs
At Anju Designs, the team says they’ve done two kitchens recently with blue hues. Other trending colours include sage green or buttery yellow. If you like something more dramatic, consider a sapphire blue or similar jewel tone with luxe black marble and timber.
If you’re wondering how to use colour, add a statement splashback or some designer-style stools. Alternatively, you can go all out with your cabinets!
5. Opt for dramatic feature lighting
“Feature lighting is a big one,” Rebecca says. “If you’ve got some amazing feature pendant lights, it can make a really big impact.”
Layered pendant lights provide interest and character in otherwise understated kitchens. Picture: Anju Designs
If you have a kitchen with an island bench or breakfast bar, hanging some pendant lights above it will help you make a statement.
You could try something sculptural and modern — like something metallic, glass or enamel — or something more laid back and coastal, like rattan.