Just like any other form of interior design, kitchen design goes through its own trends and fashions. It may be shabby chic, or a return to the incredible design signatures of the 1950s, where the home was being influenced by science and technology (remember those 'space age' gadgets and polished stainless steel surfaces of that were all the rage after the Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969?)
So what can we expect to be the hot new trends as we race past the predicted Mayan end of the world and headlong into 2013? Here Is five of the hottest tips for kitchen design and trends for next year - and how you can get the look for less!
#1 - Art Deco makes a comeback
The elegance of the 1920s and '30s is making a big comeback and Art Deco design features will be huge next year, not just for kitchens but for interior design in general. Back in the kitchen acrylic doors emulate the 'Bakelite' look of the era and will be a big statement, as their high-gloss finish works perfectly with the clean, smooth lines associated with Deco design. Exotic wood veneers combined with polished steel trim will give any kitchen refurbishment that essential Deco look, for a fraction of the cost of a new replacement kitchen.
#2 - Radical Retro
Following on from the Deco theme, Retro is back for 2013 as designers look back to yesteryear for inspiration. Expect to see ornate finishings and bespoke touches such as decorative hinges, handles and knobs that can give even the simplest refurbishment a subtle and elegant design twist.
#3 - The clean look
The kitchen is the heart of any home and in 2013 focus is shifting back to this space and how we interact with it. That means kitchens will be seeing even more day to day activity, so wipe-clean surfaces and clutter-free worktops will be key to keeping any busy kitchen look great.
#4 - Waking up to wood
It's not all acrylic doors and wipe-clean high gloss finishes; wood is still king of many kitchen designs, particularly if you're going for a traditional Shaker style or country cottage look. However, choosing to replace your existing doors and drawers with wood doesn't mean you have to forgo all the convenience of easy maintenance materials, as wood effect patterns also come in easy care vinyls too. So even a traditional look kitchen can be created with less expense than you might think.
#5 - Bold and bright
Don't be afraid to break out of the mundane this year - go for bold and bright patterns and colours to really stamp individuality on your design. This particular look can, like all the other hot trends for 2013, be easily achieved with a simple refurbishment, rather than a complete make-over.
All of the latest design trends for 2013 are suitable for any type of kitchen, although if you really want to make the most of the space you're working with and get a show-stopping effect, talk to a professional designer. They can sit down with you and give you an objective view of what is achievable, what will work (and what wont!) and how much it will cost. If you retain the basic structure of your existing kitchen and go for a refurbishment rather than a replacement, you can have a kitchen that looks as if it stepped straight out of an interior design magazine - and all for a fraction of the cost.
