INDUSTRY VIEWS INDUSTRY
Spotted at Eurocucina 2024 – Nature Continues to Influence Kitchen Trends
Fresh off the back of Eurocucina 2024, we’ve spotted a number of kitchen cabinetry trends emerging and continuing for the second half of the year. Nature inspired blues and green cabinets will continue to be a favourite well into the rest of the year, as homeowners look to “bring the outdoors in” with bold blue hues and deep, earthy green tones. We’re often seeing these colours being paired with wooden elements to continue the connection with nature via surfaces, decor and furniture. In particular, ribbed wood effect cabinetry and islands are ones to watch, adding textural style that brings ‘feel appeal’ to any kitchen design, alongside glazed doors.
Aside from aesthetic trends, sustainability continues to be a core focus for everyone involved in a new kitchen design or renovation, and so suppliers should always be thinking about what their products offer in the way of recyclability and sustainable manufacturing processes.
The Impact of AI on Home Appliances
AI is really shaking things up in the world of home appliances. It's turning our everyday appliances from mere tools into true partners that help us manage our homes more efficiently. These smart devices are learning from us—they adapt to our preferences, cut down on energy usage, and even simplify life with features like automatic cooker hoods that turn on with a hob and intelligent washing machines that will adjust settings according to the dirt level and ovens that will recognise foods and cook automatically. AI diagnostics can also proactively predict and alert users to potential issues, suggesting solutions and therefore extending appliance lifespans. The full potential of AI in appliances is still unfolding but continuous software updates through WiFi connectivity will keep these devices at the cutting edge of technology, eliminating the need for frequent physical upgrades and ensuring they don’t have to be replaced often.
Comment by Simon Collyns, Marketing and Retail Sales Director, Symphony Group
Looking forward, I can see a world where every appliance is connected and working together, making our homes not just smart, but insightful.
Comment by Sophie Lane, Product Training Manager, Miele GB
VIEWS
Why Porcelain is Leading the Safe and Sustainable Surfaces Revolution
A kitchen worktop serves as a foundation for the entire culinary experience, and a well- chosen material can enhance the kitchen’s ambiance and last for generations. Meanwhile, surfaces can transform a run-of-the-mill bathroom into a luxurious, spa-like space. Previously, worktops, splashbacks and furniture cladding have been all about granite, quartz and marble. But innovations and advances in sustainability have meant that slabs made with porcelain are the material of choice for 2024. Recent safety concerns around the fabrication of quartz has also led to many suppliers moving to this entirely safe, natural and recyclable material.
Available in an array of colours, textures, sizes, finishes and patterns, porcelain is low maintenance thanks to it being non-porous, waterproof, hygienic, durable, hardwearing, UV, stain and scratch resistant, and easy to clean. Porcelain is more than just the material everyone is talking about - it's leading a safe and sustainable surfaces revolution that was long overdue.
Comment by Gavin Shaw, Managing Director, Laminam UK
BKU MAY 2024
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