The latest trends in kitchen units and furniture

Minimalist, square lines, dark veneers and teppanyaki-style benches are some of the latest buzz words in kitchen design. Read on for the latest trends in kitchen furniture, units and design.

Minimalist, square looks and handle-free drawers represent some of the latest trends in kitchen units and furniture. So says president of the Cabinet Makers Association, Mark Nickson. "The kitchen has become the hub of entertainment in the home and is therefore increasingly viewed as a piece of furniture," he says.

How can I incorporate minimalism in my design?

Kitchen units are given a streamlined look by ditching handles in favour of finger-slots, floating cabinets off the floor and getting rid of overhangs on kitchen benches. Colour-wise, dark wood grains are asserting a popular position. "Reconstituted timber veneers are man-made products that are attractive to many home owners for their uniformity," Mark explains. "Horizontal grain work is also featuring heavily in the latest kitchen cabinets and units."

Furniture for the kitchen is contrasted in colour or form, for instance dark veneers are often set against pure white benchtops in Corian or stone. "Reconstituted stone is still quite prevalent because it's durable, stain resistant and offers a more consistent look than natural stone," Mark explains. The look of stone also fits well with minimalism in your kitchen design.

What kind of kitchen furniture fits with a minimalist look?

Kitchen furniture trends have followed changes in modern family living; balancing minimalist style is the trend towards bringing dining furniture into the kitchen. "People who have big enough homes often have separate dining areas, but with open-plan living and budgeting in mind, most people are eating in or adjacent to the kitchen," Mark explains. "Instead of a dining room, there will often be an alfresco dining area off the kitchen."

Kitchen tables are also becoming a more permanent fixture, with a trend toward built-in dining space along kitchen counters. This allows the kitchen to function as a multi-use space for preparing food, eating and entertaining. Custom-made dining tables in solid timber are also fashionable for people who seek a dining area with a difference.

Mark's own kitchen renovation is set to feature fashionable furniture for the kitchen, including an island bench unit, complete with pop-up centrepiece with shelving for cooking items and tableware. "These days, people either don't have time to cook or, like my family, everyone merges into the kitchen at the same time to cook and eat," he explains. "For busy families, it's precious time together."

I've heard of butler kitchens - what are they?

Butler kitchens, where pantry, sink and preparation area are housed in a different room, are another up-and-coming trend in kitchen design and furniture. The concept satisfies minimalism in kitchen design by keeping the 'messy stuff' out of the kitchen. Next time you go to a friend's house for dinner and there are no pots or pans in sight, you may be tempted to peep behind the pivot door!

If you're taking the plunge into a kitchen renovation, consult a professional first for the latest advice on kitchen units and furniture fashion in the kitchen: