WORDS Julia Freemantle PHOTOS Photographie Intérieure Co (Blanc Marine), Sean Fennessy (Rosanna Ceravolo), Anson Smart (Georgina Wilson Associates) Murray Fredericks (Georgina Wilson Associates), Elsa Young (La Grange Interiors) Christine Francis (Rosanna Ceravolo), Anson Smart (Alexander & Co), Supplied (Oggie Flooring, Devol) STYLING Anna Delprat (Georgina Wilson Associates) Claire Delmar (Georgina Wilson Associates)
Creating a kitchen that won’t date is as much about steering clear of design fads as it is about making smart material choices.
As the centre of the home, and one of the spaces that costs a lot to design (and therefore to change), it makes sense that you’d want your kitchen not only to perform and function, but also to wear well – in terms of its durability, and its style. while seasonal trends can be alluring, it’s certainly smarter to make design decisions that lean towards longevity when it comes to the more permanent features of your kitchen. More classic choices needn’t mean you have to tend towards traditional styles, however – it just means making savvy selections that ensure your kitchen won’t date or deteriorate too quickly.
FUNCTION AND FORM
Spotlight Joinery’s managing director Bo Bylin points out that it’s not just the aesthetics or physical characteristics of the materials you choose that matter, but also how a space is laid out, and the ease this affords you when using it daily. He suggests that sliding or folding panels and doors that conceal storage, purpose-designed zones and appliance stations are practical options to consider, as they tend to allow a kitchen to flow seamlessly into the living space.
“Timeless luxury is not only about the way a space looks but the ease with which it allows you to live. Designing for function and workflow is key in transitioning from daytime and weekly routines to night-time soirées with ease.”
UNDERSTATED SURFACES
Countertops take up a large portion of your kitchen and endure a lot of wear and tear, so they’re an important design consideration. An ordeal to install, they’re also not something you’ll want to change in a hurry – therefore choosing surfaces that will withstand regular use, heat and spills is crucial.
Caesarstone’s head of marketing Megan Noel rates engineered quartz surfaces and sintered stone (porcelain) as the best current options in terms of durability.
She cautions that imitation stone does not always come with a warranty or technical assistance after sale, so her advice is to choose reputable brands for countertops.
As far as colour and pattern go, less is more. “For timeless appeal, modest patterns that show subtle movement, very dark or very light stone, and a honed finish for a softer matte surface are your best bets,” says Bylin.
A natural material such as solid wood also adds to a space over time – daily stressors and use will age it, but they’ll create a beautiful patina in the process. Noel agrees that natural surfaces are always a good choice for bringing a grounded energy into a space, and points out the enduring appeal of classic marble for its versatility and ability to mix with a variety of finishes, and slot easily into different styles.
CLEVER CABINETRY
While this is an area you can change relatively easily should you feel an update is needed, cupboards and cabinets probably take the brunt of the daily handling, and need to be of high quality to last.
Bylin from Spotlight recommends purchasing good-quality, soft-closing hardware that carries a warranty for durability, and carcasses made from A-grade South African boards or E1 European boards.
Also, ensure the cabinetry stands on water-appropriate plinths to protect it from the moisture associated with daily cleaning and spills. Bylin says that, style-wise “timeless” can be open to interpretation, so context is important. Regardless of style, he recommends avoiding high-gloss finishes – a sprayed satin finish is less likely to show fingerprints. “A contemporary home remains timeless with clean lines, neutral tones and flay-panel cabinet doors, while in a heritage home that has period detailing, Shaker-style cabinetry would be appropriate,” he says.
SUBTLE BACKSPLASHES
Backsplashes are one of the more hard-and-fast features of a kitchen. Visible (and an obvious area to make a statement), they’re also set in stone, so to speak.
A simple oblong metro or square mosaic tile – or a solid stone panel – will ensure you never tire of the surface at eye level. Avoid trendy tones and methods of laying tiles too – steer rather in the direction of simple patterns and neutral colours.
GOOD FOUNDATIONS
Durability, quality and comfort should all be prioritised when choosing kitchen flooring. Oggie Flooring’s Nick Gluckman recommends something hard-wearing and UV-treated – if the budget allows, engineered oak is preferable to laminate, for example; you’ll get more wear out of it and sidestep the risk of water damage. In terms of tone, too dark or too light will pigeonhole the space into a specific style, so a classic neutral is a safer bet.
Gluckman cites Greymist as Oggie’s most popular colourway – for good reason: it’s subtle and has universal appeal. Straight planks are a prudent choice and will stand the test of time – and if you want a little more dynamism, a classic pattern like a herringbone will always be in style.
STYLE ON TAP
While you can find faucets in almost any colour and finish, think ahead to five years from now, and ask yourself if neon-green will still appeal. A foolproof finish – gold, chrome, black, brass – will ensure your hardware’s staying power.
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