Top Kitchen and Bathroom Trends For 2015

Industrial product designer Murray Sharp, who took top honours in the professional category of Cobra’s Product Design Competition in 2014 for his sleek Lynx mixer, offered to share his top kitchen and bathroom trends for 2015.

“The most important aspect for me is firstly the space itself, i.e. the interior design and consistency in design language throughout all the elements in a bathroom or kitchen,” explains Murray. “As you walk into the room, everything must feel as if it belongs there.”

Take note of this expert advice.

1. MATERIAL CHOICE

“Choosing the right materials, especially in a kitchen or bathroom can often be more impactful than the design itself. A simple, well laid-out room with the right combination of materials, from natural stone and wood to modern high-gloss paint finishes, can make or break the space. With minimal design being such a strong trend at the moment, material choice needs to play a fundamental role.”

2. APPLIANCES AND FITTINGS

“The physical space in a room made up of walls, floor, counter tops, cupboards etc., is like the foundation of the room. It is responsible for setting the atmosphere and tone of the space. The appliances, and more so, the permanent fixtures such as basins, taps/mixers, shower heads, etc. are the show pieces of that room. These are usually the first things that catch your eye as you walk into a space. They must create that ‘wow’ factor. On the contrary, I also believe good sanwear design should fade into the background, especially when it comes to modern, minimal design.”

3. USER EXPERIENCE AND FUNCTIONALITY

“User experience is and always should be at the top of the list for any design. A person could walk into a bathroom or kitchen and see a beautifully designed tap and they can take pleasure in looking at it, but it must be easy to use, practical and comfortable, otherwise the good looks will soon pale.”

4. LIGHTING AND THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

“I will always try to allow as much natural light, air and other natural elements into a bathroom as I can. Creating spacious environments are more pleasing and relaxing than feeling boxed up. Indoor/outdoor showers, living plants and glass walls all create a space that I would like to spend time in (without compromising too much on privacy of course). The same thinking applies to kitchens.”

5. SPATIAL PLANNING

“When you go into a kitchen or a bathroom, you usually go there to perform specific tasks. The layout must help you achieve these tasks with the least amount of effort. Everything must be placed logically to make your life more convenient.”

MORE TOP TRENDS FOR BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

• Concrete counter tops
• Shaved/concealed handles on cabinetry
• Incorporation of natural fauna/plants into a space
• Environmentally friendly taps and heating systems
• On-demand hot water systems, such as induction heating
• Free-standing baths
• Large glass showers (indoor/outdoor) with large square shower heads
• Floating block shelves and counter tops
• Colours featuring light browns, high-gloss whites, charcoals and accents of plant-like greens. Copper is also on trend for kitchens.

“I also believe digital technology will be playing a bigger role in bathrooms and kitchens of the future,” says Murray. “Automated systems that eliminate clutter, such as sensors built into different surfaces, would become our interface. Intelligent surfaces would work with hand gestures, like a brush across a wall or flick of a finger on a tap body. I think this is the future of user experience in these spaces. Design itself will become more minimal, with focus placed on interior design, user experience and materials.”

The Cobra Product Design Competition enters its third year in 2015. Cobra has upped the ante in its coveted design competition this year and is calling on all South African creatives to design their ultimate bathroom accessories. The winning designers will not only pocket R35 000 in cash, but will also see their designs come to life as part of a future Cobra collection. The closing date for entries is 6 July 2015. Full competition details can be found at cobra.co.za. Alternatively, you can email design@cobrawatertech.co.za.