Cover Story – Tomorrow’s Kitchens, from Wren

September 27, 2024

Damian Sheridan, Sales Director for Wren Contracts, discusses emerging kitchen design trends, sustainability, and how technology is reshaping the customer experience

Wren Kitchens is known for staying ahead of trends. What key design trends have you noticed gaining popularity among your customers over the past year?

Over the past year, we’ve seen a resurgence of the classic Shaker style, especially in areas outside of central London. It’s interesting because design trends often start in London and spread outward, but this one seems to have worked in reverse. The Shaker style, particularly the slimmer version with a 20mm frame around the door, has become a big hit. This slimmer style offers a nice middle ground—it’s not as simple as a slab door, but it’s also not as bulky as the traditional Shaker. It strikes a balance between modern minimalism and a classic look. This design is becoming popular not just in plain colours, but also in wood grain finishes, and we’re seeing it trickle into the London market as well.

Another interesting trend we’re starting to see is the use of contrasting coloured edging on slab doors. For example, you might have a black door with a gold edging, or a white door with a grey edge. This adds a subtle, sophisticated touch and creates a contrast that makes the kitchen more visually dynamic. It’s almost like a modern take on the shadow gap but with more emphasis on the frame details.

How have consumer demands evolved in terms of functionality and aesthetics? Are there any specific features or materials that are increasingly being requested?

We’re noticing a return to open shelving in kitchen designs. This trend had died down for a while but is now making a strong comeback. Another feature we’re seeing more of is the return of handles on cabinetry. Around five years ago, everything was handleless, but now handles are once again becoming a design feature in their own right.

Interestingly, tiling is also experiencing a revival. Where previously splashbacks and plain walls dominated, we’re now seeing more demand for full tiling in kitchen spaces. Additionally, we’ve observed that the once-popular two-tone colour scheme is fading in favour of solid, single-colour kitchens. It’s a shift that’s reminiscent of how trends cycle every few years. In terms of finishes, matte is still very much in vogue, with super-matte surfaces being particularly sought after.

From a colour perspective, we’re seeing an increase in demand for pastel tones—blush pinks, soft blues, and gentle greens are coming into fashion. These colours, when paired with wood grain finishes, create a harmonious, modern look. Our super-slim Shaker doors, available in both plain and wood grain options, are a perfect fit for this trend, allowing customers to mix and match in a way that feels fresh yet timeless.

Sustainability is a growing concern for consumers. What steps is Wren Kitchens taking to ensure that its products and processes are more environmentally friendly?

Sustainability is absolutely a priority for us at Wren. One of our key initiatives is planting a tree for every kitchen we sell. This year alone, we’ve planted over 5,000 trees. In addition to this, we’re working with our contract customers to contribute trees and bushes to the local environments where we are supplying kitchens. This not only helps the environment but also supports local economies, making our impact more meaningful.

Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of kitchen design? Are there any emerging trends or innovations that Wren Kitchens is excited about?

Open-plan living is a trend that’s here to stay, and sustainability will continue to be a major driver of kitchen design. As the focus on environmental responsibility grows, we expect to see more designs that reduce material use without sacrificing style. For example, open shelving not only creates a lighter, more open look but also reduces the need for additional materials, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

We’ve also recently launched a bedroom range, and we’re excited to explore how we can integrate sustainable practices into this part of the business as well. Our goal is to ensure that all of our products meet the highest environmental standards while still delivering the design and functionality our customers expect.

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