Matthew Pitt, Managing Director at Abode, reveals the latest design trends for kitchens and offers advice on how to find the right balance between style and practicality
Having worked in the KBB industry for many years, gaining a wider appreciation for different design attributes that add value and not just pure aesthetics, Matthew has seen a sea of change in personalisation in kitchen and bathroom designs, as the market has become much more sophisticated and the notion of ‘one size fits all’ is long gone.
Abode’s extensive trends-mapping and research into the UK kitchen market has allowed them to pinpoint key lifestyle trends and given that online research by consumers is now specific as opposed to just browsing, we know that home buyers demand practical luxury. Considering this, Abode’s main areas major on all elements of luxury interior design focusing on safety, efficiency, flexibility and reliability when it comes to the UK wash zone.
What trends and challenges do you foresee for 2023?
I believe there is always room for innovation and problem-solving in kitchen design. In my opinion, the leading brands are driven by a desire for simplicity and ergonomics as part of their design strategies, while anticipating how current trends will develop and potentially impact the customer. For example, this year’s premium 3 IN 1 and 4 IN 1 hot water taps are demonstrating a huge range of features, benefits and styles to the end user. And we are also seeing significant developments in sink technology so that the wet zone can be transformed into a custom workspace saving the end user time, space and energy rising to the challenges of inflation and cost-of-living crisis.
Renewed interest in the evergreen Shaker-style kitchen, coupled with a rise in new age surface treatments has placed the spotlight firmly on hardware, which emphasises quality raw materials and high-character. By combining the traditional qualities of classic and contemporary styles in one scheme, designers can incorporate varying layers of tone and texture to create a truly original kitchen living space, which is classically fresh and uniquely timeless!
The traditional kitchen continues to demand the same features and benefits found in more contemporary schemes, so you’ll be pleased to know that the latest multi-functional taps are now available in all styles to best coordinate with a home’s architecture. For instance, the ‘one size fits all’ chrome hot water tap is now a thing of the past as the traditional hot tap fast becomes a market favourite, specially designed to convene modern lifestyles yet maintain its design integrity in a classic kitchen.
Providing a great a way to achieve the new traditional mix of interior styles met with modern functionality, the latest kitchen designs are pairing modular style sinks with traditionally-styled hot water taps for optimum style and substance.
In addition, the influence of Scandinavian design and its top-tier originality is standing strong with this year’s hero products including taps with real wood handles, and monobloc designs in fine painted finishes. In fact, white is the latest tap colour to be inspired by the Scandi design trend, as this simplistic interior design style continues to grow in popularity. Function is just as important as form, which is why larger sinks that can accommodate bigger pots and pans are being designed in conjunction with a steaming hot tap, filtered water tap and utility sink for handwashing or veg prep for an enhanced cooking experience.
In terms of material, stainless steel remains a top choice but as this trend develops, granite sinks have become great for introducing new areas of tone and texture, and stainless steel for the clean lines and hygienic finish. Grounded on that special hygge feeling where atmosphere and comfort are highly prized, the Scandinavian kitchen remains heavily influenced by East-meets-West interior design and family-oriented cultures.
With sustainability continuing to be at the forefront of manufacturing trends, what is Abode doing to stay ahead of the curve and meet customer demand?
We take our role as industry leaders and innovators very seriously by creating products where sustainability is actually designed into products from conception including flow limited collections and specially designed water filter. We are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions and are inviting retailers and developers to take advantage of our latest promotional materials and marketing activity so they can drive more traffic to their showrooms. We have created high-impact literature, including point of sale material that focusses on our ethical credentials, social responsibility and governance, so that retailers can enjoy the halo effect of a strong USP as a sustainability champion simply by selling our products. For instance, we give our customers the option to return their used filter to us when they receive their new one via a free returns service. Once we’ve collected a sizable batch, we send them to our approved recycle partner who responsibly oversees the separation of each component part. The plastic can be ground down to be reused, the aluminium is recycled, and the internal resin is also brought back to life for reuse. This applies across our Pronteau, Aquifier and Swich categories.
In addition, we have introduced our Accumulate Retail Loyalty Programme, this year to make it even easier for professionals to sell our products, earn points and then spend them on fantastic rewards!
In 2023, kitchens are expected to become a lot bolder and more colourful. With this in mind, what changes do you think we will see in tap designs?
There are so many design possibilities coming through as consumers explore more colours and textures in the customised kitchen space. I’m excited by the prospect of more colour this year, as the UK kitchen and utility room no longer feature taps in just high polished chrome, which was the most popular choice ten years ago. Must-have colours in the Scandi-inspired home continue to be guided by Mother Nature, with this year’s palette welcoming a confident use of colour across the finishing touches underpinned by matt black. Stand out colours include ultra matt shades of white, grey, and terracotta this year, as the kitchen sink and tap adopt greater levels of colour and breathe new life into the UK wash zone. In addition, I would anticipate we will be delivering classic ceramic sinks with a touch of modernity in 2023, offered in a range of contemporary hues which allow the end user to personalise the kitchen living space to their own tastes and provide a high contrast design feature in the kitchen. This new family will be available in generous large bowl options, along with a range of specially designed accessories to enhance the wash zone.
What advice would you give to a developer looking to transform an outdated kitchen into a stylish, yet family-friendly space, without breaking the bank?
Changing lifestyles including hybrid working patterns and a desire for healthier lifestyles have focussed consumer attention on quick and easy food prep and cooking from scratch making the hot water tap an appliance which is on track to becoming a design icon on par with the range cooker or side by side fridge freezer, so installing one is a good way to instantly update a kitchen. In fact, we are already seeing the hot water tap being installed in 40% of all new kitchens due to the growing demand for ease and efficiency in the kitchen. Not only does retiring the kettle automatically free up worktop space but the latest hot water taps help to give end users much more control over how much water is dispensed. In addition, new safety controls are giving consumers even greater peace of mind especially when there are young children or vulnerable adults to consider in the multi-generational home. With this in mind, it makes sense to focus on future-proofing your build with a strong focus on water management systems which are in line with the latest building regulations, for a sustainable future.
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