What does 2018 have in store for our kitchens? They might be renown for being the most functional room in the home, but the new year will see their personalities explode. Prepare to call on your creative flair and take on the latest trends without blowing the budget.

There’s new looks in storage, lighting and décor that can transform your kitchen in a few affordable steps.

Lighting

In 2018, we’ll use lighting to create mood and focus in the kitchen.

Suspended pendant lights are an excellent form of expression, and while they might look luxurious, they’re one of the most affordable ways to brighten up your kitchen.

Choose from an abundance of styles including brass domes or pendants crafted with hand blown glass for a rustic, homey feel. Wicker pendants tie in well with natural décor, and lantern styles will add an element of elegance to your space.

Pendant lights can generate a lot of light, and you’ll only need a couple to create the focal point in your kitchen. Make use of practical placement and try hanging pendants above islands or work areas. They’ll not only capture endless attention from guests, but you’ll have the chance to craft every meal under the spotlight!

If your kitchen is dark and dramatic, create a glowing contrast with the use of bright lighting against cabinets and fixtures.

Two-Tone Kitchens

When is one colour ever enough? There’s no exception in 2018, with kitchen designs totally embracing the idea of two-tone colouring.

Nature will take hold once more, and kitchen colour palettes will include warm natural tones like clay, copper, gold and terracotta.

Try incorporating bold, vibrant colours like yellow, deep blue, or sage for a combination of tonalities that offer the ultimate contemporary style.

Give your kitchen cabinets and appliances a strong presence by experimenting with colours. A fresh coat of paint from a contemporary colour palette will give your kitchen a new lease on life at a surprisingly affordable price.

Open Shelving

Open shelves add ambience and practicality to any kitchen. They’re easy to install and an inexpensive storage solution for any size and style kitchen.

Show off your favourite glassware, or store your most used dishes and utensils on open shelves for easy accessibility. You can store dry foods in glass jars for display, and de-clutter your cabinets and pantry for a more organised, and charming space.

2018 trends are also no stranger to exposing the entire kitchen with open shelving. Releasing your kitchenware from behind closed cabinet doors increases light and space, whilst creating a more inviting place for guests.

Indoor Herb Garden

Modern décor isn’t just easy on the eyes, but it’s making life easy for the home-chef!

Herbs are cheap, easy to grow, and undoubtedly a tasty addition to most meals. Basil, parsley, rosemary and chives grow well indoors, and can handle Queensland weather year round!

Position your herbs on open shelving alongside candles, cookbooks and crockery. Why splurge on lavish décor when plants, budget items, or things you already own can be used to pull off this trend.

Having herbs readily available will not only improve your cooking, but over the space of a year it’ll cut loads off your grocery bill!

Lush greenery is strongly encouraged for your kitchen in 2018!

Get started on the transformation with kitchen design ideas that are easily achievable on a budget! Whether it’s colours and lights, or a couple of leafy green friends, you can create a contemporary kitchen with a whole lot of character.