How European Design Trends Are Helping Developers Appeal to Owner Occupiers

The proportion of first home buyers and owner-occupiers is increasing in Australia’s changing property market.

Appealing to the owner-occupier market is now an important part of planning a project, and an impressive kitchen is an important feature for buyers.

To stay at the forefront of innovative kitchen design trends, Electrolux employs an international design team of over 200 designers who are based in seven locations around the world.

Influenced by 100 years of Swedish heritage, Electrolux’s creative process is based on the Scandinavian design principals which are characterised by a respect for functionality and aesthetics, and a belief that each can be achieved without sacrificing the other.

On a global level, there’s a shift in people turning away from a monochrome, pristine look to start embracing more colour in the kitchen.

Electrolux Asia Pacific design director Lyndon Craig says that there has been a shift toward a warmer, more natural aesthetic.

“This includes rich timber and stone, dark and aged metals, and earthy comforting colours.”

“Electrolux’s new dark stainless range complements these kitchen themes as it’s not too dark or light.

“The forms of the products are refined with specific attention to balance and proportions, and the finishes and materials are distinctly crafted for a premium fit feel and finish.”

Kitchen design is evolving to make living and cooking as efficient as possible while looking aesthetically impressive. People are not only considering the materials and finishes, but also the way they use the kitchen.

“We are redefining the kitchen as more than just a place to cook and prepare meals but also the area where family members gather and connect,” Swedish interior design and Electrolux ambassador Anna-Carin McNamara says.

“Gone are the days of pristine looking kitchens with homeowners looking to express their individuality in the kitchen and their desire to turn it into a multifunctional space.”

Related: Minimalism Meets Smart Design: Integrated Kitchens

Emerging kitchen trends

Technology: Ease and efficiency are a must in the kitchen, particularly for growing families. The need for efficient technology in the kitchen has been on the rise for several years, with families after quick results with less effort. There is a growing demand for induction cooktops that allow for quicker heat, precise control and easy clean up.

“Once I started using Electrolux induction and got used to using all the features, there really was no going back,” Electrolux ambassador and chef Massimo Mele says.

“A big clincher for me was the safety aspect — induction cooking only generates heat in the cookware, so the surfaces around the pot are cool to touch. Induction also allows for precision and a multitude of cooking zones that allow you to cook any sized meal.”

Open shelving: Open shelving and glass fronted cabinets are continuing to have a foothold in family kitchens. Once unfashionable, open shelving has become popular over recent years with homeowners looking to express their individuality in the kitchen. It allows families to showcase the kitchenware and sentimental items in a creative way.

“Open shelving also gives you the opportunity to fill those odd spaces,” Carin McNamara says.

“I have clients who use them to showcase their favourite cook books, vases and art pieces in a unique way.”

Minimalism: Minimalism is an increasingly popular trend in Australian households, particularly for young families. Ensuring everything has a place helps to clean, declutter and simplify the kitchen.

For example, hiding the rubbish bin in the island bench, introducing a butler’s pantry to house all kitchen appliances, and mounting the steam oven and microwave above the bench are all ways to ensure the kitchen is safe while still being accessible. When looking for new appliances, Mele recommends keeping size in mind and considering compact options for small kitchens.

“It’s worth considering multi functioning appliances such as a steam oven,” Mele says.

Sustainable materials: Australian families are looking for ways to incorporate more eco-friendly features when designing their kitchens.

Durable materials and designs are growing in popularity, with sustainable materials like bamboo flooring and cork being increasingly being used as flooring or for backsplashes.

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