Modern Australian
The Times

Hot Trends in Kitchen Design in 2018

  • Written by Diana Smith

One of the places that most people feel quite excited about when it comes to renovation is definitely the kitchen. With so many pics posted online of different designs, almost every one of us has at some point started imagining our own dream kitchen.

However, dreams are often quite different from reality. You may fall in love with an image of a modern kitchen with an island big enough to serve as a dining table, but if your kitchen is so small that it can barely hold the most basic elements, there’s little point in pursuing your dream.

Still, that doesn’t mean we should not try to have a functional and modern kitchen. On the contrary, such investment is known to pay off quite well, either by improving the quality of your life or allowing you to get more money for the house should you decide to sell it. In order to be able to enjoy these benefits, you need to know what current trends in kitchen design are and choose the most suitable one. Here are just some most important things you should take into consideration.

Joinery

Timber is back in fashion and it is not only used on the external cupboards, but also on the inside of the cupboards. For example, natural oak timber is one of the most sought-after materials, which allows you to hand-paint your kitchen elements and customise them any way you like.

Tapware and joinery hardware

Many people underestimate the effect that tapware and joinery hardware have on the overall appearance of the kitchen. When it comes to modern trends, there haven’t been many changes recently, as brass is still a popular choice, though many are turning back to classic polished chrome finish. So, if you need a cheap, but effective way of improving the look and feel of your kitchen, consider chrome, matte black or brass knobs and pulls.

Colours

Believe it or not, blue and all its shades are still extremely popular and so are moss green and neutral colours. While you may wish to stick to white cupboards, having the island benches or under bench cupboards in one of the trendy colours will definitely improve the look of your kitchen. That way, the colour you’ve chosen won’t be too dominant, but will give you the right effect. On the other hand, white and neutral tones are also going strong, so you may wish to opt for them.

Lights

In terms of lighting, pendant lights are the thing to go for, since they provide warmth and focus to kitchens and you can actually find quite modern solutions in every price range. What you need to be careful about, though, is that your lights match your hardware. Other fashionable features are wall sconces above open shelves, since they give a magnificent ambient effect.

Shelves

Open shelves may be more difficult to maintain, since they require more frequent dusting and cleaning, but they most certainly provide more charm. If you use glass jars, potted herbs and add some cookbooks, your shelves will actually become aesthetically very pleasing and give the kitchen a homely feel.

Appliances

No kitchen is complete without appliances. In terms of their quality, you should probably go for renowned models, such as famous Electrolux washers, but make sure that the appliances are also Energy-star certified, i.e. that they use as little energy as possible. When it comes to design, both classic and modern pastel colours.

Things to avoid

The fact that details are very important in kitchen design doesn’t mean you need to put every single utensil and appliance on display. Instead, choose only the necessary things and hide the rest. Finally, organise your condiments and daily utensils in a way that is logical and easily accessible.

Needless to say, your budget and the size of your kitchen are two most limiting factors in the process of creating a dream kitchen, but even some smaller and subtle changes can go a long way. If your kitchen is trendy and it makes you feel good, you can be sure you’ve achieved your goal.




g

What Every Homeowner Should Know About Roof and Drainage Maintenance

A home's roof and drainage system work together every day to protect the property from water damage. While many homeowners focus on visible areas such...

From Plans to Priced Quote: The Estimating Workflow Most Builders Skip

For a small one-off job, an experienced builder can size up the materials in their head. The problem is that most jobs are not small one-off jobs, and...

Organisational Experts Share Their Tips for Achieving a Clutter-Free Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of a house which means a clutter-free kitchen not only makes your home in general look nicer, it also makes cookin...

10 Creative Ways AI Image Extenders Are Transforming Digital Content Creation in 2026

Introduction Artificial intelligence continues to reshape the digital landscape, and one of the most exciting innovations in 2026 is the rise of AI i...

What to Do When You're Arrested in Victoria

Most people have thought about this in the abstract. A knock at the door, a hand on the shoulder, a car pulled over on the Hume. In the abstract, th...

Common Financial Disputes During Separation

Separation hits on many levels, not just emotionally. When a partnership ends, untangling the financial side — assets, debts, and everything built t...

Why Posting More Content is Killing Your Brand

More content. More often. More platforms.Most brands have been running this playbook for three years. Most brands have nothing to show for it.Not be...

Garden Clean-Up vs. Regular Maintenance: Which Do You Really Need?

Most people ring a gardener and ask for a "tidy up." What they mean by that, and what the garden actually needs, are often two completely different ...

Solar Panel Maintenance Tips for Melbourne Homes

Three years in and the panels are still on the roof. The inverter is still blinking. The electricity bills are still lower than they used to be, rou...

Cost Effective Kitchen Renovations – From the Ground Up

Even in times of uncertainty, it seems renovations continue to be on the to-do list for many Australian property owners. As a result, demand on materi...

Why Bathroom Product Selection Matters More Than Most Homeowners Realise

Most homeowners think wrong when it comes to a bathroom renovation. They think hard about the layout. Spend hours choosing tiles. Agonise over pain...

How An Asbestos Removalist Ensures Safe And Compliant Property Environments in Melbourne

Maintaining a safe environment within residential and commercial properties requires careful management of hazardous materials, which is why engaging ...

Why Protein Bars Are A Convenient Option For Daily Nutrition And Energy

Maintaining balanced nutrition throughout the day can be challenging, especially for individuals with busy schedules, which is why protein bars hav...

Property Settlements After Separation: Key Considerations

Dividing assets after a separation is one of the more complex and emotionally charged aspects of the process. Understanding how property settlements...

Why Dust Control Matters During Bathroom Demolition

People usually expect bathroom demolition to be noisy.  No one thinks of dust — but it turns up everywhere. Inside cupboards. On couches. Along...

Why Roller Shutters And Outdoor Blinds Are Popular For Modern Properties

Many homeowners and businesses now install roller shutters to improve security, privacy, insulation, and weather protection across residential and ...

Slushie Machine Hire for Events: What to Check Before Booking

There's a moment at every great event when guests stop what they're doing and just enjoy something. A slushie machine is often that moment. It draws p...

Why AS/NZS Certified Sunglasses Are Essential for Australian Kids

Australia has some of the highest UV radiation levels in the world. That's not a warning label exaggeration; it's a measurable, documented fact that s...

LIFE STYLE

Organisational Experts Share Their Tips for Achieving a Clutter-Free Kitchen

They say the kitchen is the heart of a house which means a clutter-free kitchen not only makes your home in general look nicer, it also makes cooking and cleaning...

Solar Panel Maintenance Tips for Melbourne Homes

Three years in and the panels are still on the roof. The inverter is still blinking. The electricity bills are still lower than they used to be, roughly. Most Melbourne...

Why Bathroom Product Selection Matters More Than Most Homeowners Realise

Most homeowners think wrong when it comes to a bathroom renovation. They think hard about the layout. Spend hours choosing tiles. Agonise over paint colours.  But when it comes to the actual...

Property Settlements After Separation: Key Considerations

Dividing assets after a separation is one of the more complex and emotionally charged aspects of the process. Understanding how property settlements work under Australian family law can help separating...

Why Fire Extinguisher Testing in Sydney Is Becoming a Records Game, Not Only a Maintenance Job

A fire extinguisher used to feel like one of the simpler parts of building safety. It hung on the wall, wore a service tag, and sat there quietly unless something...

Preparing Your Air Conditioner for Summer: What Most Homeowners Overlook

As temperatures rise, many homeowners switch on their air conditioning for the first time in months — only to find it’s not performing the way it should. Whether it’s weak...