Kitchens in Vogue

Whether your budget extends to a bespoke kitchen or you want to buy something off the shelf, you can still make sure that your kitchen design is bang on trend. In fact doing so is easier than you may think. Even the largest and cheapest DIY store is now offering kitchen designs which fit in with what is trendy for 2011 making it easier than ever to get the style you want for less.

So what should you be looking for when you are shopping for your new 2011 updated kitchen?

Kitchen as a social space

As with the last few years, the trend is now to use the kitchen as a space for the whole family. This means that it may double as a seating area, a TV watching area or an eating area. Or even all of these things. Clearly the amount of space you have will influence this, but if possible you need to incorporate some social areas into your design.

Bearing this in mind, the kitchen is becoming less functional and more beautiful. It is a room you will be spending plenty of time in, so it needs to be looking its best.

Keep it natural

When it comes to colours and materials, the natural look is still very big. This may be a reflection on the increasingly “green” attitude we have towards our homes in terms of how we heat them and what be buy for them.

In this case, wood is still a good option for kitchen doors especially in light finishes such as light oak. Also stone and recycled materials are big. So consider recycled glass worktops and reclaimed wood for your doors. This combination will not only look great and be hard-wearing, but it will add to your green credentials at the same time.

Add some gloss

The super modern look of a shiny and glossy finish in a kitchen is very on trend for 2011. The high gloss look can look very expensive and adds a reflective quality to the room. It is now very common to mix and match colours when it comes to doors. For example a high gloss black may be used alongside white and red to give the room an added dimension. The worktop will then be in another shade, to make it stand out further.

Take an island holiday

Kitchen islands are still big business; in fact everyone who can squeeze it in is getting an island. They can double up as preparation areas, but also add the very important seating and socialising space. Islands in 2011 provide more than mere worktops space, they incorporate shelving and cupboard space and can even include hidden TV screens, special lighting and multi-levels.

Add some 'bling'

These days your kitchen has to be more than just an eating and preparation space, it needs some serious gadgets and some very cool lighting. Take advantage of the new technology in lights to include some low energy LEDs and add these to the floor and under the counters. These can come in a range of colours and can make even the most boring kitchen look great.

In addition it is now commonplace to have a TV in your kitchen, but other gadgets such as built in coffee machines, ice makers, water dispensers and tablet computers are also a great addition. If you can afford to, adding some gadgetry to your kitchen will enhance the overall ease of use and will add plenty of value.