pecifiers now have more to consider when designing a kitchen, ensuring that space is maximised, that there is an efficient work flow and a pleasant social environment where cooking and entertaining can happen simultaneously.

One of the key trends in this new multi-purpose space is, consequently, the implementation of clever storage solutions. This is in order to both create an on-trend, streamlined and clutter-free room and also to help alleviate storage pressure from the rest of the home. This means that everything can be at hand but also the space can be kept clear for family and friends to chat. At Moores, we offer a wide variety of storage solutions with our kitchens. For example, our new Roux Kitchen in collaboration with Roux Lifestyle and world renowned Chef, Michel Roux Jr., is designed to fulfil the needs of a professional chef and is available with full-length larders, bi-fold units and deep drawer organisation. You should also consider specifying a kitchen island to effectively partition areas of the room, while adding an on-trend feature. The choice and available finishes of laminate worktops and solid surface worktops has increased massively, resulting in many exciting new ways to create sociable areas such as islands and breakfast bars.

There is now more thought as to how the overall aesthetics of the kitchen integrate with the overall look and feel of a home. Kitchen design has been somewhat simplified with a real emphasis on functionality to ensure it stays in keeping with other areas of the home. Neutral colour palettes have grown in prominence to allow homeowners the flexibility to stamp their own personality into the space with interior accessories, flooring and paint colour schemes. Natural materials and authentic woodgrains to create a traditional feel in the home are becoming increasingly popular and are often used side-by-side with a contrasting colour or texture to add a statement feature to the room.

Attention to detail is imperative in a kitchen, particularly a multi-purpose space, as the room is constantly on show and in use as the hub of the home. For example, lighting in the kitchen needs to be considered with the whole house in mind – not only task lighting but lighting that can set the mood required for an event or occasion. Our Roux Kitchen range features the latest natural lighting technology to create a warm and inviting effect throughout. Indeed, technology in general is increasingly playing a big part in the kitchen and the smart home is a trend in itself. Appliance technology, and in particular connectivity, is ensuring the way we use and control the kitchen is more precise and prevalent than ever before.