2008 Kitchen trends

Want to know what's cooking in the kitchen industry this year?

Colour and individual style
Bold colours and personal finishing touches are the key trends to look out for this year.

'2008 is all about personality – creating a kitchen that feels right for you,' says IKEA UK Kitchen Specialist, Paul Kenny. 'For example, using fabric or wallpaper behind glass splashbacks is a great way of showing your style and can be simply incorporated into the kitchen design.'

Our top tip is to buy accessories in complimenting shades to your splashback to co-ordinate the whole look.


Sliding doors



In 2008, the common hinged kitchen cabinet is going to face a serious challenge from the past with the re-emergence of sliding doors, which were popular in the 1960s.

'With dramatically improved runner mechanisms, sliding doors provide a great look,' says Anjum Ahmed from Magnet. 'They're functional, too, as well as turning kitchen cabinets into style statements, sliding doors can be used on a much larger scale to conceal large appliances in the kitchen.'

Our top tip is to go for stylish sliding doors made of glass – not only will they look fabulous, they'll reflect light and make your kitchen feel much bigger, too. The down-side is you'll have to keep cupboards super-tidy.


Eco-friendly choices



The emphasis this year will be on the environment and sustainable materials.

'Work surfaces will have a more eco-friendly emphasis this year. Materials such as fast-growing bamboo are going to be really popular,' says Kitchen Buyer Lee Fisher from MFI.

Our top tip is to try to incorporate recycled or second-hand materials into your new kitchen for an eco-friendly room. Choose tiles made of recycled glass, or use old floor tiles from a reclamation yard.

See the latest bathroom trends

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