2015 kitchen design trends - Style At Home

Toronto designer Colleen McGill shares five trends that will be big in kitchens for 2015.

From baking holiday goodies and entertaining guests to sitting down to a tasty dinner with loved ones, the kitchen is the hub of activity in most Canadian homes. Colleen McGill of Toronto’s Colleen McGill Design Group has worked with many Canadian homeowners to create kitchens that work for them, infusing her signature style of modern simplicity and combining annual trends that withstand the test of time (hey, a kitchen renovation isn’t something you want to appear ‘dated’ in a few years time).

Brass

It s all about that brass for kitchens in 2015, featured heavily in everything from taps, sinks, range hoods, hardware, light fixtures and even bar stools. I love the warmth and sparkle that brass adds to a kitchen it looks wonderful with whites and greys and can be sophisticated, modern or preppy, says Colleen. To get that beautiful patina, go for an unpolished brass with a brushed look that will continue to wear over time.

Walk-in pantries and wine rooms

Plenty of storage space has always been a must in kitchens, and 2015 will take it to the next level with large-scale walk-in pantries and wine closets. The great thing about these walk-ins is that the room feels like part of the kitchen, but is a separate space which adds an exciting element for entertaining, says Colleen. In a more classic style kitchen, they can be hidden behind a cabinet door, but in modern spaces, steel-framed glass doors make these rooms even more amazing!

Black and white appliances

Though stainless steel will always be a classic favourite, kitchens are seeing a resurgence of black and white appliances in everything from refrigerators to ovens. Both look incredible and pair well with brass accents, says Colleen. Instead of going for the old school block of a white refrigerator, opt for the sleeker, more streamlined appliances that blend in seamlessly to your kitchen s architecture.

Patterned back-splash tile

From Moroccan mosaic to brushed herringbone tile, the patterned look is big for backsplashes in 2015. These patterned backsplashes add texture and interest to the kitchen they re a refreshing change from the marble slabs and subway tiles we ve been seeing for years, says Colleen. Create some contrast in an otherwise all-white kitchen with boldly coloured tiles and add some texture with matte or honed finishes.

As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, so does the way we work in the kitchen. Smart appliances will be everywhere this year, and Colleen is already a certified fan of the Miele smart oven (which can keep more than 30 of your favourite recipes in its memory) and the built-in iPad for ordering groceries and playing music through her Sonos whilst cooking. What s at the top of Colleen s wish list for 2015? The Top Brewer by Scanomat is so sexy, says Colleen. It s a tap that brews coffee, froths milk, or gives you chilled drinking water, cold milk, or hot water for tea plus it can be controlled with your iPhone!