It’s no secret that the real heart of your home is the kitchen. You spend most of your time here with family and friends, and now thanks to indoor-outdoor living, it has become the home’s epicentre where you can create the latest culinary masterpiece, plan future adventures or simply relax.

If you are thinking about giving this much-loved member of the family a fresh look in preparation for entertaining in the warmer months, now is the perfect time to give your kitchen the ultimate Spring clean. 

To simplify this process, we spoke to Kyla Kennard and Nathan Gornall, Creative Directors of Sydney-based interior design company Kennard Gornall, to explore the key trends and must-have items for Spring/Summer 2018.  

Moving into 2018, what are the “must have” colour palettes for the kitchen?

“Darker colours like grey, olive, navy blue coupled with accents of black have come to the forefront in the latter part of 2017 and will continue to trend into 2018. Now, it is all about dark matte finishes as opposed to lighter, brighter colours with gloss levels,” says Mr Gornall. 

“What makes Spring an exciting time to renovate or upgrade your kitchen is that the use of on-trend colour palettes and finishes will make your kitchen an inviting space for family and friends to spend the warmer months,” says Ms Kennard.  

“Think stone, alloys, metals, all of which celebrate the beauty of the element itself. They are ideally used for an island bench top (ideal for family and friends to gather around), or used as accents on shelving or as the envelope for overhead cupboards or concealed appliances throughout the kitchen.” 

“The impact of material combinations can be as simple as using one block colour or material for cabinetry against a neutral space or wall within the kitchen highlighted with an accent such as a metal surround to a rangehood,” Ms Kennard added. 

“Depending on your area, you could go with either a slimline rangehood, wall rangehood or island rangehood and couple with matte grey cabinetry and raw material accents,” says Mr Gornall.  

To deliver the kitchen of your dreams, how do you recommend selecting your showcase features?

“Dressing a kitchen is very like, putting together the perfect outfit. I always say, ‘before you walk out the door, you should always remove one element so as to achieve simplicity in styling.’ 

The reason for this is, when executing any design, the trick to getting it right is restraint. It is all about the details – subtle and refined,” says Ms Kennard. 

“Simple long lines are always an unsurpassed option, it is the best canvas to let the colours and textures – including your appliances – have the space to communicate what they must say,” says Mr Gornall.  

How do you recommend positioning appliances to compliment the overall kitchen design?

“Blocking, or streamlining colours is great, it will give the illusion of all your appliances melting into the overall aesthetic of the kitchen – as opposed to making them stand out,” says Mr Gornall.   

“To achieve this look, whether selecting either a freestanding or built under dishwasher that runs in a similar shade to your cabinetry. Think black matte panelling, complimented by a dark dishwasher. It is that simple, but visually beautiful,” says Ms Kennard. 

“Integrated dishwashers, fully integrated dishwashers and integrated fridge freezers are also a great option when they are clad with the same cabinetry facades as your other kitchen units. 

To make a streamlined statement, pair this option with an induction cooktop, as they sit flush with your bench and dissolve into the overall space,” says Mr Gornall 

Feeling inspired? View Miele’s range of kitchen appliances here.