Kitchen cool

Discover 10 easy ways to update your kitchen.

Layer the room

“We believe kitchens are the hub of the home, and as such need to feel more layered and softened to feel less clinical, and when open-plan, to blend into the living areas. By accessorising open shelves with collected pieces, books, adding plants and art we are able to keep working areas feeling less clinical without losing any of the functionality.” – Joanne Taylor, owner and head of design at Taylored Spaces

Include cosy spaces

“Opening up kitchens to create eat-in spaces or coffee nooks, if carefully planned, can really create a focal area that becomes the central hub of a home. It is more social, and also lends itself to creating display spaces that are functional at the same time. This custom kitchen was designed to suit busy families, with prep areas at the back and coffee stations/display and storage areas in the front area. The transition between the two spaces is seamless because it feels like part of the living areas.” – Joanne Taylor, owner and head of design at Taylored Spaces

Open-concept design

“Revitalise your kitchen’s layout with an open-concept design. Knock down unnecessary walls to expand the space and allow for better flow. Install a sleek kitchen island with a built-in breakfast bar which will also provide a versatile gathering spot for family and friends.” – Melanie Stein, managing member at Eurocasa Johannesburg

Cutting-edge technology

“Use cutting-edge smart technology. Touchless taps encourage improved hygiene as well as convenience. You can also integrate voice-activated technology, granting hands-free control over lighting, temperature, and even your favourite cooking requests, modernising the whole kitchen experience.” – Melanie Stein, managing member at Eurocasa Johannesburg

Incorporate wallpaper

“Olala Interiors transformed a dull kitchen into an exciting and modern space using a minimal and open-plan design. They achieved this by incorporating bold, almost black bronzed wallpapered walls, which perfectly complemented the homeowner’s distinctive style. The revamped kitchen now serves as the vibrant heart of the home.” – Schanè Anderson, creative director at Olala Interiors

High-end products

“You can make life simpler by incorporating a built-in, undercounter wine fridge for easy access to your favourite vintages. Also consider upgrading to a high-performance, chef-grade stove and extractor for precise cooking control and ventilation. Investing in a smart, touch-screen fridge-freezer is another must-have in the kitchen.” – Sheldon Hughes, director of Blend Africa

Effective storage solutions

“Kitchens should be organised with efficient storage solutions. Cleverly designed cabinets, shelves, and pullout organisers provide easy access to cookware and ingredients, making the most of the available space. A clutter-free kitchen also allows for better cooking experiences.” – Sheldon Hughes, director of Blend Africa

Kitchen remodelling

“Kitchen remodelling involves making significant changes to the layout, design, and functionality of your kitchen. Some examples of this include cabinet refacing or replacement; consider updating or refacing your kitchen cabinets to give the space a fresh look. You can either replace the entire cabinets or simply update the cabinet doors and hardware for a more cost-effective option. Update your kitchen appliances to bring a modern touch and improved functionality. Look for energy-efficient models that can save you money in the long run.” – Leanne Van Niekerk, owner and designer at LVN Interiors

Kitchen décor and organisation

“You can update the look and functionality of your kitchen through smaller changes and additions. A fresh coat of paint or a stylish wallpaper can instantly transform the appearance of your kitchen. Choose colours or patterns that match your style and complement the rest of your home. Invest in kitchen organisers like drawer dividers, spice racks, and pantry organisers to make your kitchen more efficient and clutter-free.” – Leanne Van Niekerk, owner and designer at LVN Interiors

Create a soothing space

“Reminding us of the wealth of natural materials around us, the Dulux Colour of the Year Raw™ palette is warm and enriching. Look at earthy browns combined with Dulux Colour of the Year 2023, Wild Wonder™, to create a soothing space that feels comfortable and cocooning.” – Palesa Ramaisa, Dulux colour expert