New kitchen styles are embracing sleek, neutral designs with clean lines. The colour palette is mostly soft greys and whites for cabinetry and contrasting dark benches.

Granite and marble replica surfaces are now available in thin benchtops with sharp edges.

Scandinavian minimalisms give an understated elegance to a kitchen and can be combined with Japanese elements such as timber contrasts. This creates texture and an earthly peacefulness to one of the busiest rooms in the home.

Appliances are mirroring the sleek lines with handleless fridges and dishwashers which open with a tap. Downdraft extractor fans integrated into benches and cooktops are becoming more popular than large overhead rangehoods.