Research shows that kitchens are the space Australians are most likely to upgrade. And every year, there’s a wave of affordable new trends to help you get inspired. 

This year, we’re looking at the sweet and simple trends that don’t require a full-scale renovation. From lighting upgrades to new hardware, these are the top kitchen trends and easy DIY projects we’re loving right now.

1. Statement kitchen handles

Say goodbye to plain knobs and pulls, and hello to statement cabinet hardware. Hammered, brushed and matte textured finishes add visual weight to kitchen panels and bring a splash of colour to white cabinetry.

Find handles to match your cabinets for a sleek, cohesive look. Kaboodle’s straight-edged, geometric Cali handle creates interest in the kitchen, and is available in both a dynamic matt black shade and contemporary brushed nickel. An easy DIY project, these affordable, quality handles can be bought straight off the shelf at Bunnings Warehouse.

2. Warm and rich textiles

This year, there is a clear shift toward kitchens that evoke a sense of comfort and warmth. One of the most powerful ways to achieve a cosy kitchen ambience is with textiles — from fabric upholstery to tablecloths and placemats (we love the limited edition collections of luxurious fabrics by Fred Home).

Now’s the time to indulge in beautiful, sustainably made pieces. Decorate cool kitchen tiles with a characterful, hand-woven runner rug. Swap ragged tea towels for textured, soft cotton towels. If you have floating shelves, style wooden ornaments amongst cookbooks and treasured ceramics.     

3. Ornate Lighting

Picture a trio of pendant lights swinging above a long kitchen island. Not only do they illuminate the benchtop — providing essential light by which you can prepare food, unwind with a magazine, or share a drink with friends — they also impact the overall style of your kitchen.

This year, we have our eyes on ornate lighting that brings personality to a space. Think woven and beaded lampshades, intricate patterns, and sculptural designs. Pendants are one of the easiest lighting upgrades you can make in your kitchen, so don’t be afraid to go bold and experiment with new styles. 

The post 3 inspiring kitchen trends we’re loving right now appeared first on Home Beautiful.

In a space that plays such a pivotal role in our homes and lives, it’s crucial to invest in flexible kitchen lighting options that will rise to any occasion and it’s more than jumping on the latest kitchen lighting trends. Here’s everything you need to know about the best lighting for the kitchen.

What type of kitchen lighting is best?

Before you begin daydreaming about new pendants or wall-mounting a host of sconces, grab your checklist and consider the variety of kitchen lighting solutions on offer and what will work for you. Almost every surface in your kitchen can be illuminated for purpose or pure pleasure – beyond ceiling lights, to wall and cabinet lighting, LED task lighting and of course natural light in the kitchen if you’re in a position to channel nature.

Kitchen pendant lighting

As far as feature lighting goes, there are plenty of options. Kitchen pendant lights make a popular choice for kitchens, directing light onto food prep surfaces and demarcating separate zones. They certainly command a presence, whether you opt to hang a statement oversized pendant, three identical shades in a row or a cluster of different shapes or heights as an attractive feature. “Consider hanging pendants a little lower than usual over the island bench. It grounds the space and adds interest at eye level,” says Marie Botsis-Premici, co-founder of The Montauk Lighting Co.

Kitchen wall lighting

Wall lights or sconces are a more subtle option, adding both style and practicality. Try them in small, narrow kitchens, or use them to light a washing-up area or illuminate artworks or display shelving. “They’re ideal for adding task lighting without flooding the entire area with light,” explains Brett. Be sure to work wall lights into your kitchen design from the beginning, as retrofitting down the track can be costly. “Given that the kitchen will generate steam, oil splatter and the like, choose finishes that are easily wiped over,” Marie adds.

Decorative kitchen lighting

Given so many modern kitchens are part of an open-plan living area, kitchen ceiling lights have taken a more decorative turn, using materials and textures that feature elsewhere in the home to create ambient lighting in the kitchen. “During the COVID-19 lockdowns, we saw a push for more natural materials like alabaster, wicker and rattan, soft linen and even soft brass finishes, with people looking to create a cosy, comfy and secure sanctuary at home,” says Scott Robinson, product and lighting designer at Beacon Lighting.

When adding lighting to your kitchen, select items that tie in with the colours and styling.

 “It’s important to fill your home with elements you love, however, there is a trick to making this work,” says Brett. “If a home has a strong architectural style, minimise the architectural detail to its original state to create a clean palette for your style. For example, a Federation home with patterned ceilings and ornate moulding with a crisp coat of paint can be the perfect backdrop for a contemporary light fixture.”

How to layer light in the kitchen

Every kitchen is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to lighting this zone. “It’s important to look at thespace holistically, thinking about each area of the kitchen, how it’s going to be used and how best to light it,” says Marie. 

To achieve a flexible, layered lighting scheme that addresses the myriad needs of the room, look beyond conventional ceiling lights and aim for a mixture of ambient, task and accent lighting. Ambient light illuminates the room and adds to its overall atmosphere, be it bright and welcoming or warm and intimate.

Kitchen bench lighting

Task lighting brings work areas like benchtops, stovetops or sinks into focus, while accent lighting can be used as a decorative element or to highlight specific areas like splashbacks, cabinetry or pantries – even in a small kitchen. “As a general rule, invest in feature lighting to suit the space, then keep all other lighting functional yet discreet,” says Brett.

“The kitchen should be considered as part of the overall design scheme”

Brett Mickan, Interior Designer

Kitchen ceiling lighting ideas

The experts are divided when it comes to downlights. Scott believes they have a place when incorporated as part of a considered lighting plan.

“They provide a great concentration of light and are an inconspicuous option,” he says. However, both Marie and Brett feel less is more. “Recessed downlights need to be used sparingly,” says Brett. “The kitchen needs to be functional, but a large bank of downlights will date the space dramatically.”

They can work well in areas where you need a lot of light – ideally on a dimmer switch so you can turn them up when you need to prep food or when the kids are doing their homework at the kitchen table, and down low (or completely off) when you need to switch the mood.

Lamps in the kitchen

Once the preserve of bedrooms, studies and living rooms, table lamps provide a soft glow and direct light source to any kitchen surface they adorn and can be tied in with the rest of the home’s decor. Less intense than overhead lighting, “they’re perfect for an evening ambience,” Brett says. 

Use lamps to fill a corner, flank a benchtop or match to your cabinets for a streamlined, polished look. They can be hardwired into your kitchen island or simply plugged into an electrical outlet; look for cordless, rechargeable options for further flexibility. They’re especially great if you’re a renter as they’re a less expensive, impermanent solution that you can take with you when you leave.

The post 7 killer kitchen lighting ideas for the hub of your home appeared first on Home Beautiful.

It worked, but times have changed and we’ve realised not everyone wants the same thing from their kitchen space. Just as some people love to entertain guests and others happily spend hours baking up a solitary storm, so too will their dream kitchens have quite different needs.

Enter the ‘zone’ method, a more versatile approach that allows a kitchen to be customised to suit the specific needs of each home chef. If you’re planning a kitchen layout, zoning is a practical way to go. Here are five different zones to consider, plus the top appliances and tricks to tailor them to your exact needs.

The cooking zone

One of the fundamentals of every great kitchen, the cooking zone usually comprises an oven, cooktop and microwave. You might stack them vertically with the oven sitting under the cooktop, or you may prefer to separate them so the oven can be mounted at a custom height. Either way, allow plenty of bench space around these appliances and keep frequently used cooking utensils stored within easy reach.

When planning your cooking zone, be realistic about the type of food you cook and how you like to prepare it. For example, if you enjoy chatting to other members of your household while you cook, consider positioning your cooking zone appliances in a kitchen island, instead of around the perimeter. The Westinghouse WHI955BD 90cm Induction Cooktop is ideal for this, as it heats up quickly but the safer induction surface doesn’t feel hot to the touch. Home chefs also love the cooktop’s cutting-edge BoilProtect feature, which detects rising bubbles in boiling water and automatically reduces to a low simmer to prevent boiling over (BoilProtect applies to stainless steel and enamelled pots filled with water only).

Alternatively, a freestanding cooker offers extra versatility and generally boasts a large cooking capacity that’s brilliant for bigger households. The Westinghouse WFEP9757DD 90cm Freestanding Electric Cooker combines a safe and efficient 5-zone induction cooktop with a spacious 125-litre oven complete with 10 innovative functions to take your cooking zone to the next level. These include an AirFry function to cook crispy, crunchy foods with less oil, and Roast +Steam for the juiciest roast dinner you’ll ever cook.

The baking zone

The right oven is also a centrepiece of this zone but if you take baking seriously, you’ll want to kit out the area with some specific features. Be sure to install additional powerpoints and extra bench space in your baking zone so you can use a mixer or food processor. Store other tools – such as measuring cups, whisks, rolling pins and baking pans – nearby so you can seamlessly transfer your mixture from bowl to pan to oven.

Speaking of the oven, Westinghouse is always happy to help bakers achieve their very best results. The new Westinghouse WVEP6918DD 60cm Pyrolytic Oven boasts 19 different cooking programs including a Bake +Steam function that gives bread, cakes, pastries and scones a crispier crust, fluffier centre and the perfect rise. 

The consumables zone

Having a well-organised space to store food keeps every kitchen running efficiently. Ideally, your fridge/freezer and pantry should be grouped together so you can easily move between the two when preparing food. Adding bench space nearby makes the consumables zone even more practical when you’re unpacking groceries.

The drinks zone

Ready to get creative? A drinks zone can be adapted to suit your beverage of choice. Ice on tap? No problem. The Westinghouse 564L French door fridge in matte charcoal black (WQE5650BA) has an automatic icemaker. If you’re a coffee devotee, set aside space to create your own barista-style hub, complete with espresso machine, bean grinder and an airtight container to keep your beans fresh. Position your favourite mug nearby so everything is exactly where it should be to brew the perfect cup.

If cocktails are more your speed, set up a dedicated cart or cabinet to house your preferred spirits plus a set of bar tools such as a shaker, strainer and muddler. Give this zone extra flair by adding your favourite decorative cocktail glasses.  

The cleaning zone

Just as important as your cooking areas, a well-planned cleaning zone allows you to scrape and stack dirty dishes with ease. Ideally it will be ordered from left to right, moving from garbage and food waste bins to the sink and then on to the dishwasher. Fast wash cycles make for entertaining or high-rotation use dishes is made easy with the Westinghouse Freestanding Dishwasher in Dark Stainless (WSF6608KXA).

One appliance you don’t need to worry about scrubbing clean is your oven, thanks to the pyrolytic self-cleaning function in Westinghouse’s new Kitchen range of electric ovens. Simply tap the button and leave the oven to heat to an incredibly high temperature, turning grease and splashes into ash that is easily wiped away.

The post 5 zones to consider when planning your dream kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

New kitchen lighting will transform your space – particularly an updated pendant light. You don’t need to go all out with more expensive designer styles. There are so many great options in kitchen pendant lighting these days to suit any budget. 

You also don’t need to stick to the rule of three light pendants. We’re seeing more and more people opting for a single statement pendant positioned at the end of a bench. Not only does it look striking, but it’s potentially a third of the cost.

Here’s some inspiration for affordable kitchen lights:

1. White bell kitchen pendants

The sleek bell-shaped design is a softer take on the traditional triangle-shaped pendant light. In a block colour like white or black, it’s a striking feature in a contemporary kitchen.

2. Minimal black kitchen downlights

Do you need to have pendant lights in your kitchen? Absolutely not. Positioning three downlights above a bench is a cool new take that still creates effective zoning and gives functional light.

3. Rustic brass kitchen light pendant

In homes with a country style, it’s great to go for lighting in a vintage-looking finish like brass. The glass and chain details on a pendant light like this one complete the rustic vibe.

4. Retro black metal kitchen wall light

A kitchen lighting idea that’s different to pendants is wall lights. Go for sconces in the style of the room and position them in spots along the bench where you’ll be working the most. A black metal wall light pops against bright white, while the retro style adds so much character and balances a feminine marble.

5. Wooden horizontal kitchen pendant lighting

Horizontal pendant lights are rising in popularity. Place one across the centre of your kitchen bench for a sleek, contemporary look. A raw, natural material like wood works well in a home with an industrial edge or Japandi style.

6. Kitchen lighting ideas: single pendant light

It’s all about the single statement pendant positioned off-centre over the kitchen bench. Clusters of bubble-shaped bulbs catch the eye and create a focal point in the room.

7. Affordable kitchen lights: off-white light pendants

For a modern farmhouse-style kitchen, go for a simple pendant like these in off-white or chrome. They’re easy to clean and will stand the test of time.

Shop affordable kitchen lights

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Temple & Webster Gubi Ronde Replica 30cm Pendant Light

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This timeless kitchen pendant light adds a touch of designer style at an affordable price.

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Temple & Webster Round Fixed Aluminium Downlight

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An affordable kitchen downlight that looks great in a modern home.

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The Blue Space Telbix Cantena Pendant Antique Brass

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This antique brass kitchen pendant light brings a vintage touch which works beautifully in a country-style or Hamptons home.

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Kogan Vintage Wall Sconce Metal Retro Light Kitchen Bar Loft Garden Lamp

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If you’re looking for kitchen lighting ideas, this black metal wall light injects Parisian style on a budget.

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The Blue Space Eglo Climene Pendant Oak

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As far as affordable kitchen lights go, this oak linear pendant makes the list as its high-end look is major value for money.

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Temple & Webster Marva 8 Light Pendant

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This style of light pendant is influenced by the biggest designers and a sure-fire way to make your kitchen feel more luxe. Why not get the look for less?

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Temple & Webster Lucero Pendant Light

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You can’t go wrong with three of these classic pendant lights in your kitchen for a fast, affordable update.

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The post Affordable kitchen lights that will update your kitchen appeared first on Home Beautiful.

As far as looks, it’s all about choosing modern kitchen lighting that suits the style of your home. They also need to be hung at the right height while giving plenty of functional light so you don’t lose a finger while prepping for your pressure cooker.

Then there’s the materials to consider, given the hot and steamy nature of a cooking space. There’s a lot at play but these tips will help you when choosing light pendants.

What are the trends in kitchen pendant lights for 2023?

If you’re looking for kitchen lighting ideas, it’s all about constellation pendant lights at the moment, with arms reaching out with individual balls, domes or tubes on the end of each. It creates a dazzling modern effect.

“Constellation lights are becoming increasingly popular,” confirms Kate McGlone, design manager at Winnings. “Some brands offer you the opportunity to create your own constellations with limitless finish possibilities to suit your kitchen design and seamlessly integrate with your joinery and appliances.” 

Tubular styles are also popular, according to Kate. Think one long straight pendant hanging horizontally for kitchen bench lighting.

What style of pendant light should I choose?

Not every pendant will suit every style of kitchen. “Contemporary kitchens suit linear shapes, whether it’s horizontal or vertical,” says Penny Macfarlan, interior decorator at Freedom. “A casual coastal style kitchen will look amazing with a curved, dome or round natural pendant.” As for mid-century kitchen designs, Penny says round glass shapes work well, while metal and timber pendants suit industrial-style kitchens.

How many pendants should I hang over my kitchen island?

There are no rules when it comes to how many pendants should be hung over a kitchen island. While a row of three pendants is often the go-to, it’s definitely not a must. “The current range of pendant styles is extensive and options are abundant,” says Penny. “You could select a large pendant that’s two-thirds the width of the island to create an impactful focal point at one end. Or a cluster of pendants can be hung in this way for extra drama.”

How high should a pendant light be over a kitchen island?

Use your own judgement to make sure it looks right and you won’t hit your head, but there is also a loose guide for how high and far apart to hang lights. “The pendant should hang approximately 90cm above the island bench,” says Penny. “The distance between the pendants will be dictated by the length of the island, but 50-75cm apart creates cohesion. We recommend leaving 30-40cm from the pendant to the end of the island.”

How do I clean a pendant light?

If you want your hanging kitchen lights to keep looking their best, you’ll need to give them a dust whenever you’re cleaning the house. “Consider pendants that are easy to maintain as they require regular cleaning to keep them in good condition,” says Penny. “Treat glass as you do your windows, and fabric or natural fibres like rattan or jute by brushing and vacuuming to keep them looking pristine.”

What other lights should I pair with kitchen pendants?

Pendant lights alone are not enough to light a kitchen. Kate suggests combining them with downlights for effective illumination. “Then you can explore the possibilities of decorative lighting. Under-cabinet lighting is also a wonderful way to allow for function while also enhancing the mood of your space.”

Does the material a kitchen pendant is made from matter?

“As long as the pendant light isn’t sitting above a cooktop, it should be okay,” says Kate. “There are some pendant lights that are made for outdoors that can be used internally which provide extra protection against factors such as moisture.”

SHOP PENDANT LIGHTS

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Winnings Pinch Anders Small Pendant Light

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