In Milan, the EuroCucina halls are booming. The market has regained its momentum, post-GFC, and the world’s leading kitchen manufacturers are setting an impressive standard for kitchen design. Here we pick out the top trends that are shaping the look, feel and functionality of the kitchen.

1. Hide and seek

Two years ago, the open-doored cabinet left its aesthetic mark on the kitchen realm with brands removing cabinet doors to reveal shelving as a storage style feature. This year, brands such as Dada and Valcucine have developed on the trend, playing hide and seek with their designs. Transparency and layering are used to open some shelving and storages spaces while hiding others.

Dada

Valcucina.

2. Simplicity and minimalism

Kitchen cabinetry is becoming ever more refined with thin-edged surfaces narrowing down to fine line (Barazza). Countertops and cabinet doors marry together seamlessly into a tightly knit meeting of points and joints (Valcucine). Stovetops float atop their countertops, edged in brass – a subtle yet luxurious design feature to accentuate exquisitely fine lines (Smeg).

Barazza.

Fine lines on Valcucina.

3. Possibility is endless

The likes of Sub-Zero Wolf has put the customer at the core of its kitchen vision with kitchen appliances and solutions that put the focus on the customer’s functional needs and design requirements. Whatever your aesthetic, Sub-Zero Wolf can enhance it through a large and diverse range of refrigeration and cooking appliances.

Apartment by Chenchow Little, Sydney.

4. Ultimate living

The kitchen is so closely connected to the surrounding living areas that it takes on the subtle qualities of its neighbouring living spaces. Cesar this year uses its cabinetry and kitchen counter units to draw together subtle living cues. Round timber table tops overlay stone countertops. Open-face cabinets intersect in the manner of bookcases.

CESAR.

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