Traditionally, a new year is a time of change and reinvention for all of us. The beginning of the year is also a time where we look at our homes and inevitably feel that they need a bit of a makeover, looking to décor magazines and the internet for inspiration.

Unlike fashion, kitchen décor trends tend to have more lasting power due to the fact that redecorating or renovating one’s kitchen requires more time, effort and expense.

“Many of us like to renovate or redecorate at the beginning of the year, as we feel that by giving our homes a new look, we are also ‘making a fresh start’ on a personal level,” says Trevor King, Marketing Director for Caesarstone South Africa, manufacturer of fine quartz surfaces.

The kitchen is one area which we tend to pay more attention to as it is often seen as the focal point or ‘heart’ of the home, he says.

Unlike fashion, kitchen décor trends tend to have more lasting power due to the fact that redecorating or renovating one’s kitchen requires more time, effort and expense.

“By putting a little thought into what look you are trying to achieve, you are able to make a change that is likely to remain fresh for years to come,” says King.

With many years experience in the kitchen surface industry, King is perfectly positioned to offer his views on what the likely trends for 2012 will be – he lists them as follows:

1. Iconic space

At the top end of the market, kitchens are beginning to be viewed as iconic design spaces and representative of taste. What this means is that the emphasis is being placed on quality, not quantity, in terms of textures, designs, and the incorporation of a colour palette that will not date.

At the top end of the market, kitchens are beginning to be viewed as iconic design spaces and representative of taste.

“How this relates to kitchen countertops is that homeowners are now seeking highly durable, premium surface materials and placing them strategically for maximum impact,” explains King.

2. Greening the kitchen

If the ‘80s was about conspicuous consumption, then 2012 is all about conspicuous conservation. There is strong focus on preserving the environment and reducing one’s carbon footprint, but we also want to be ‘seen’to care.

Eco-friendly products and appliances will proclaim the fact, either through their marketing efforts or their very design. Energy-efficient refrigerators and ovens will advertise their eco credentials. Materials that are well-known to be environmentally responsible will be a popular choice for kitchen surfaces and splashbacks.

Although the desire for beautiful design is stronger than ever, the durability of materials utilised is an essential requirement.

3. Practicality

In our time-poor world, practicality is another key consideration. Although the desire for beautiful design is stronger than ever, the durability of materials utilised is an essential requirement.

Materials selected will first and foremost need to be easy-to-maintain, hygienic, as well as being stain and scratch resistant. The focus is shifting more and more to function over form.

4. Experimenting with colour

In South Africa, we tend to be more conservative when it comes to kitchen colour palettes, but 2012 will see greater experimentation in this hub of the home.

Caesarstone’s Motivo range allows for a crocodile or lace motif to be embossed on a black or white surface, adding a further dimension of allure.

Monochromatic colour tones will remain popular, but will incorporate exciting new elements in the form of textures and patterns within the colour itself. For example, Caesarstone’s Motivo range allows for a crocodile or lace motif to be embossed on a black or white surface, adding a further dimension of allure.

Homeowners will become more adventurous in terms of bright and bold colours, with splashes of sunny yellows, dark reds and teal being seen in many kitchens. While it is unlikely that entire kitchens will be one bold colour palette, bright accents on dish towels and feature walls will be seen, says King.  “Neutrals and natural grey tones will become more saturated and rich.”

5. Natural finishes

The decorative materials predicted to be strong for 2012 include natural finishes like wood and stone, but these are complimented by modern elements such as glass, shiny metallic, crystal and stainless steel, with special attention to ambient lighting.

We do not need to completely renovate our kitchens to give them a striking new look for 2012, says King. “Minor adjustments in the form of colour accents or a new coat of paint may be all that is required to reinvigorate this area.”

However, he adds, areas that experience more traffic, such as a countertop surface, should be of a high-quality, durable and timeless material, as it is these areas that experience greater wear-and-tear.

“By choosing a premium surface with a comprehensive warrantee, you can be assured of the longevity of your investment.”