What is the 'kitschen' trend?
If you needed any more proof that minimalism was on the way out, look no further than the eclectic 'kitschen' trend sweeping social media.
But what exactly is 'kitschen', and how can you pull off this quirky, eccentric look in your own home?
What does 'kitschen' mean?
A mash-up of kitsch and kitchen, 'kitschens' are all about embracing a quirky style and creating a unique, characterful kitchen – think vintage finds and a vibrant use of colour. This playful trend takes some design notes from maximalism, and taps into our desire to create homes that reflect our individuality and personality.
'Kitschens' was named as a hot trend in this year's Pinterest Predicts report, with searches for 'eccentric kitchen' up 160 per cent, 'kitschy kitchens' up 75 per cent and 'eclectic kitchen décor' up 50 per cent.
For those feeling a little unsure about how to make this look work, or cautious of using too much colour, Simon Ribchester, head of design at Beams, has the following advice: 'The most important thing to remember when incorporating colourful, fun, and kitsch elements into any kitchen is balance.
'To add bold colours and kitsch vibes to a kitchen without it feeling overwhelming, the key is to balance furniture, appliances, and decor with light, neutral colours such as whites, off-whites, and pastels. These colours will help reflect light, which in turn creates a sense of expansiveness in a room while still being warm.'
Here's how to get the 'kitschen' look...
1. Embrace colour
Don't be afraid to get playful when it comes to colour – this trend is all about being creative and expressing yourself. Pastels are a versatile choice as they are easy to mix and match, with pink and green being popular paint colours in the kitchen, but aim to stick to two or three main colours to keep the look cohesive.
Alternatively, why not go for something more bold and bright? Tom Revill, interior design expert and c0-founder of Plank Hardware, predicts a revival of 'bold 1970s colours on kitchen walls and cabinetry, including punchy oranges, avocado greens and even mustard yellows'.
2. Think vintage
The vintage aesthetic is a key component of any 'kitschen' look. You might like to pick an era for inspiration – retro 1950s or glitzy 1980s, for example. Richard Eaton, design director at Denby, recommends incorporating plenty of vintage homeware. 'Charity shop finds, DIY projects and upcycled items are becoming key players in achieving this distinctive look,' he says.
3. Use lighting
This is the excuse you needed to go wild with lighting. Find something statement – an oversized chandelier or quirky pendant light, perhaps – that will act as a fun focal point.
4. Add eccentric touches
Wherever possible, go for retro-style, colourful accents. When it comes to finishing touches and accessories, you can really unleash your creativity. Pick items that reflect your personality and make you smile, whether that's novelty tins, fruit-shaped ceramics or bold wall art.
5. Mix it up
There are no rules when it comes to achieving a 'kitschen' aesthetic – feel free to mix and match different elements, such as kitchen flooring, furniture and colours, to create a playful space. You can even mix patterns; why not add a bold, colourful wallpaper to one wall, or use bright kitchen tiles as a backsplash?
Our top 'kitschen' buys
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