Gone are the days when kitchens were just used for cooking. They’re now the social hub and beating heart of every home.

Let’s be honest – more time spent at home this year has inspired many of us to overhaul our kitchens to create a functional space for the whole family to hang out.

The latest kitchen trends don’t just focus on practicality, it’s also about style! Here we look at what’s hot and what’s not for the year ahead.

• Two-tone choices, classic white kitchens with the odd pop of colour, as well as bold and more dramatic shades all feature in the top kitchen trends.

• With dark colours still riding high in the charts, we’ve seen a strong shift towards Scandinavian styles with light, white tones and the use of natural finishing materials, such as reclaimed wood softened with masses of houseplants!

• The modern industrial-style kitchen remains popular with polished plaster or brick walls used alongside steel or copper accents for a sleek loft-style look.

• Streamlined larder-style units continue to be a top choice for maximum and convenient storage, not only to keep all your culinary clutter out of sight but to make your kitchen insta-ready at all times!

• Statement taps can liven up any kitchen sink and can be paired with cupboard handles and other accessories for a consistent style.

• Worktops in strongly-veined marble still lead the way in luxury and glamour, and trend experts predict a return of natural woods for warm and homely charm. Man-made or engineered worktops remain popular as an indestructible and affordable option.

When it comes to colour, style and detail, we asked our design team about the latest kitchen trends and what’s top on our customers’ wish lists for the year ahead.

Sam Theakstone, our Interior and Landscape Designer, says colour is key when choosing the perfect kitchen.

“Our customers still love grey, especially on Shaker-style doors to mix contemporary and traditional designs together. Navy blue and graphite are also popular choices,” she says.

“Two-tone kitchens remain popular, as you can experiment with different colours on the walls or worktops for extra contrast and character.

“Looking ahead to next year, dark colours are still a firm favourite. Muted greens, deep blues and pink look hot for 2021. The new show home at our Kings Vale II development features a pink kitchen and it looks fabulous!”

Our Design Lounge offers customers the chance to create their own home which suits their lifestyle perfectly and we find buyers spend more time deciding on their kitchen choices than options for any other room.

“A popular upgrade choice is solid surface worktops, both for practicality and look,” says Steve Arnold, our Design Lounge Manager.

“Where possible and depending on their chosen plot, customers love peninsulas and islands, which are great for adding that social area and bringing families and friends together.

”Our customers also love a kitchen gadget. Boiling water taps, designer radiators and built-in coffee machines are top choices, as well as feature pendant lights above islands for a dramatic look.”

Our Selections Design Manager, Emma Midwood, says “the kitchen is the new living room” for many Beal buyers.

“Family-orientated, open plan kitchen layouts have moved up the priority list for people when buying and designing a home.

“Our customers often know exactly what they want when it comes to creating their dream kitchen. Where possible many opt for structural alterations such as converting the garage or adding a sun room to create additional space.

“And our new landscape design service means our buyers can connect their stunning new kitchen with an expertly-designed garden to create the perfect indoor/outdoor space.”