There has never been so much focus on the home. And with the abundance of renovation shows on TV, it’s not hard to see why. We’re exposed to what’s possible, DIY tricks, and reno inspiration fuelling our desire to create beautiful spaces boasting personality.
With a meticulous eye for detail, a style that exudes sophistication, and a background in both building and design, we chat with Frances Cosway, from White Pebble Interiors to discuss this year’s biggest renovation trends.
AGN: What’s your favourite room in the home, and why?
FC: I like bold kitchens; it’s the hub of the home. So I like it to work, but I like it to be a statement… my signature is a loud splashback, with very plain cupboards, as that really creates a statement.
AGN: Now let’s go through the home and discuss renovation trends per room. What are we seeing in the kitchen?
FC: Walk-in pantries are really popular. They’re almost becoming a staple. [Walk-in pantries] are your hideaway place. But they’re also for your extra appliances. An extra fridge, some people are putting in an extra oven or a dishwasher, so it’s almost a double up kitchen.
When it comes to utilities, I’ll talk to them [clients] on whether they want to go natural gas or electric induction. Electric is definitely not a preference.
I often find that most of my clients go with natural gas because it’s instant; they don’t have to buy different cookware, like you do with induction. And people like gas – they know it and it’s a trusted source.
Marble is really big at the moment from a materials perspective, which is why composite stones, such a caesarstone or ester stone are coming out with imitation carrara and calacatta marble… they’re also more durable than a natural marble, and are also more cost effective.
There’s also the cement look… very organic in its structure. Your caesarstones, your hi macs, the corians are coming up with a cement-type look that’s very popular as well.
