EuroCucina is one of the largest major kitchen trade shows in Europe, and one of the most important industry showcases for trends and innovation. Held every two years at Fiera Milano, Italy, it attracts visitors from 160 countries around the world. The 2016 edition took place from 12 to 17 April, bringing the world’s top manufacturers and designers together under one roof. Here, EGGER UK’s head of decor development Elliott Fairlie talks about some of the trends that caught his eye.

1. EuroCucina 2016
Trend Report

2. Introduction
Trend Insights:
­ Comeback Classics
­ Texture Meets Colour
­ Monochrome Continues
­ Light Woods
­ Dark Woods
­ Adding Value
­ Aqua Colours
­ Gloss
­ Matt
­ Metallic
­ Open Storage
­ Nature
­ Grey shades
EuroCucina is one of the largest major
kitchen trade shows in Europe, and one
of the most important industry
showcases for trends and innovation.
Held every two years at Fiera Milano,
Italy, it attracts visitors from 160
countries around the world.
The 2016 edition took place from
12 to 17 April, bringing the world’s top
manufacturers and designers together
under one roof.
Here, EGGER UK’s head of décor
development Elliott Fairlie talks about
some of the trends that caught his eye.
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T

3. With 120 exhibitors, EuroCucina sets future trends and creates
the perfect environment to exchange ideas and present new
designs, concepts and themes.
As this event only takes place every two years, there is always
an excitement and anticipation surrounding the show. This
year was no different, with bustling halls and a clear
excitement from everyone about the innovative products and
designs on display.
Even with so many new things to see in terms of new designs
and innovation, there are still a number of companies that
stand out from the crowd – and design trends and themes that
resonate throughout the show.
120 Exhibitors
covering top Italian
and international
brands.
The trends on display
were focused on
cutting­edge
innovation,
technology and
design.
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T

4. Comeback Classics
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
“Who would have
thought that we would
be talking about black
Ash in 2016?”
Who would have thought that we would be talking about
black Ash in 2016?
Many will remember this from the first time around. However,
recently, it has made a comeback in an elegant and rather
contemporary form.
These black timber finishes bring together the current need
for texture on solid colours, as well as the painted timber
trend that we have seen rise to the fore in the UK over recent
years – not to mention the trend for monochrome seen in
furniture and fashion recently. So, really, we shouldn’t be too
surprised.
Companies such as Arrex, Leicht and Doimo Cucine used
this to great effect, as frontals and worksurfaces, whilst
others also opted for this style in combination with white or
metallic finishes.
With finishes available such as our U961 ST27 Graphite, it
can create a modern, tactile twist to a classic look.
Arrex Doimo Cucine
Leicht

5. Texture Meets Colour
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
For all that black textured wood pore finishes were everywhere at the show, there were also many
other solid colours seen with textures ranging from wood pores to the more abstract.
This was highlighted again on the Leicht stand, who used a white j­pull door with a deep­brushed
finish, in combination with a black wood pore for a contrasting yet, equally, balanced design.
Again, with finishes such as our ST27 collection, which is available in a number of solid colours in
this direction, similar designs can be recreated.
Highlighted at the Leicht Stand

6. Monochrome Continues
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
As you can probably see from my previous
comments, monochrome is a growing trend which
continued to gain prominence at this year’s show.
In fashion, and interior design, monochrome
designs are very visible everywhere at the
moment with contrasting black and white finishes
– often seen as grey, off­whites and dark grey
nearly­black shades for a less harsh contrast.
Again, companies such as Leicht displayed this
perfectly, with a balance of light and dark grey
shades that combined extremely well. Elam and
Klab meanwhile used starker shades to create
more striking designs.
Leicht Klab
Elam

7. Light Woods
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
Scandinavian and Nordic influences have been gaining traction in recent months, with light timber
finishes used in combination with whites and grey tones to create fresh, timeless pieces.
Armani / Dada displayed its own interpretation, with a light limed­oak design in combination with
metallic planked strips and handles with timeless looking white marble worktops.
It was good to see Arrex opting for a couple of EGGER’s deep, rustic Halifax Oak designs in varying
light and natural shades, including H1180 ST37 Natural Halifax Oak in combination with aqua
Armani / Dada
Doimo Cucine
colours – just as we are starting to see our recently launched U636 ST9 Fjord cool blue décor used
as a contrast.

8. Dark Woods
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
Dark woods are often seen in abundance in Italian design, particularly in classic Walnut finishes, as
they create a dramatic, luxurious feel. However, there did seem to be many more wood species in
varying dark shades this year, and by more than just Italian manufacturers.
Nobilia were a company who demonstrated this well, with the deep­textured, H3342 ST28 Sepia
Gladstone Oak design in a melamine synchronised pore texture. This was emphasised by clever
under lighting incorporated into the worktop and shelving to create a down light which picked out the
grain and the subtle varying grey tones in the print to great effect.
Nobilia
Nobilia

9. Adding Value
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
I was particularly impressed with the Leicht stand this
year. Firstly, because of the way they incorporated
many of the main themes seen at this year’s show on
one stand, and were right on the money with their
design choices in a way that was still functional and
attainable. However, what impressed me most was
their ability to add value to their product.
One particular display stood out for me and
epitomised how attention to detail can make all the
difference to the overall design.
Using H1181 ST37 Tobacco Halifax Oak with its
deep textured synchronised pore finish, Leicht
displayed a modern and contemporary design, using
the finish as a worktop with matching end­panels,
open shelving with under lighting to display the grain,
and even a matching extractor fan, in combination
with a cool dark grey for a perfectly balanced look.
Leicht
Leicht
Leicht
EGGER's H1181 ST37
Tobacco Halifax Oak
has been used.

10. Aqua Colours
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
Every year, after visiting various European shows,
we come back to the UK talking about trend colours
ranging from bright reds and yellows to greens.
However, very rarely do we see these filter through
into the UK market and are often only seen as
accent paint colours or accessories for a short while
before we move on to the next big thing. However,
recent months have seen the introduction of
blue­green hues such as our U636 ST9 Fjord and
Lube Cucine
Nobilia
Caccaro
U540 ST9 Denim, which continued to gain
prominence at the show.
Their ability to create subtle combinations with
neutral solid colours from white to grey, as well as
accents with varying wood species and colours,
means that these blue shades create the perfect
accent – yet still have commercial, widespread
appeal.

11. Matt and Gloss
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
Gloss is still a dominant topic in the UK market and
continued to be heavily featured at this year’s show.
However, this tended to be in varying shades of cool
greys, moving away from the typical white finishes.
Scavollini
Leicht
There does tend to be a shift, though, towards more
matt finishes – which was to be expected at a show
which is dominated by leading manufacturers
showcasing the very latest designs and finishes.
Again, these tended to be in cool grey shades or black
finishes, creating high­end contemporary designs,
such as Comprex.
With the recent introduction of our PerfectSense
range available in a high quality co­ordinated range of
matt and gloss decors, it creates a premium feel to any
furniture or design applications.
Comprex
Maistri

12. Metallic
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
We have seen the emergence of metallic finishes in
copper and gold over recent years, usually as accent
pieces or accessories, and this always tends to be
displayed at a show where leading manufacturers
are trying to create theatre and the chance to
showcase their products. However, this year, this
trend definitely gained more traction.
One reason why I felt that this trend was being held
back was down to the lack of appliances, taps and
sinks available in these more elaborate metallic
finishes. From a consumer level, we want a
coordinated design.
Up to now, appliances have tended to be
predominantly in stainless steel and have therefore
dictated other parts of the design. However, with the
introduction of those displayed at the show, it would
seem that this may be set to change.
Binova
Leibherr
Rossana
This year, this trend
definitely gained more
traction.

13. Open Storage
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
As the kitchen environment continues to change, we
continue to see island units taking centre stage, with
open shelving allowing easy access to fresh
ingredients, plates, bowls and utensils etc.
This was evident at the show, with doors and drawers
making way for shelving and pantry­style storage, as
seen from companies such as Comprex, Scavollini
and Elam.
Scavollini
Elam
Comprex

14. Nature
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
Nature in kitchen design is nothing new. However, the
use of herb gardens in either open shelving or in
central island units create natural elements in what
currently tends to be rather minimal and contemporary
designs.
These natural touches help to create contrast and
interest whilst adding warmth and texture to stark
designs.
Arclina
Ilive
Nolte

15. Grey Shades
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T
DECEMBER 2016
And, finally, just as the trend for grey shades
heavily influenced my previous reports, I can
confirm that they are still as prominent as ever.
However, this does tend to be in varying cool
shades, moving away from the more neutral, rather
warmer greys. Such as our U708 Light Grey and
Doimo Cucine
Häcker
Nobilia
U732 Dust Grey.
These cool tones, combine extremely well with
light and dark woodgrains, as well as the aqua
coloured accents that are gaining traction, and
also work well with white, as seen by Doimo
Cucine, Häcker and Nobilia.

16. See what
other design
trends are taking over
View our trendcast page to discover the latest trend videos:
View more videos

17. Overall, this year’s EuroCucina proved once again why it is so eagerly
anticipated. With many of the world’s leading manufacturers and
designers on display, it is an opportunity to take inspiration from the
best of the best and a chance to gain an insight into the future of the
market.
It can be used as a platform to influence new design ideas, with
displays and concepts that are innovative, yet attainable.
Now the anticipation starts to build as we wait to see some of these
new designs and concepts filtering through and entering the UK
market.
Elliott Fairlie, EGGER UK, April 2016
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E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T

18. The front cover image was provided courtesy of Salone Del Mobile Milano ­ Andrea Mariani.
Page 3 and page 17 banner images were provided courtesy of Salone Del Mobile Milano ­
Alessandro Russotti.
Photography Attribution:
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EGGER UK Limited
Anick Grange Road,
Hexham,
Northumberland, NE46 4JS
T 01434 602191
F 01434 605103
To find out more visit: www.egger.com
E U R O C U C I N A 2 0 1 6 T R E N D R E P O R T