Trends often arise from the needs of the time. Nothing is more prominent right now than the need to be more energy efficient in the face of both the fuel crisis and rising living costs. These are not likely to change any time soon and are coupled with the fact that we must all live more eco-friendly lives, not just for now, but always.

It is now common to look more closely at the energy label and running costs of any new purchase, whether that is a one-off or a suite of appliances. The good news is that any new appliance will be more efficient than the old one, helping to save both resources and money. In addition, because all appliance manufacturers are constantly investing in new technology to make their products more efficient, you will no longer have to shop at the top end for the most eco-friendly models.

Following directly on from energy saving, environmental awareness is also influencing the choice of materials in our kitchens. Sustainable options are now popular – for example, natural timber or stone for worktops, or glass or composites that can be completely recycled at the end of their lives.

These are materials that will last a long time and age well – either by developing a patina over the years or with durable good looks. They can also be mixed and matched beautifully for more of an eclectic look. Natural materials come with an expectation of imperfection that many people are welcoming as they reject perfect straight lines for a more handcrafted feel.

Where manmade materials are used, we want to know whether they have been constructed in a sustainable way and what the manufacturing policies are of the companies that made them. This accountability is ever-more important, particularly when you are investing large sums in a new kitchen.

Open-plan kitchens are so far from being a new trend that the phrase is now part of our language. However, what is gaining in popularity is using materials that ensure the kitchen makes a strong visual statement. As above, natural wood and reclaimed timber, which are very much part of the reuse trend, are being used to add pattern and texture – both grabbing the eye and demanding to be touched.

In the same way, fluted glass has already found favour for kitchen cabinets, adding atmosphere to the kitchen when lit from within. Following on from this, we are now seeing fluted and ribbed textures appearing on wooden cupboard doors and used on splashbacks. It is a subtle texture that is highly effective when used to create interest to an open-plan kitchen.

There are also plenty of ideas emerging for people who want to make a bolder statement with their kitchen. For example, waterfall worktops that cascade down the side of an island can be seen in bold marble-effect composites that really grab the attention, and glass or acrylic splashbacks in bright colours or personalised designs are great for a relatively easy and inexpensive kitchen upgrade.

During the pandemic, online working opened our eyes to the possibilities of technology, and connected appliances and the smart home started to make a lot of sense. Now we are using WiFi-enabled devices to their full potential.

For example, smart appliances that can be monitored remotely (even from a smart watch) can also help us save energy – and water, where applicable – by suggesting the most efficient programs for the best performance. And remote diagnostics, whereby problems on smart appliances can be detected without an engineer needing to call, are a huge bonus for a busy household, particularly one where hybrid working is now the norm. The demand for smart homes is only set to grow as the number of devices and possibilities increases.

Making food last longer is not a trend, it is a necessity. However, our shopping habits have changed, and, with families now shopping again in bulk, larger fridges are in demand. The latest models are not only capable of storing copious amounts of food but they are also able to keep it fresher for longer, with humidity control and reduced temperature compartments to name but two features.

Elsewhere in the kitchen, many people still hanker for an old-fashioned pantry so they can store bigger quantities of dried goods and household detergents. For more flexibility, a walk-in pantry is even more desirable: these have room for additional prep space and even the washing machine or second fridge-freezer. It is about making the space in the kitchen work as hard as it can for you – so for those with smaller kitchens, a breakfast cupboard is a great pantry alternative. With room to store the toaster and coffee machine as well as cereals and other tins and packets, a breakfast cupboard means you can clear worktops of clutter.

Staying in helps save money but it calls for a few changes, as those who work from home regularly have discovered. Some are clearly missing their daily barista-style beverage as coffee machines are more popular than ever. Whether it is the daytime caffeine fix or ending dinner parties with a flourish, we are voting with our tastebuds when it comes to coffee at home.

Wine at home is also enjoying similar interest. It is not just about drinking wine – that would hardly be a new trend. A growing number of people are getting serious about storing wine, both at the right temperature to enjoy it at its best and for keeping it in the correct conditions for long-term storage. Long established at the top-end of the appliance market, wine storage models can be now found at all price points, which is great news for those who love a tipple.