25 Sep INTERIOR DESIGN FOR A FUNCTIONAL AND ELEGANT KITCHEN
A modern kitchen is primarily functional, but equally elegant. The kitchen is often the busiest room in the house. It is the place where we prepare delicious dishes, serve meals and spend time with family or friends. Therefore, the arrangement of a kitchen will aim to achieve a balance between functionality and aesthetics, so that the result is practical and pleasant for the whole family. We present to you the key elements to consider in order to have a modern, functional and stylish kitchen.
Configuration and dimensions
The space dedicated to the kitchen imposes different interior design rules. While old apartments generally have enclosed kitchens as separate rooms, in new homes the kitchen is mostly open as an integrated part of the living room. Each of these types of kitchen has its advantages and disadvantages.
An enclosed kitchen is ideal for families who tend to cook often, but at the same time these kitchens are not always large enough to have a generous dining area, therefore enclosed kitchens often look crowded and cramped. On the other hand, an open kitchen offers a feeling of airiness, relaxation and freedom of arrangement, but it requires constructions to separate the functional areas inside and create access ways to facilitate a smooth and efficient work flow.
An interior designer will identify the optimal solutions for each space and type of kitchen, to avoid overloading or chaotic arrangement and to value and balance utility and comfort, adapted to the available space and individual preferences.
Lines and shapes
The line is a basic unit in interior design. Each object or piece of furniture draws lines that can contribute to harmony, unity and elegance.
Vertical and horizontal lines predominate in any kitchen. While repeated vertical lines convey a sense of power and make the eye move upwards, adding visual height, horizontal lines are restful, calm, and looking from side to side along a horizontal line widens the area or object that is viewed. Inserting curved lines between the horizontal ones in the design will create elegant focal points.
Considering the specifics of the furniture in the kitchen, the space will be dominated by geometric shapes with straight, symmetrical lines. It is important to break this monotony with accessories, hardware and decorative objects in curved lines that make the kitchen feel friendly and welcoming.
Colors and lighting
The choice of color palette for the kitchen is closely related to the natural light in that space, the design style and the dimensions of the kitchen. In a large and bright kitchen, dark tones can be more easily integrated, balanced with lighter, neutral shades, while a small kitchen will need light, bright colors that visually amplify the available space.
White has been the most popular color in kitchen design for a long time. Because white reflects more light than other colors, and it is associated with airy, bright and open spaces. Moreover, it makes the space look bigger and cleaner. Today, kitchen colors also include bolder shades such as green or blue, in combination with classic shades such as gray, beige or cream, only if the kitchen benefits from uniform general lighting.
Correct lighting is essential in a kitchen to ensure visibility, safety and ambiance. For a well-lit and welcoming space, the combination of natural light and artificial light sources is recommended. Suspended lighting fixtures mounted above the kitchen island or countertop provide focused lighting to that area, while recessed lights or LED strips mounted under hanging cabinets can provide general lighting.
Countertops and storage spaces
A functional kitchen includes efficient storage spaces, sufficient for all the items needed in a kitchen, without cluttering the interior. Therefore, tall or wall-hung cabinets, which save space, are a suitable solution. A correct choice of cabinets, suitable for the size and interior design, will allow the kitchen to be kept organized and clean, while also contributing to the overall aesthetics of the space.
The functionality and aesthetics of a kitchen is also influenced by the countertops, directly connected to the cabinets. Popular countertop options include granite, quartz, marble, travertine, pale melamine or wood. Choosing the type of countertop should take into account factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, stain resistance and the desired aesthetic. Countertops made of light-reflecting materials, such as quartz or granite, can help improve lighting in the kitchen by diffusing light and brightening the space. By selecting countertops that complement the overall design vision, the kitchen will not only meet practical needs, but also reflect personal design style and optimize the overall atmosphere of the space.
Household appliances and accessories
Household appliances and accessories are essential elements that influence the functionality and design of a kitchen. The choice of household appliances is based on personal needs and preferences, but their size, style and finish should also be taken into account in order to integrate them perfectly into the interior design. Do not forget to pay attention to their energy efficiency when selecting household appliances.
Accessories can define the elegance of a kitchen. A beautiful handle can completely transform the aesthetics of a standard cabinet, while a well-chosen faucet can give a modern look to a classic sink.
Quality and durability are essential factors when choosing hardware or flooring. While decorative items, a rug, a painting or natural plants framed in the kitchen space will add freshness and individuality.
The design project for a modern kitchen involves the consideration of several key elements to achieve a functional and stylish space. From colors and cabinetry to household appliances and lighting, every element contributes to the overall design concept. And the result will be efficient and impactful, when personal ideas and preferences are integrated with the advice of an interior design specialist.