The basics of kitchen design – how to choose a style?

Basics of kitchen design

Kitchen design is at the heart of a home’s interior design and the overall look of a kitchen will have a strong influence on its mood, so it’s clear how much of a role the choice of kitchen style can play. Even before the kitchen design process has started, it is preferable that the client already knows his or her preferred design direction, so that designers can offer the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations possible.

If the options seem too wide right now and you have no idea what style you want for your next kitchen project, then you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll briefly outline what to look out for and how to make the right style choice for you and your home.

List of mandatory elements

The first place to start is with a list of what you really, really need to include in your kitchen. Whether it’s a kitchen island, an extended counter or rows of open shelving, it doesn’t matter! This type of list will not only help you understand what and how much storage will be needed, but also give you an idea of what styles are possible in general. It is well known that open shelving, for example, is not typically found in modern minimalist kitchens.

If you’re not sure about the style, start with the colours!

Not only the style, but also the colour palette has a strong influence on the overall design of the kitchen furniture and the final result. We’ve written a lot about colour palettes, but let’s summarise here. Practically any shade will work in a more minimal kitchen, but greys and white are the most common. Earth tones, or browns and dark greens, will tastefully complement classic kitchens. It may seem unusual, but the end result is always great! The last important thing is Scandinavian style. It is characterised by light tones in combination with wooden surfaces.

Sweet dish at the end – 3 features of the most popular styles:

1. Modern Minimalism

A modern kitchen is the epitome of sophistication, attractiveness and quality. Tasteful and durable, often stone or ceramic worktops are accentuated with subtle but thoughtful decor and a predominantly monochrome colour palette. The term ‘modern’ can vary greatly from one person to another, but when you think of a minimalist kitchen, you immediately think of fluid lines, right angles and a monochromatic colour palette, a simplistic design that combines both the aesthetic and the functional.

2. The classic and the tried and tested

What is classic cuisine? The answer can be as varied as shades of white. This includes the widely recognised earth or light tones, simple but subtle details such as beaded fronts and delicate handles that give the kitchen an authentic and canvas-like feel that homeowners can enhance with accent elements.

3. Scandinavian

Think of Scandinavian-style kitchens as a cousin of minimalism, with fluid, strong lines and natural materials. This style of kitchen is practical and functional, with a refreshing look thanks to the white colour palette that brightens up the overall interior. Tasteful accents are also included, often in light, high-quality solid wood. A bright and cosy kitchen design with wooden surfaces or elements to suit all tastes.

Kitchen design basics – summary

What is the style of the rest of the house? What is the amount of light available? How big is the kitchen? What is the planned or desired kitchen layout? What materials would you like to see in your project? These are the questions you should answer and think about, because the key to kitchen design success is in the details!

Our designers have a lot of experience, so even if this article hasn’t helped you much with your style choices, there’s no need to worry! There are hundreds of other details to take care of in the kitchen, while our designers will help you with the styling and design.

If you’re also interested in starting your own kitchen project, but aren’t quite sure where to start, our designers will help you with every detail and answer all your questions! For a 3D visualisation of your kitchen design and a free first consultation, sign up here!