Kitchens are the heart of the home, and having a well-thought-out kitchen design is essential. The design should be comfortable for one’s lifestyle yet reflect a distinct personality. From walls and cabinets to flooring and countertops, here are five favorite kitchen designs to explore:
Contemporary kitchens present clean lines and geometric themes. Cabinets and appliances have a minimalist appearance. Cabinets are commonly made out of plastic, laminate or clean-cut, light-grained woods. Some modern kitchen interiors are heavily decorated with chrome. This metal and others are often used to fabricate tables, chairs and kitchen gadgets. To balance out a heavy industrial feel, natural elements are included in the design. Wood, stone and other organic materials soften the harsh lines of modern design. Floors include concrete acid stains and bamboo. Common contemporary trends include green kitchen design as well as energy-efficient appliances and materials.
Plaster walls and antiqued cabinets are staples of an old-world kitchen. A mix of European style and antiquity, old-world design incorporates colors such as warm, rich browns, reds and creams. Countertops are fabricated with granite, but deep laminates in shades of brown also work well. Old-world kitchens often have tile or uneven hardwood floors. Cabinets and islands are commonly made from wood that has been glazed or antiqued. Hardware generally is aged bronze or copper. Window treatments and chairs incorporate fabric designs such as stripes, florals and animal prints. Modern appliances such as refrigerators and microwaves can be disguised behind wood paneling. Islands are often seen in an old-world kitchen; island cabinets can be painted a different color than the coordinating kitchen cabinets. Range hoods are made from stone or faux-finished in plaster for a textured organic feel.
Outdoor kitchens are a new trend in living space design. The space can be as simple as a grill and seating area or as complex as an outdoor cooking station with a built-in gas range, granite countertops and a sink to wash cooking utensils. The core of the outside kitchen is the grill. Prices can vary greatly, from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Furniture and cabinets can be added to the area, as can outdoor planters. Weatherproof fabric cushions for the chairs and benches add a punch of color. The outdoor kitchen is only limited by the customer’s budget and designer’s imagination.
Similar to an old world–style kitchen, a French country kitchen stresses aged beauty with a more feminine feel. French country design has a casual and comfortable sense and is not as heavy and masculine as old-world design. Cabinets are glazed with antiquing stain for a dated look. However, cabinets are commonly painted subdued hues such as sage, light blue and white. Fabrics used in the kitchen emphasize the mixing of patterns – plaids mixed with florals and stripes. Toile is a common fabric design seen in French country décor, illustrating outdoor scenery in one color such as red or blue on a white background. Paint colors include a very light neutral cream or white. Terra-cotta pots and dishes can emphasize an earthy, organic look. A chandelier above an old farmhouse kitchen table is a common finishing touch to the French country kitchen.
Kitchens reminiscent of a 1950s ice cream parlor or hamburger joint have a distinct vintage flavor. Linoleum flooring in the traditional black-and-white checkerboard pattern is often the core of the retro kitchen. Cabinets are commonly painted pastel colors. Cabinet drawers and doors include vintage glass knobs. Chrome tables and barstools bring the mid-century look to the dining area. Today, many companies specialize in vintage reproductions of refrigerators and other appliances – an antique look but with all the modern conveniences. Decorating a vintage kitchen can be one of the most entertaining parts of the design process. Scouring through flea markets and garage sales for the perfect décor can help you fill a retro kitchen with one-of-a-kind items at low prices.
To learn more about how to build a kitchen to fit your family’s lifestyle and budget, call Joliet Cabinet at 815-727-4096 or e-mail info@jolietcabinet.com. For more information on Joliet Cabinet and to see images from its portfolio, visit www.jolietcabinet.com.