Mar 22 2010
How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Style
Lifestyle and habits of household members determine the home decorating style and kitchen is not an exception here. Due to its specific requirements – functional and aesthetic, the arrangement of the kitchen should be approached very meticulously and style selection should compromise all needs, areal abilities and individual experience of this important living place area.
Kitchen is one of the most important living place areas. Many different processes that require its logical workflow, visibility and space are performed there. In case of a residential kitchen, apart from food preparation and having lunch, kitchen serves to bring together a whole family and to provide them with stylish surrounding for comfortable socialization. If kitchen is visually connected to the dining and living room, it is necessary to adjust the style of decoration through similar, or widely different style preferences.
Large kitchen area provides maximum freedom in kitchen furniture placement design and color selection. In addition to aesthetics, in such kitchens emphasis should be put on practical and functional elements that will allow easier access to foods and dishes, and of course performing actions without excessive bending. Set your oven at the minimum height of 1m, use cabinets to store dishes, use high elements as food storage and set a stove in a separate kitchen part, also known as the island. In other words, create an environment where you can reach all the necessary devices and equipment, including a sink and a dishwasher, with a simple circular movement.
Kitchen can be emphasized through the color and material selection. Special effects, in rustic or modern style, can be achieved with the use of wood or materials that mimic its color and texture. The heat which this material carries into space emphasizes the warm atmosphere of home.
Kitchens can be colored in solid or multi colors and the choice depends on the size of it compared to other groups, such as dining or living room. Small kitchens are not suitable for using dark kitchen elements, but dark color lovers can apply these colors in lower kitchen zone. Forcing light elements above will make an impression of larger kitchen.
Large kitchens should be organized using multiple colors and materials. In addition to a full solid material, use blurred glass to hide dishes and food. This kid of glass will also make kitchen furniture lightweight and more elegant. With proper combining of colors and sizes of elements you can create a harmonious kitchen area where all residents will feel good. In addition, by using multiple colors and materials which are not in strong contrast, you will visually reduce the size of the kitchen and divide it in more functional groups.
If the kitchen is opened to the dining room, it should be treated as integral part of so called daily zone and associate it in style and color with other parts of interior. Ideal link between kitchen and other areas would be a bench board or a desk that will serve as additional work surface or a dining table. Such solutions can be very interesting apart from the visual impression as they provide a practical role too.
Rustic kitchens designed in different colors and ways of processing the working surface create a unique atmosphere. Rustic kitchens are usually performed in gentle or wood colors, as high color intensity would interfere with a rich rustic style expression.
In small apartments it is advisable to integrate kitchen in your living area. The best way to do so is to make sure kitchen fits with other elements of interior, and connection should be created with use of colors, materials, element handles, style, geometry, etc. If you use more colors, apply the softly ones as a basic theme, and use dynamic colors on the details.
Kitchen design is a complex process, so if you have doubts about the selection of colors, materials or any other kind of questions, the best is to contact professionals who will help you with valuable advices.
Allan D. More is a writer and journalist at some of the world leading lifestyle magazines. You can see some of his latest writings at Office Task Chairs and Modern Light Fixtures sites.