kitchens
Ideas
- Ceiling lamps: These lamps provide diffused light that illuminates the entire kitchen. Recessed ceiling lights or soffits are common choices.
- Recessed lights: Also known as ceiling lights, they are perfect for general lighting, creating a well-lit environment without taking up visual space.
- Under Cabinet Lights: Ideal for illuminating work surfaces such as worktops and food preparation areas. These lights can be LED strips or spot lights that are installed under cabinets.
- Pendant lights: Perfect for illuminating kitchen islands or bars. In addition to providing light, they add a decorative element. They should be placed at a suitable height to avoid shadows in the work area.
- Skirting lights: Installing LED lights on cabinet skirting boards can create an attractive visual effect and provide soft lighting at night.
- Shelf Lighting: Use lights on open shelves to highlight decorative items or tableware.
- Use of LEDs: LED lights are energy efficient, last longer and are available in a variety of colour temperatures.
- Dimmers: Installing dimmers on lights allows the lighting level to be adjusted according to the needs and desired ambience.
- Light Distribution: It is important to ensure that light is evenly distributed to avoid shadows and dark spots.
- Description: A soft and natural tone that brings calm and freshness. It is ideal for creating a relaxing atmosphere in the kitchen.
- Combinations: Can be combined with white, light wood, and details in copper or gold.
- Description: A deep and sophisticated colour that brings elegance and modernity. Works well in contemporary kitchens.
- Combinations: Can be combined with white, light grey, and stainless steel or gold accents.
- Description: A dark, neutral tone that adds a modern and chic touch. It is ideal for minimalist and elegant kitchens.
- Combinations: Combines well with white, natural wood, and black or stainless steel details.
- Description: A sleek, contemporary colour that adds a dramatic touch. Works well in large, well-lit kitchens.
- Combinations: Combines well with white, natural wood, and gold or stainless steel accents.
- Advantages: Durable, stain and scratch resistant and non-porous, making it easy to clean and maintain.
- Applications: Countertops, backsplashes and cladding.
Trend: Available in a variety of colours and finishes, imitating natural stones such as marble.
- Advantages: Heat, stain and water resistant, easy to clean.
Applications: Worktops, appliances, sinks and cladding. - Trend: Use in appliances and accessories, as well as in details and finishes.
- Advantages: Durable, water-resistant and easy to clean, available in countless designs.
- Applications: Backsplashes and floors.
- Trend: Large tiles, geometric patterns and matt finishes.
- Advantages: Versatile, can be moulded into different shapes, resistant and modern.
- Applications: Countertops, flooring and decorative elements.
- Trend: Polished finishes and neutral colours for an industrial chic look.
Us
Passion for design and kitchens.
The idea for this blog came from my love for the kitchen and the desire to share innovative and practical ideas to improve this important space in every home. Since my early days, I have worked tirelessly to provide content that not only inspires, but is also practical and accessible to all.
Open kitchen design
- Visual spaciousness:
The absence of dividing walls allows natural light to flow freely, making the space appear larger and airier.
It improves the visual connection between the kitchen and adjacent areas, such as the dining room and living room.
- Social Interaction:
Facilitates interaction between people in the kitchen and those in other areas of the home.
Ideal for families and those who enjoy entertaining guests while cooking.
- Versatility and Flexibility:
Allows for greater flexibility in the arrangement of furniture and appliances.
Islands or peninsulas can be easily incorporated to provide additional space for cooking, dining or socialising.
Key Elements in the Design of Open Plan Kitchens
- Kitchen islands:
- Functionality: islands offer additional space for food preparation, storage of cooking utensils and can include items such as sinks or hobs.
- Sociability: Islands can also function as a breakfast bar or a place where guests can sit while cooking.
- Materials and finishes:
- Uniformity: Use materials and colours consistent with the rest of the home’s décor to create a seamless transition between spaces.
- Durability: Opt for durable, easy-to-clean materials such as quartz, granite or stainless steel.
- Lighting:
- General: Recessed ceiling lights or soffits to illuminate the entire kitchen.
- Task: Under-cabinet or island lights for specific work areas.
- Ambient: Decorative lighting, such as pendant lights over the island, to add style and warmth.
- Storage:
- Cabinetry: ample cabinetry that maximizes storage space without interrupting the open aesthetic.
- Open Shelving: Open shelving to display dinnerware, cookbooks or decorative items, adding a personal touch.
- Ventilation:
- Extractor Hoods: Install powerful extractor hoods to remove odours and fumes, keeping the open space fresh and clean.
- Work Areas:
- Work Triangle: Maintain an efficient work triangle layout (sink, cooker, refrigerator) for ease of movement and efficiency in the kitchen.
Storage ideas for small kitchens
Open shelving:
- Advantages: Add vertical storage without making the space feel closed.
- Applications: You can use them to store plates, cups, jars of ingredients and kitchen utensils.
- Decoration: In addition to being practical, they can serve as decorative elements if you organise the objects in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Cabinets up to the Ceiling:
- Advantages: They make maximum use of vertical space.
- Applications: Upper cabinets can be used to store infrequently used items.
- Accessibility: Consider using a folding ladder for easy access to higher shelves.
Drawer Organisers:
- Benefits: Keeps kitchen utensils and tools organised and easy to find.
- Applications: Cutlery dividers, utensil trays and organisers for pot and pan lids.
Hooks and Bars on the Walls:
- Advantages: Utilises vertical wall space.
- Applications: Install hooks to hang cups, cooking utensils, frying pans and pots and pans.
- Customisation: Magnetic bars are excellent for storing knives safely and accessibly.
Rolling Kitchen Trolleys:
- Advantages: They add additional storage space and are mobile.
- Applications: Use them to store utensils, small appliances or as an additional preparation station.
- Flexibility: They can be easily moved as needed and stored in a corner when not in use.
Shelves and Corner Organisers:
- Advantages: They make use of the corners of cabinets, which are often difficult to use.
- Applications: Rotating shelves or ‘lazy susans’ are perfect for storing spices, canned goods and other small items.
Folding tables and removable worktops:
- Advantages: They provide additional workspace when needed and can be stored when not in use.
- Applications: Folding tables can be wall-mounted and pull-out worktops can be integrated into cabinets.
Hidden drawers in the skirting board:
- Advantages: Utilises space in the bottom of cabinets, which is usually wasted.
- Applications: Stores seldom used kitchen utensils, baking trays and other flat items.
Kitchen Curtains
Photographs of Kitchens
