In North America, we are living in a multi-culture melting pot. We welcome different religions, cultures, and values. This is also reflected in the design of every home. Of all spaces in the home, the kitchen is the core of the house when it comes to family values. Have you ever wondered what kitchen looks like around the world? We have done the research for you and we hope this will inspire you during your kitchen design.
North American Kitchens Design Style
Typical North American style kitchen is about comfort, lines, and hardware. The image below is a typical North American kitchen. Comfort is important above all else and this is engraved in North American’s soul and this is reflected in the placement and the number of cabinets.
Most North American kitchen style will have the cabinet run from wall to wall to maximize storage, many will have one or two pantries in the space. Stack cabinet has been one of the popular choices in American design style as it creates lines and flow. Recent years, stack cabinets with different depth are in trend, it adds to the positive space and separate layer of design.
In term cabinet style, Shaker style is frequently found in North American kitchens, the recessed panel forms a trim look can easily match with homes that consist of similar elements. Cabinet hardware usually larger pulls. The kitchen is finished is usually finished off with light color pattern counter and stainless steel appliances.
Europe Kitchen Design Style
There are three major European kitchen styles that are frequently used today. These are the French country style, German minimalistic, and the Nordic luxurious. Each design style has characteristics that communicate implicitly through design. In Europe, cabinets are made mostly with solid wood for durability.
French Country House Design
Most French country style kitchen is open concept. Many use rustic elements to bring nature closer. The house structure such as a wooden beam is left fully or partly exposed. Country-side colors like yellow, green, and blue tones are frequently found on walls, floor and decor. Cabinets is not necessary to go from wall to wall, open shelving is frequently used to hold jars and spices. See image below for an example
German Minimalistic
Two interesting facts about Kitchen in Germany. The modern kitchen era started in Germany when Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky presented Frankfurt kitchen. Another is that the homeowner in Germany would take the cabinets with them in the event of relocation. The minimalistic design would suits the second fact perfectly. The minimalistic design in Germany reflects the industrial culture that we saw with other German designs and products. Cabinets are flat-panel and utilize many organization accessories. Countertop choices vary, concrete and stainless steel are used by many designers. The backsplash is quartz, panel or quartz. Tiles backsplash is rare in the minimalistic design.
Japanese Kitchen Design Style
The Japanese kitchen shares many common traits with the German minimalistic kitchens. Japanese kitchen preserves the Asian Zen culture by including natural timber in Japanese kitchen design. The timer frequently stained with light colors as opposed to the dark brown seen with rustic design. Rounded edges with countertop and well-polished hardware are all common elements found in this particular design. It reflects that the detail orientated is embedded in Japanese culture. Due to limited space in the majority of the house in Japan, organization accessories are found not only inside the drawers but also near the sink and along the wall.
Mediterranean Kitchen Design Style
The Mediterranean kitchen plays on the renaissance elements. Off-white and light-shaded blue is a popular color choice for cabinets and paint. It creates a neutral ambient in the space. Tiles and light fixtures play a huge part in this design style. Tiles of pattern or complex design are frequently used as backsplash and flooring. Middle-age metallic light fixture balances out the complexity of pattern elements and adds the taste of heritage to the mix. The brick elements are used at occasions in the replacement of tiles for backsplash. Large Mediterranean kitchen design will have an island and a large dining table. The table will be used to host family gatherings. Closeness is important in the culture.
Planning your kitchen and want to learn more about the process? Read our planning post here to learn more. Also, let us know what you like to read next using the contact us.
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