Integrated kitchens
Open-plan living evolves in the form of the disappearing kitchen.
1. Solid and seamless
Photograph: Elsa Young
This ergonomic b3 Bulthaup kitchen employs mixed-use counter space and cabinetry crafted to blend into the home’s overall design, creating a utilitarian, flawlessly integrated kitchen setup. Structural and decorative elements not typically associated with kitchens, such as geometric tiles and wooden flooring, add to this effect.
Get the look
‘Cabinet fronts in solid walnut create a seamless look when closed,’ explains Ramon Casado, design director at Bulthaup. ‘Employ pocket doors that hide small appliances.’
2. Dainty and discreet
Photograph: Ariadna Bufi
By painting this small kitchenette in a dramatic cerise pink that matches the rest of the loft, the two areas read as one space — thus rendering the kitchen virtually invisible.
Get the look
Plascon ‘Magenta Rose’, R402 per 5 litres, Builders Warehouse.
Open shelving
Not just a practical storage solution, open shelving also allows you to create pretty displays.
3. Cool and curated
Photograph: Anson Smart
Open shelving is a beautiful and practical alternative to deep built-in cupboards, which can obscure access to items that get pushed to the back. Use repetition in your display to create a pleasing aesthetic, the way interior designer Greg Natale has done in this unique country kitchen wall display. A series of pots, jars and jugs have been arranged on structured open shelving — a striking feature that also provides ample accessible storage.
Get the look
Contact Slavin & Co for a customised solution for your kitchen.
Colour blocking
A solid colour used in a focused area or throughout your kitchen is an easy way to update your space.
4. Back it up
Photograph: Anson Smart
According to John Dammerman of EasyLife Kitchens, ‘A splashback, essential for protecting the wall behind your stove or sink, is the perfect place to introduce the latest colour trends, which include decorative and printed glass.’ Go for something different with bold geometric tiles in a statement colour. Tribal, ethnic-inspired hues are a firm favourite this season.
Get the look
Douglas Jones’ Burnt Earth and Provenza ranges offer exciting colour inspiration, available from Italtile.
5. Bold statement
Photograph: Courtesy of AMP Architects
Painting surrounding wall space in a solid colour in contrast to the cabinetry is a striking, modern approach to this space.
Get the look
Try Plascon’s‘Spanish Gold’ or Dulux’s ‘Honey Mustard’ for a similar colour. Pair with accents of black, such as this glass splashback, to ground the look. EasyLife Kitchens has a wide selection of customisable options
at its showrooms.
Lighting treatment
As the site of social interaction as well as work, the kitchen requires increasingly considered lighting.
6. Large and in charge
Photograph: Courtesy blu_line
As the divide between the kitchen and the rest of the home continues to dissolve, lighting fixtures are becoming bigger and better. Be sure to choose a fixture that lights warmly and evenly, in contrast to work space lighting. Consider keeping it on a separate switch and ensure that the fitting hangs well above head height. What’s more, ambient lighting is being used to add to the mood, bathing floors and countertops in light for a very luxurious look, such as in this blu_line kitchen.
Get the look
Go to GLO Lighting + Living for a range of statement lighting pieces.