No two kitchens look the same. Many kitchens have different aspects and designs, which also depends on the home’s geographical location. Here’s a look at kitchen designs from around the world.
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Kitchen designs and trends change quickly, but there will always be a distinct kitchen design per country around the world. Japanese kitchens are more inclined to minimalism, while Mexican kitchens are maximalists. Other countries have distinct kitchen designs and traits as well, which are easy to spot and remember.
If you take a look behind the scenes in my kitchen in London, you will see a space that is bright and modern, with dark wooden cupboards and white granite counter, a gas hob and many sockets for my kitchen appliances. When we bought our flat in London, it had been recently renovated and so the kitchen was fitted with state of the art appliances and was overall in great conditions. Still, we decided to carry on some remodelling work to add more shelf space, pantry cabinets, lighting and plug sockets. We hired a designer and got custom-made cabinets as well as a breakfast table, which immediately became my favourite place in the entire flat! The renovation was not cheap, but it was an investment worth of our new family home! If you are thinking of redesigning or renovating your kitchen, hiring a kitchen remodeling contractor like A+ Construction & Remodeling is a good idea.
Now take a look at these kitchen designs from around the world and get inspired by a kitchen full of culture!
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Clean and Minimalism in Japan
Japanese kitchens are all about minimalism. These kitchens strive for cleanliness, purity, and balance, shying away from clutter and stress. Japanese homeowners focus more on the functionality and simplicity of the kitchen, resulting in contemporary minimalism.
The primary material used in Japanese kitchens is wood. This design keeps the kitchen feel warm and inviting, despite the many hard elements in the kitchen, such as ceramic and steel. The colour white is subtly injected into the design to achieve a more modern kitchen. Some Japanese kitchens also use white as an undertone to light greys and blues.
Sliding doors and windows, such as shoji screens, are also essential in Japanese kitchen designs. Homeowners use these doors instead of one with hinges to save space. Shoji screens help draw light inside the space and make the area more warm and cozy. If shoji screens are not available, homeowners use wooden sliding doors with translucent glass panels. To intensify the simplicity and minimalism of Japanese kitchens, homeowners use simple cabinetry. Some use handleless ones, going for clean lines and shapes, which are nothing complicated. Plates and cutlery used in Japanese kitchens are simple, using only white dishes and steel knives and forks.
Nature is also included in Japanese kitchen designs. Nature is injected into the kitchen space to keep up with no stress and no clutter design since it promotes health and vitality. Some designs include a small zen garden inside the kitchen or a small indoor plant that is easily incorporated into the kitchen design.
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Maximalist Mexican Kitchens
Unlike Japanese kitchens that radiate minimalism, Mexican kitchens scream maximalism. Mexican kitchen designs are warm, spicy, and inviting. Decorative tiling and hot colours are the main elements that can be seen in a Mexican kitchen. Whenever you think of Mexican kitchens, think of traditional South American designs. This design includes big and rustic floor tiles, bright walls, and bright-coloured countertops. Mexican kitchen designs are festive, which are easy to design and do not cost much. You will also never run the risk of overdoing anything. A typical Mexican kitchen consists of swirly iron light fixtures and red, blue, and green tile work. Deep saturated colours are always welcome in Mexican kitchens.
Additionally, the base for Mexican kitchens is warm-toned walls, which are usually in colour beige. Some Mexican kitchens use plain beige, while others use textured walls, even sometimes using stones to put more definition to the walls. Sticking to neutral-coloured walls allows the homeowner to dress it up with paintings and other decorations.
Mexican kitchens often use open shelving to store their kitchen essentials. Having open shelvings allows the homeowner to showcase their intricate and boldly designed plates, pots, and pans. It also allows the cook of the house to see the spices in the open-shelf pantry easily.
Bigger is better in United States
“The bigger, the better” is the most fitting motto for American kitchens. People often joke that if you do not have a double door refrigerator, then there is something wrong with your kitchen. Most Americans eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in it. Thus, there is a need for a spacious kitchen area.
American kitchens often have a variety of designs incorporated in them. Some designs that American kitchens have are modern, Mediterranean, Scandinavian, and traditional. For organising, homeowners choose USA made cabinets to store their kitchen equipment and other essentials.
There is no specific “American kitchen design”. What is essential is that the kitchen area should be big and spacious.
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French Elegance and Comfort
French kitchens usually use a mix of comfortable and elegant designs. The inspiration for French kitchen designs is the luxurious and long conversations of people over brunch. French kitchens often use earthy tones, toile and floral fabrics, and animal decor.
The cabinets, floors, and countertops are usually made from natural materials, such as wood, granite, and stone. High-quality wood is usually used for these kitchens, either painted in white or beige or stained to be in its natural state. Cabinets usually have some woodwork cutouts with silver or bronze hardware.
Artworks and accessories are also a key-point in designing a French kitchen. Botanical scenes and other natural subjects are framed. Farm animals, such as birds and horses, are often displayed in the kitchen. Wire and wicker baskets are also present in French kitchens.
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Modern or Rustic? The Italian Styles
Italian kitchens are sleek, mostly known for their minimalistic designs, open spaces, and a lot of light. Stainless steel and wood are frequently used for Italian kitchens, and the most common colour that you will see is white.
These kitchens usually are too modern, almost looking industrial. A notable feature of Italian kitchens is a countertop that has a stove, sink, and storage space. This feature allows the cook quick access to everything while cooking.
Across Italy you will also find old style, rustic kitchens with stone walls and copper pans. For example, you will find these kind of kitchen designs in farmhouses in the countryside around Puglia or Tuscany.
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The Takeaway
Kitchen designs may change over time, but there will always be a hint of the geographical location of each distinct element found in a kitchen. During one of your travels, you can check out the designs of every kitchen you encounter.
Checking out the kitchen will make you understand more about the culture of the place you visited.
Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.
