European style kitchen can be incorporated in homes through many different ways. Here are 5 tips that home owners can use when they are looking to create a European style kitchen at home.
European Style Kitchen #1: Suitable Cabinetry
Cabinetry is a huge part of the aesthetic and feel of a European-style home kitchen which combines sleek design and functionality. One of the distinguishing features of a European kitchen is the use of flat-panel cabinets — better known as slab cabinets, featuring smooth surfaces with no decorative elements. These cabinets create a minimalist and highly modern feel that speaks simplicity and elegance. The selection of materials is very important — lacquered wood and matte finishes are favourites that contribute to the sophisticated and low-profile look of European design.
Another typical characteristics of European cabinetry is the sleek integration of appliances. Appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators and ovens come with built-in features and are completely hidden by panels that match the other cabinet fronts in order to give them a uniform and smooth appearance. Not only does this enhance the line of sight, but it also contributes to the overall functionality of the kitchen. Very common are handleless cabinets or cabinets with sleek and minimalist handles made from stainless steel or matte black that help create clean lines and a clutter-free look synonymous with European kitchens.
Functionally, clever storage within cabinetry is another hallmark of the European kitchen. Pull-out shelves, deep drawers and corner cabinets all contribute to squeezing every inch of space which becomes especially important in most European homes with their smaller kitchen layouts. This focus on smart design will make sure the kitchen is both stylish and practical.
Cabinetry in neutral colours such as white, beige or grey really complements the simple elegance of the space. Navy or charcoal adds a modern touch. Streamlined aesthetics, quality materials and practical storage including cabinetry make for the cornerstone to creating a European-style kitchen.
European Style Kitchen #2: Making Good Use Of Space
European style kitchens are characterised by efficient usage of space where functionality and design merge into one seamless and organised space. Since European kitchens are often compact, every square foot counts with intelligent storage solutions that come about with well-thought of layouts. A minimalist, open-plan design is key to allowing the kitchen to flow into dining or living spaces without feeling cramped.
The cabinets are usually sleek — maximising storage vertically with the tall cabinetry while corner pull-out units and deep drawers use up every inch. European kitchens are known to include integrated appliances from in-wall ovens to refrigerators — mixing them together with the cabinetry for a clean and streamlined look with minimal clutter. Concealed storage, pull-out pantries and all other multi-functional furniture such as fold-away dining tables or kitchen islands with additional storage offer both practicality and style.
Open shelving can be used to eliminate the top cabinets and provide a light and airy feel without losing functionality. Efficiency with counter space is stressed — countertops should be clear for prep work and small, high-quality European appliances such as compact dishwashers or induction stoves take up very little space while providing maximum efficiency. L-shapes are very common in smaller kitchens to make the best use of narrow spaces by putting work zones for cooking, cleaning and food preparation in a well-thought-out manner.
Natural light and soft, ambient artificial lighting further reinforce this feel of openness. Efficiency in the use of space in a European-style kitchen does not just maximise functionality, it also creates a clean and uncluttered look that allows the kitchen to feel larger and inviting in homes that may not be as large.
European Style Kitchen #3: Using Materials Of High Quality
High-quality materials incorporated into any European-style home kitchen provide the much needed style and functionality. To begin with, European kitchens are space-savvy designs that allow for beauty and durability. Design-wise, natural stone countertops such as marble and granite are often used — adding a luxurious surface area to your kitchen which is practical at the same time.
A favourite in a great number of European homes for its aesthetic beauty coupled with low-maintenance qualities is Silestone as it does not stain and even resists heat — it is ideal for busy kitchens. Other essentials are cabinetry typically made from high-class wood or BWR plywood — a water-resistant material that couples durability with sustainability. This helps ensure the cabinet can withstand daily wear and tear while maintaining a sophisticated look. Most of these cabinets, in order to complete the European look, are given either matte or high-gloss lacquers for a minimalist outlook.
Secondly, hardware and fixtures in stainless steel or matte black are chosen for their very modern look and durable quality — sleek faucets and cabinet handles. European kitchens often have integrated appliances into the cabinetry which also requires precision in choosing a material for that perfect and cohesive look.
High-quality tiles line the backsplashes which is known for durability and ease of maintenance — adding a touch of that traditional flair. This focused use of high-quality materials will make the kitchen not only more beautiful but also highly durable. It is in finding this balance between beauty and strength that one can create a European kitchen that will last through the ages.
European Style Kitchen #4: Incorporating European Appliances
The inclusion of European appliances means taking a step toward a European-style home kitchen. Compact, efficient and with leading technology, such appliances showcase the sleek and pragmatic design ethos of the European kitchen. Bosch, Miele and Smeg are synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship — their array of products blends impeccably with minimalist, modern kitchen aesthetics.
European kitchens are designed to be highly functional and the appliances are not an exception. That is why they include space-saving designs that will fit perfectly in either a small or large kitchens. Everything from compact, in-wall ovens and induction cooktops to integrated dishwashers is housed in cabinetry to create that clean and clutter-free look.
Other hallmarks of European appliances are their energy efficiency. Many of them boast the highest energy ratings for reduced electricity consumption while keeping optimal performance. This eco-conscious focus blends with the wider European design philosophy where sustainability and smart functionality come together. Besides functional benefits, many European appliances boast sleek, modern finishes from stainless steel to matte black and colourful retro designs such as those offered by Smeg. These finishes not only feel and look great, but they are durable too — marrying style with longevity.
Furthermore, a kitchen can have a wonderful visual and practical appeal with European appliances — reflecting the elegance and efficiency generally characteristic of European homes. From refrigerators and ovens to coffee machines and range hoods, these appliances add more style to the setting while their solid performance makes them the cornerstone of any European-style kitchen.
European Style Kitchen #5: Exceptional Layout Planning
In a European-style home, critical consideration is taken into the efficiency factor at heart — open space and minimalism in its kitchen design layout. The key elements especially entail an open-plan layout where the kitchen seamlessly connects with the dining or living area. This not only maximises space but also encourages a social atmosphere — a hallmark of many European homes.
The kitchen layout is typically clean with straightforward lines and is aesthetic. Countertops, cabinetry and appliances are set in a spread out pattern to create a functional workspace without clutter. Sleek and integrated appliances such as built-in refrigerators and dishwashers enhance the clean and seamless look of it all. European kitchens tend to favour smaller appliances that are of good quality and are higher-end to save space and offer advanced functionality.
The most important feature of the layout is maximising storage. Pull-out cabinets, deep drawers and corner storage solutions are used so that the kitchen can be practical, stylish and not have any wasted space. If space allows it, the island can be a home to additional storage or appliances such as stovetops that create extra functionality within the kitchen
All in all, minimalist decoration combined with clever use of natural light serves to enhance that openness and cleanliness. Lighting is essential for such a kitchen — under-cabinet task lighting and pendant lights over either an island or dining area offer both practical and aesthetic value. A European kitchen's layout emphasises practicality, elegance and effective use of space — making it beautiful and highly functional.
