Hampton kitchen, rustic, English or maybe modern? A space that is bright and as minimalist as possible – in warm, darker colours? Or perhaps rather sentimental and idyllic? Kitchen styles vary so much that all the inspiration can overwhelm. However, we have the solution! Check out our design overview and find out how to decorate your dream kitchen.
Before you choose a kitchen style, plan the layout – rules to consider
How do you decorate your kitchen? Inspiration is probably piling up in your head or on your ideas board. Before you decide on a rustic or modern kitchen, think through the practicalities:
- The work triangle principle
The fridge, sink and cooker are responsible for the most important functions of the kitchen and belong to the so-called work triangle. They should enable a comfortable and efficient workflow. The optimum distance between these appliances is 1.2-2.7 m. There should be a worktop between them.
Imagine your daily food preparation and adjust the layout of your appliances and furniture accordingly. Think about where you will put your groceries so you can lay them out in the fridge and then take out the products you need. The next activity will probably be cooking, so in the whole kitchen sequence the cooker should be at the end.
- Zoning
Going through the stages of your kitchen will also help you to designate the zones you need. These will be spaces for: storage (fridge, cupboards, pantry), preparation (worktop), washing products (sink), cooking (cooker, oven) and cleaning (sink, dishwasher). With good organisation, daily chores will become easier.
Also consider where smaller household appliances, such as the electric kettle and toaster, should be placed. Plan space for them on the worktop or correspondingly high shelves. Consider not only the height of the appliance itself, but try to anticipate how you will use it.
- Worktop selection – work surface and height
The worktop should be at least 60 cm wide to allow you to prepare meals comfortably. Adjust the height to suit the height of your household. This will usually be around 85-90 cm. If you have to bend over, this means it is set too low and cooking will strain your back.
- Storage space and kitchen layout selection – rules for different rooms
Depending on your habits and available space, you can opt for a single-wall kitchen layout, a two-line kitchen layout, an L-shaped and U-shaped kitchen layout or one with an island. Remember to plan well for storage space for what you consider essential. Think about cargo cabinets, drawers, the height and depth of shelves – taking into account what you will be putting in them.
Modern kitchen – how to decorate it in a modernist, loft or contemporary style?
Minimalism, functionality and modern technology allow you to create a space that combines design and practicality. Sounds like the ideal, although modern kitchens can be too austere and dark for some. To soften this effect, the warmth of red brick or copper details, among other things, are used.
One thing is for sure: a modern kitchen will be original and up to the culinary challenge, because it usually looks like it’s taken from a TV show about battles between top chefs. You can also opt for the New York loft-inspired version or the modernist style. How do you decorate a modern kitchen?
Modern kitchen design
Let’s start with the basics, i.e. the general defining characteristics of a modern kitchen style. This is dominated by clean lines, smooth surfaces (often high-gloss or possibly matt) without additional decorative elements or even handles. New technologies are used here, such as the push-button opening of cabinets.
The modern kitchen is also kept in monochromatic colours: black, white, grey. Steel appears, which is associated with professional spaces. Above all, the focus should be on functionality and solutions to make everyday work more efficient.
Modern kitchens are equipped with advanced appliances such as ovens with steam functions, induction hobs or fridges with food management systems. They are practical, but this does not mean that design is forgotten. It is extremely important, but the focus is on form rather than decoration. Look for good designs in which every detail has been thought through.
To demonstrate the differences in kitchen styles, we will take the De’Longhi breakfast collection lines as an example, as they fit well into the description of many types of arrangements. For a modern interior, we would choose the De’Longhi Distinta Titanium kettle and toaster in a sophisticated titanium finish. Here we have clean, elegant lines that are a highlight of the kitchen. This is how modern design should be: beautiful and useful.
Kitchen styles: Loft
The loft style is inspired by industrial post-industrial spaces. We move to New York lofts, where raw aesthetics are combined with functionality. The style suits spacious rooms, but is increasingly being introduced even into small kitchens in its elements or furnishings. Materials are characteristic of the loft style: raw architectural concrete, brick, metal, steel, copper and wood. Exposed pipes and fixtures will be part of the kitchen design.
Furniture and appliances are to be simple and functional, but with clear, strong lines. Subdued colours dominate, which are sometimes broken by stronger colour accents, such as a red kettle or a yellow toaster (e.g. from the De’Longhi Capitals New York Yellow or Icona Capitals Tokyo Red lines ).
Kitchen styles: Modernist
The modernist style is all about simplicity, functionality and minimalism and is inspired by the modernist movement of the early 20th century. It is characterised by a desire for maximum utility and a focus on high-quality materials. Lines are further simplified and shapes are geometric. Natural materials are used in a raw look: wood, steel, stone, glass or leather.
The modernist style creates a space that is orderly, calm and elegant. Therefore, the perfect accent to such an interior is classic furnishings with a modern twist – such as the De’Longhi Distinta Titanium range.
Hampton kitchen – make yourself comfortable in a cosy holiday home
The Hampton kitchen is inspired by the spaces of summer seaside homes in the Hamptons area of Long Island. The Hampton style is fresh, elegant and natural. At the same time, it is very luxurious, as only the wealthy can afford homes in this area. The spaces are bright and conducive to relaxation. There are nautical elements and colours associated with the atmosphere of a seaside holiday: white, blue, cream, beige and light greys. Natural or bleached wood, linen, rattan and wicker are used.
Although the Hampton style is luxurious, it maintains simplicity. The furniture is comfortable and classic, often enhanced with quilted upholstery. Cushions, blankets and curtains made from natural materials play a large part, bringing softness and comfort. What furnishings suit a sophisticated seaside residence? Those with a hint of vintage will work well. An example of this would be the aforementioned De’Longhi Capitals range, but also Icona Vintage.
English and rustic cuisine – idyllic and traditional
Do you like the cosiness of Hampton style, but prefer a slightly more traditional feel? Opt for an English or rustic kitchen with an idyllic feel. Here, elegance and tradition reign supreme, which is why the characteristic white or cream furniture with natural wood finish appears. There is no room for minimalism, because a sentimental spirit – like that of grandma’s country house – gives way to it. There are floral motifs, fine checks or stripes, as well as lace and retro textiles.
Warm colours predominate: beiges, maroons, greens, navy blues and browns, which, combined with wood, create a warm and solid impression. Rustic interiors are full of handmade ornaments, earthenware, wicker baskets and iron details that hark back to a rural lifestyle. Appliances that hark back to old design traditions must also fit in with this style. The best example would be Icona Vintage kettles and toasters, which look like they are from many years ago and will fit in well with the rest of the kitchen design.
How to decorate a kitchen – glamour inspiration, i.e. chic, classy and a touch of glitz
Glamour is not usually associated with kitchen styles, but rather with bedrooms decorated like modern boudoirs. Glamour style can be a combination of modern and chic with the addition of a touch of theatricality. It is not the subdued minimalism known from modernism or lofts! This type of arrangement says ‘look at me’, which is why it uses glamorous furnishings.
A glamour kitchen is based on neutral colours, but additionally introduces deep colours associated with luxury: navy blue, maroon, dark purple, burgundy, bottle green, gold and silver. Contrasting combinations such as black and white are also popular. Surfaces are glossy, often lacquered, and elements such as gilding and silvering add glamour to the interior.
The furniture has a classic form, but one can be tempted to be more decorative. Gold, silver and chrome add exclusivity to the interior. They appear on trims, decorations, handles and frames – creating an elegant, shiny effect. Appliances such as the De’Longhi Eclettica range with a kettle with interchangeable saucers, inspired by timeless crochet patterns, are ideal here.
How do you choose that one kitchen style? Think about what colours you like and what spaces you feel comfortable in. Do you want your kitchen to be bright, well-lit and minimalistically organised? Or do you prefer to have a lot going on and be surrounded by your favourite objects? Be guided by practical considerations too, because ultimately the kitchen serves first and foremost as a place to prepare meals.
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