European kitchen designs are taking the world by storm. After invading Europe, they've now found their way inside homes in US and Canada and even in Asia. So what makes these designs so popular?
Generally speaking, Europeans love to cook. Their day-to-day cooking experiences enable them to master kitchen mechanics. That is why European kitchen design is characterized by its functionality. Their kitchens are ergonomically-designed for people on the go. Since lives are now fast-paced, it is important that lesser time is spent for food preparation and cleaning. With this kitchen design, utensils are within reach, island counters and sinks are bigger, and floors are easy to clean.
This focus on functionality results in a clear, streamlined design. Amazingly, the aesthetic aspect of design is not taken for granted. Kitchens are therefore stunning as they are efficient.
To achieve that sleek linear design, stainless steel is the most common material that can be found in the kitchen. Since most modern appliances are made of stainless steel, matching them with the existing fixtures would not be difficult. That is why we see stainless steel table tops, cabinets and sink. Some even use stainless steel tiles for the floor.
To match the metallic fixtures, light-colored and natural-looking wood is also used. Long wooden cabinets that are mounted on the wall are present in nearly all European kitchens. But through the years, the use of wood has become lesser.
Most cabinet doors are now replaced with sliding frosted glass or metal to make it look clean and modern. There is also a decline in the use of hinged doors. So instead of cabinets, we now see large drawers with metallic pulls, for easier access to utensils.
Floors and island counters may also be made of wood. The center island counter is now oversized and multi-functional. So now you can do all the cooking, eating and cleaning up in one place. And because the island counter is big, one can prepare dinner in one end while the other family members are gathered on the other. One important thing though: use the same kind of wood for the entire kitchen.
This is not to say that this design does not allow the use of color. You can splash in some color through colored chairs. Or you can paint the walls with a rich, deep color, such as red or orange. Lastly, add soft lights to complete the look.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Lee
This is charming. I love the simplicity, too.
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