Use these design elements and transform your kitchen into an American beauty
Though it’s tempting to default to Europe as the centre for all things stylish, America is an interior design powerhouse with its own unique characteristics and charm. Homes that blend traditional elements with contemporary design cues are what many of us consider to be “All American”. So, when you want your space to yell “U.S.A!” how do you make it happen?
Use high quality, but practical, materials As the third largest country in the world, by area, Americans have no shortage of natural material choices for their kitchens. Plus American ingenuity has resulted in the creation of entirely new building materials. The classic American kitchen however, blends high quality with practicality by using tried-and-true materials on the luxurious end of the spectrum. Marble, like Calcutta, as well as granite, are both used widely for countertops and backsplashes. Wood, like oak, walnut, pine, or cherry, are all cabinetry mainstays. Stainless steel is the go-to material for oven hoods. If it adds an air of casual sophistication to a space, and will last for ages, it belongs in the American kitchen.
Invest in high-power appliances In the American kitchen, appliances are meant to be powerful! Gas ranges, dual ovens, standing mixers and professional coffee makers can all be found there. And, if there is one power appliance that the classic American kitchen can’t do without it’s the fridge-freezer. A relative newcomer to the European kitchen, the fridge-freezer is an American kitchen mainstay. It’s simply an efficient way to preserve all of your food in one place. Part fridge, part freezer, it keeps items like meats and fish between 0º-3ºC for optimum freshness. These supersized appliances also have sufficient capacity to store a serious amount of food and drink at once.
Ingenious space-savers It’s a popular belief that all American houses are massive. In some cases, this is certainly true. The country is blessed a vast amount of space. However, in many urban centres across America, kitchens are the same size as everywhere else. In these spaces, American ingenuity makes itself known once again, as many American kitchens are recognised for their clever use of space-saving storage areas. Cabinets and cupboards are simply filled with drawers, hangers, cubbyholes and rotating shelves to store everything from pots and pans, to spices and kitchen linens.
So there it is. In order to create a traditional yet stylish American kitchen, simply use practical materials, large appliances and space-saving solutions. Not exactly your style? There’s always the Modern Swedish Kitchen.
3 POPULAR KITCHEN FEATURES THAT ARE FALLING OUT OF FAVOUR
The interior design world holds its breath every year as popular publications announce their new favourite kitchen trends
But rarely do they point out which of these once-popular trends have now fallen out of favour and should best be avoided. A kitchen renovation can be a big investment, and while you don’t want to follow every trend out there, it’s important to know which trends not to follow. A gaudy kitchen can seriously influence the market value of your home since the design of the kitchen is often one of the deciding factors for potential buyers. And even if you don’t plan to sell anytime soon, you don’t want your new kitchen to be dated in a year or two.
Trends become unpopular for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, when we have just seen too much of something, people become tired of it. Most people don’t want to have popular kitchen features that look exactly like everyone else’s. And most people want to be able to display their unique style in their home.
It also happens that a trend gets reinterpreted so many times that it turns into something else completely, losing its original character and appeal. What was once charming or unique becomes a mixture of styles and a look far removed from the original. The French Country-look is a great example of this.
Here are 3 kitchen trends that are best avoided in 2023:
1. SUBWAY TILES
When these popular rectangular tiles were first introduced as part of hipster culture in the late 2010’s, the world embraced the vintage look with open arms. Originally seen in subways and underground stations around the world, these utilitarian tiles suddenly achieved cult-status. The quirky rectangular tiles started popping up in traditional ivory, glossy black and Victorian green in trendy coffee establishments, barber shops, bathrooms and kitchens around the world. Before long, everyone knew someone that had them in their home or some space that was clad with subway tiles.
Why has it fallen out of favour?
The vintage look overall is still popular, but because we have seen so many subway tiles in so many variations and colours, they have become less popular. What was once fresh and original, is now a bit done.
What are the alternatives?
Hand-painted tiles and other patterned tiles remain very popular for backsplashes and feature walls, as are small rectangular mosaic tiles. Irregular hand-made clay tiles are also being seen more in homes, adding a unique look to kitchens. Solid natural stone panels like marble create a luxurious look and are also very much on trend.
2. HEAVILY DECORATED KITCHEN CABINETS
More has been very popular at some point, but now, less really does go a long way. Antique finishes, distressing and that faux-rustic look are all now slowly fading into memory, making way for cleaner lines and natural textures and materials.
Why has it fallen out of favour?
It seems that the crazier our lives get, the more stripped-down our homes become. People are yearning for calm and quiet in our information-saturated world, so they choose simpler finishes and fewer adornments at home.
What are the alternatives?
There seems to be a move back to natural and authentic materials where we celebrate the texture of stone and inherent patterns in wood. Shaker-style cabinets are being favoured over overly decorated traditional ones, as well as various types of wood grain cabinet fronts. Detailed hardware can further add a sophisticated embellishment without being overpowering.
3. OPEN SHELVING AND HANGING POT RACKS
This look was made popular by nostalgic stylists trying to capture the look of yesteryear. But the reality is that very few of us have the luxury of using valuable wall space to display a collection of vintage porcelain. It is also quite impractical to have open shelving that needs regular dusting in a room where grime easily forms. Hanging pot racks are another dust-haven that, while looking great, is not the most practical solution. Most kitchen designs incorporate deep pot drawers where large pots and pans can be stored out of sight and away from dust.
Why has it fallen out of favour?
The implications of having exposed crockery and cookware in a room where oil, moisture and dust combine, are not great. People started realising that open shelves and pretty displays were wonderful additions to other rooms, but not so great in the kitchen.
What are the alternatives?
If you must display a prized collection, do so behind glass doors. You can even add downlights to the shelves or ceiling of the cabinet to create a beautifully lit feature. Pots and pans are best stowed away until they are going to be used. That way, they will remain clean and ready for action.
