Kitchens are an evolving space, in both design and function. The most important room in the house with the potential to have the highest value. How we use our kitchen space varies from household to household, but the one thing they all have in common is the increased demand we lay on them. A place for family to socialise and communicate, to bring up children and share precious moments. Our culture is expressed in the kitchen through the traditions of food and festivities. Our history has impacted their design. Do kitchens from around the world hold similarities or display difference for those reasons? We take a look at some of the nations known for their unique kitchen style, the materials they use and their functionality.
United Kingdom
Image by Stonehouse Furniture / www.stonehousefurniture.co.uk
Kitchen design in the UK prides itself on what people recognise as being quintessentially English. The tradition of country living, the use of localised, natural materials that are handcrafted with care and passion yet fit for modern family life. Some incorporate classical features, others like the shaker take inspiration from the modern era. Solid cabinetry, framed and sometimes glazed, these kitchens provide homes with beauty and elegance. The function and form of English kitchens is ingrained by history, worktops that could tolerate heavy preparation, range ovens that not only heated the room but also baked bread and roasted whole birds and beasts. Still today these features are important but with the need for added comfort, practicality and above all able to withstand the test of time.
Japan
The Japanese kitchen style is largely based on purpose and space, they are practical yet innovative. Historically they would be simple and to the point, lowly and within arm's reach, these elements still today define Japanese style. The Japanese style of cooking now relies on the use of small appliances, gadgets and gizmos. Rice cookers, electric grills, something that does this, that and the other! Traditionally they wouldn't use a dishwasher because nothing can beat handwashing and of course a lack of space. They often incorporate seating no matter their size, more than likely space saving stools. Their appearance is clean, plain and sometimes modular. The materials used are lacquered wood and stainless steel. The Japanese appreciate good use of space with clever organisation and so with Japanese kitchen design no gap is left untapped.
Italy
Image by Snaidero USA
The Italians are known for their extravagance, their panache and their love of family life. It's no surprise then that the Italians do kitchens well. Traditionally Italian style used many classical features such as carvings and pilasters, ornate cornices and panelling. The Mediterranean's tend to use materials such as tropical woods and stone that is readily available. Contemporary Italian style is much different in that it adopts a minimal yet stylish concept, often white, high gloss and with a high-end look. Kitchens tend to be functional and suitable for heavy use, good size range cookers and plenty of space for preparation. Italian culture sees extended family coming together and all having a hand in the preparation and cooking.
Scandinavia
Image by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
There is no denying what profound impact Scandinavian design has had on the industry. Although there are differences between each of the Scandinavian nations, their concept for minimalism is largely the same. Characterised by simplicity, they are modern, elegant and often echo the outdoors with the use of white and wood. Because they prioritise light, air and space, they feel welcoming. The cold weather and hours of darkness this region endures is the very reason for its simple light and generally white design. Family share this space, suitable for homework, hobbies or indeed sharing a meal.
Germany
The Germans are well known in the design world for precision, innovation and their consistent ability to produce quality products that last. The Germans enjoy functional kitchens that is are easy to use. They too make the most of space, a principal idea rooted in the history of the Frankfurt kitchen. During the 1920s there was a huge shortage of housing and a great need for a kitchen design that was quick and easy to produce. The design became highly popularised for its clever use of space in the mass of apartments that were built. Many of this nation's kitchens are designed with open-plan family living, but in apartments rather than houses.
All the styles mentioned have their design reasons; they contain stark differences but are brought together by a universal focus on togetherness. Historical factors and culture are deeply rooted in today's kitchen designs which remain the centre of our homes, no matter how big or small. Undoubtedly, we are using them to their full potential and diversifying their function to suit.
Kitchens From Around The World
Kitchens are an evolving space, in both design and function. The most important room in the house with the potential to have the highest value. How we use our kitchen space varies from household to household, but the one thing they all have in common is the increased demand we lay on them. A place for family to socialise and communicate, to bring up children and share precious moments. Our culture is expressed in the kitchen through the traditions of food and festivities. Our history has impacted their design. Do kitchens from around the world hold similarities or display difference for those reasons? We take a look at some of the nations known for their unique kitchen style, the materials they use and their functionality.
United Kingdom
Image by Stonehouse Furniture / www.stonehousefurniture.co.uk
Kitchen design in the UK prides itself on what people recognise as being quintessentially English. The tradition of country living, the use of localised, natural materials that are handcrafted with care and passion yet fit for modern family life. Some incorporate classical features, others like the shaker take inspiration from the modern era. Solid cabinetry, framed and sometimes glazed, these kitchens provide homes with beauty and elegance. The function and form of English kitchens is ingrained by history, worktops that could tolerate heavy preparation, range ovens that not only heated the room but also baked bread and roasted whole birds and beasts. Still today these features are important but with the need for added comfort, practicality and above all able to withstand the test of time.
Japan
The Japanese kitchen style is largely based on purpose and space, they are practical yet innovative. Historically they would be simple and to the point, lowly and within arm's reach, these elements still today define Japanese style. The Japanese style of cooking now relies on the use of small appliances, gadgets and gizmos. Rice cookers, electric grills, something that does this, that and the other! Traditionally they wouldn't use a dishwasher because nothing can beat handwashing and of course a lack of space. They often incorporate seating no matter their size, more than likely space saving stools. Their appearance is clean, plain and sometimes modular. The materials used are lacquered wood and stainless steel. The Japanese appreciate good use of space with clever organisation and so with Japanese kitchen design no gap is left untapped.
Italy
Image by Snaidero USA
The Italians are known for their extravagance, their panache and their love of family life. It's no surprise then that the Italians do kitchens well. Traditionally Italian style used many classical features such as carvings and pilasters, ornate cornices and panelling. The Mediterranean's tend to use materials such as tropical woods and stone that is readily available. Contemporary Italian style is much different in that it adopts a minimal yet stylish concept, often white, high gloss and with a high-end look. Kitchens tend to be functional and suitable for heavy use, good size range cookers and plenty of space for preparation. Italian culture sees extended family coming together and all having a hand in the preparation and cooking.
Scandinavia
Image by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen
There is no denying what profound impact Scandinavian design has had on the industry. Although there are differences between each of the Scandinavian nations, their concept for minimalism is largely the same. Characterised by simplicity, they are modern, elegant and often echo the outdoors with the use of white and wood. Because they prioritise light, air and space, they feel welcoming. The cold weather and hours of darkness this region endures is the very reason for its simple light and generally white design. Family share this space, suitable for homework, hobbies or indeed sharing a meal.
Germany
The Germans are well known in the design world for precision, innovation and their consistent ability to produce quality products that last. The Germans enjoy functional kitchens that is are easy to use. They too make the most of space, a principal idea rooted in the history of the Frankfurt kitchen. During the 1920s there was a huge shortage of housing and a great need for a kitchen design that was quick and easy to produce. The design became highly popularised for its clever use of space in the mass of apartments that were built. Many of this nation's kitchens are designed with open-plan family living, but in apartments rather than houses.
All the styles mentioned have their design reasons; they contain stark differences but are brought together by a universal focus on togetherness. Historical factors and culture are deeply rooted in today's kitchen designs which remain the centre of our homes, no matter how big or small. Undoubtedly, we are using them to their full potential and diversifying their function to suit.
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