by Roberta del Vaglio.
It is undoubtedly the heart of the house. However, its placement requires a careful balance between beauty, design, and personalization, to fit discreetly – yet with character – into a multifunctional interior.
Placed in a shared space with a dining and living area, the open kitchen must be technically complete, but also consistent with the overall style of an environment where, for example, the sofa coexists with the refrigerator. This coexistence is made credible by a new vision of the home where doors are increasingly open (or absent), and functions are increasingly flexible.
The concept of “living,” a space where one lives, becomes broader and also involves stoves and dining tables with all the stylistic and practical consequences. How to best express this fundamental combination of practicality and beauty? Here are some ideas to make the most of this space.
Composition of the Feeling Home and Ak_Project collections by Arrital – arrital.it
THE CORRECT LAYOUT AND “RIGHT DISTANCES”
Before preferring materials and finishes, colors and knobs different from each other in shape and design, it is fundamental to understand which layout facilitates movements and operations. Where to start? Natural light sources can be a good reference, as well as the binding presence of utilities.
Appliances should be chosen and placed based on water, electricity, and potential gas connections, while the dining area deserves all the available natural light and should be placed at a proper distance from the operating area: easy but far enough from chaos and odors.
Table with hidden drawers 4You by Cuckooland – cuckooland.com
Dining area with television in a kitchen designed by KCA – k-c-a.co.uk
THE INGENIOUS FURNISHING
In this vision of the kitchen as an “enhanced” living area, the right dining table can truly make a difference. Extendable, if space allows and if needed, but not only: a model equipped with drawers for cutlery and napkins can be interesting, or perhaps a compartment in the center for condiments but also just for flowers or other decorative elements.
In an open solution with an island, it’s very fun to have a snack counter inspired by trendy restaurant chef’s tables: you eat in a horseshoe shape around the host-cook’s operating area. Alternatively, you can focus entirely on style by introducing a designer table, matched with a kitchen with a special design, visually impactful and efficient.
Superoven by UnoxCasa connected to the Cook Like a Chef app from which recipes can be directly downloaded – unoxcasa.com
WARMING UP THE ATMOSPHERE WITH A HINT OF INFORMAL ELEGANCE
The classic kitchen, made of marble, steel, and ceramic, might appear cold and therefore unsuitable for fitting into a cozy open space. That’s why it’s important to choose materials that convey visual warmth and possibly tactile warmth by introducing wooden surfaces, or high-quality wood-effect surfaces, creating a reassuring and elegant dialogue between floors and furnishings.
To mark the transition from the kitchen area to the living room, an open shelving unit where books, photographs, and other memories can be placed is ideal: they soften the technical profile of stoves and appliances and make the space more welcoming.
Wood effect porcelain floor tiles Wald Rovere by Terratinta Group – terratintagroup.com
ART, NOT JUST ON THE TABLE
The walls of the kitchen also deserve to be enhanced and interpreted with distinctive character: a classic combination of vintage plates evokes the warmth of a family kitchen, a wooden shelf from which pothos leaves can cascade, but also – why not? – artist canvases, appropriately protected. A tailored touch according to one’s style, remembering that its “open” position makes it one with the entire living furniture and décor.
Stainless steel island kitchen from Ego center by Abimis – abimis.com
On the cover, Heritage Cabinet by Covet House – covethouse.eu
