How to Make Your Kitchen Look Elegant
Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where you cook, eat, and gather with family and friends. Not only that! Having a kitchen that is both elegant and functional will encourage you to invite your friends or relatives more often and be proud of the way your kitchen looks.
Whether you are looking for simple ideas to apply to your existing kitchen or you are designing the kitchen from scratch – this article will help you transform your kitchen into a more sophisticated space that everyone will love.
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#1. the right fit: make sure the layout is planned properly
Designing an elegant kitchen might be treated as designing an elegant outfit. There should be a proper structure in place that would emphasize the best qualities of your body, and provide a perfect balance. In addition to that, the outfit should be comfortable: you should not be making weird moves while walking on your heels. That’s not elegance.
But how does this translate into an Elegant Kitchen design?
The first step is to plan the right layout. Right planning means that the space should be utilized in an efficient manner: good balance of storage and work space, enough space for moving around freely. Recently I wrote an article that is all about planning the perfect kitchen layout, so make sure to check it later.
Use the space wisely and plan only what you can fit into that space without jamming everything together. I see very often people build kitchen islands even though there is not enough space to move around freely after that. This is a mistake. In an elegant kitchen, you should be able to move around and operate freely.
The two most important things to keep in mind while designing the layout are focal point and balance or symmetry.
In kitchen design, a focal point is an element that draws the eye and contributes to the overall balance of the space. A well-designed kitchen will have a focal point that is in keeping with the overall style of the room.
For example, in a traditional kitchen, the sink and backsplash area might serve as the focal point, while in a more modern space, the focus might be on a kitchen faucet, the cooktop, or the range hood.
In any case, the focal point should be given special attention when planning your kitchen layout. By creating a balance between other elements in the room, you can ensure that your focal point stands out and makes a lasting impression.
When planning the layout, pay attention to small details. Use filler panels to cover small leftover spaces between the wall and the cabinets. This will make the kitchen look perfectly fit into the place.
Layout planning and perfecting details are important for an elegant kitchen. Why? because a well-thought-out layout is all about functionality, easiness of operation, symmetry, and visual balance. If any of these is missing, the goal might be hardly achieved.
#2. Pick the right colors
Just like elegant outfits, elegant kitchens should have the right colors. When it comes to choosing colors for your kitchen, there are a few things to keep in mind:
First, consider the orientation of the room. If it gets a lot of natural light, you might want to go with lighter colors to help reflect that light. However, keep in mind, that if the room is on the sunny side, it will make the warm colors look even warmer. I would suggest going for light shades of cool colors. Due to excessive natural light, you can still afford to go for darker colors.
On the other hand, if the room is on the dark side, you might want to choose colors such as white, light blues or light mint, yellow, shades, or cream/beige to lighten up the space a little bit.
Second, think about the size of the space. If it’s large, you can afford to be a bit bold with your choices. But if it’s small, you might want to stick with lighter, brighter colors to help make the space seem larger.
Natural materials, such as wood and stone, are always elegant. If that’s not what you are going for, then the next safest option is to go for the neutral color scheme.
One way to create an elegant kitchen is to use a monochromatic color scheme. This can be achieved by using different shades of the same color, or by using complementary colors that are similar in tone.
Another way to add interest to a kitchen is to use contrasting colors. For example, pair a dark island with light cabinets, or use a bright backsplash to add pop to a neutral space. No matter what color scheme you choose, be sure to coordinate it with the rest of the house for a cohesive look.
#3. Pick the right materials
Just like fabrics’ quality matters when it comes to elegant outfits, the materials you use in your kitchen will have a huge impact. Natural materials do look more elegant than others, however, they are usually more expensive too.
Cabinets
When it comes to choosing materials for your kitchen cabinets that would look elegant, natural materials like wood are always a good choice. Wood cabinets are durable and visually appealing, and they can be stained or painted to match any décor. However, natural materials can also be expensive.
Many people want to design an elegant kitchen on a budget, so they often choose less expensive materials for cabinet boxes, and use high-quality materials for cabinet fronts. Recently I have written an in-depth article that will show you how you can remodel kitchen cabinets on a budget without compromising elegance.
Countertops
Just like cabinets, natural materials always look more elegant when it comes to kitchen countertops. However, there are some exceptions, and one of them is quartz. Quartz is a man-made very durable material that provides the looks of a natural stone slab for lower maintenance.
I have written a comprehensive comparison guide that will help you choose between quartz and quartzite. make sure to check it later.
If you can afford it, natural stones are the most elegant options for kitchen countertops. However, be careful with marble – even though it looks extremely elegant, it is not a suitable surface for active kitchens due to its porous nature and etching. Instead, I strongly recommend going for granite or quartzite countertops, but make sure to check my complete guides on how to choose the right quartzite slab or the right granite slab for your kitchen.
Backsplash
When choosing a backsplash material for your kitchen, there are several factors to consider in order to find the ideal option for your space.
First, take into account the color scheme of your kitchen. If you have neutral countertops and cabinets, you may want to opt for a bold backsplash in order to add some color and personality to the space. Natural stones with dramatic veinings might be a great option in this case for an elegant kitchen.
Alternatively, if your countertops and cabinets are already quite busy in terms of color and pattern, you may want to choose a more neutral backsplash in order to maintain a cohesive look.
The key is to coordinate the backsplash with the countertops. If you have natural stone countertops, you may want to consider a backsplash made from similar materials in order to create a cohesive look. However, if you’re looking for a more low-maintenance less expensive option, tile is always a good choice. Go for classics, such as subway tiles or white ceramic/porcelain tiles in herringbone patterns.
I often see people make one mistake: they choose the backsplash material before they choose the countertops. This is a mistake because you can easily find a suitable backsplash material for a countertop, but the same doesn’t apply the other way around.
Choosing the right countertop slab is always more difficult than choosing tiles for the backsplash. Therefore, Regardless of the material you choose, be sure to coordinate your backsplash with your countertops in order to create a cohesive and elegant kitchen.
#4. Classy designs
There are many cabinet styles to choose from when renovating your kitchen. If you’re looking for a classic and elegant style, shaker-style cabinets are a great option.
Shaker-style cabinets are a great choice for a classic kitchen style that will never go out of fashion. They have a clean, simple design that is both elegant and timeless. The style is also very versatile, so it can be adapted to suit any kitchen décor.
Whether you want a traditional or modern look, shaker cabinets can help you create the perfect elegant kitchen. And because they are so classic, shaker-style cabinets can also help Increase the value of your home. If you’re thinking of selling in the future, shaker cabinets could make your home more appealing to buyers.
If you want something a little more modern, sleek, and contemporary, then you might want to consider cabinets with flat panel doors. Flat panel doors have a minimalistic design that can give your kitchen a more modern feel.
The way cabinet fronts are attached to the cabinet boxes can make a huge difference when it comes to elegant kitchen design. There are three types of cabinet fronts: inset cabinets, full overlay, and partial overlay cabinets. Inset or full overlay cabinets will provide a more elegant timeless look.
I have recently published two articles that go into depth on this topic, and you can check them here and here.
#5. Do not overexpose items
Just like your elegant outfits, your kitchen also should never expose unnecessary things. I get it: we all have in our kitchens plastic containers and things that are not that sexy, but the key is to hide them behind the door.
While open shelving is a very popular trend, it is essential to remember that you must keep them very curated and coordinated. Treat open shelving as a display opportunity where you only showcase the most beautiful things one can find in your kitchen.
By carefully selecting the items you display, you can create a beautiful and stylish vignette that adds elegance touches to the space.
However, it’s not just about randomly throwing up some dishes. To really make your open shelves pop, consider curating them with a specific color scheme or theme in mind. For example, you could choose to display only white dishware for a sleek and elegant look.
You could also go for a more eclectic approach and mix different colors and patterns, but this is not an easy task unless you are an experienced designer. The line between eclectic and chaotic is very thin sometimes, so I would recommend sticking to a specific color scheme. Be sure to stick to high-quality dishware that complements your kitchen’s overall elegant style.
Recently I wrote an article that goes into depth about open shelving in the kitchen, make sure to check it after reading this article.
#6. Go for classic accessories
When it comes to kitchen design, classic accessories can make all the difference. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your kitchen, one way to do it is to carefully curate your hardware. By curating a selection of high-quality, elegant pieces, you can add instant sophistication to any space.
This includes choosing high-quality knobs and pulls that coordinate with your kitchen’s color scheme. For example, if your cabinets are rich cherry wood, you might want to choose brass or silver hardware to complement the wood.
If your cabinets are a lighter color, like white or cream, then you can get away with choosing just about any color for your hardware. Just be sure to stick with a consistent theme throughout the kitchen for a pulled-together look. As a rule of thumb, you do not want to mix more than 3 metals in a large kitchen space. This includes hardware, light, and furniture metal pieces.
I recently wrote an article about choosing the right hardware for your kitchen, make sure to check it after this one.
Artwork is also a great way to add pops of color and personality to your kitchen. Choose pieces that fit your overall aesthetic and be sure to hang them at eye level for the most impact. With a few well-chosen accessories, you can transform your kitchen into an elegant oasis.
There are different places to showcase the artwork: above cabinets, above the backsplash (if you skip the upper cabinets), or on the countertop where you do not perform prepping or cooking activities. Here are some examples:
#7. Make sure the inside of the cabinets looks also chic, curated and put together
Just like an elegant lady would never wear tacky underwear, the interior of the elegant kitchen cabinets should also be put-together. This means primarily three things:
- cabinet boxes are made of good quality materials
- The dishware is well-chosen.
- Everything is organized
Cabinet box material matters. When you open the doors, the interior should look decent. I understand that sometimes you have to save money by purchasing cabinet boxes that are not made of natural wood, but try to keep a good balance, and the material you choose is actually good quality.
The dishware should be well-chosen. When curating your kitchen’s dishware, there are a few key factors to consider in order to achieve an elegant look.
First, take into account your kitchen’s overall color scheme. Choose dishware that will complement the predominant colors in your kitchen.
Second, opt for high-quality materials such as Fine china, porcelain, melamine, and stoneware. These materials have a luxurious look and feel that will instantly elevate your kitchen’s aesthetic. Finally, avoid clutter by curating a small selection of dishware that you absolutely love. By following these simple tips, you can easily transform your kitchen into an elegant and inviting space.
#8. Choose textile carefully
When it comes to textiles in an elegant kitchen, we mainly refer to window treatment and rugs.
Go for white or neutral color window treatments. This is the safest way that will hardly ever threaten the elegance of your space. Textures and patterns can be great, but they are also difficult to choose and coordinate unless you have an eye for design.
When it comes to rugs, the easy safe option is to go for neutral colors, or patterns that are in the same color scheme as the rest of the kitchen. However, this is not always necessary. You can also pick colorful rugs to add character to the space.
Conclusion
An elegant kitchen is all about making elegant choices. If you choose the right layout, right cabinet style, backsplash, countertop, and accessories, and add a bit of elegant dinnerware, your kitchen is guaranteed to become that elegant oasis you always dreamt to be.
