Most people don’t mind a bit of clutter in the kitchen. In fact, some even like their kitchens to look a bit chaotic, which is great because that’s how most kitchens look anyway, no matter how hard one tries to tidy up and keep them clean. This slightly disordered appearance gives them a lived-in and homey vibe that many homeowners appreciate since the kitchen has long been regarded as the metaphoric heart of the home.
However, what might feel like a relaxed and cozy ambiance to some can be an eyesore and cause discomfort to others. In other words, the messy kitchen look, with its proud display of utensils, groceries, and other kitchen-specific items, is not everybody’s cup of tea, which is perfectly understandable since people have different tastes and preferences in terms of interior design and each gets to decide what works best for them.
As the kitchen continues to evolve in accordance with people’s changing needs, playing an increasingly central role in our lives and homes, so do the trends shaping its design. That’s how we’ve come to witness the emergence of the invisible kitchen trend – an approach that caters to the neat freaks, tidy enthusiasts, and all those who have a penchant for cleanliness and order in general.
If you think you might fit into this category, here’s a more in-depth look at this curious style that’s making waves in the world of interior design right now.
What Is An Invisible Kitchen?
Also referred to as the hidden kitchen trend or the no kitchen kitchen, the concept falls under the minimalist interior design umbrella. This means that invisible kitchens feature clutter-free spaces, sleek lines, clean surfaces, and smart storage solutions that ensure an efficient use of the space.
The focus falls on keeping only a few essential items in sight and tucking everything else in perfectly organized cabinets and drawers so one can access them with ease when needed. In this design, even key appliances that are integral to a functional kitchen, like ovens, stoves, fridges, or dishwashers, are hidden away. So, the purpose is to have (most of) the kitchen disappear behind closed doors – hence the invisible kitchen tag – and make it look less like a technical space dedicated to cooking and more like a normal room in the house.
This approach not only reduces the visual clutter in the room and creates a unified and cohesive aesthetic that exudes calmness and simplicity but also makes the most of every square inch available, making it perfect for smaller kitchens or for people who prioritize comfort and functionality and enjoy multipurpose spaces. The design is also great in open-plan kitchens, allowing them to blend effortlessly with the rest of the house without interrupting the visual flow.
Make Your Kitchen Vanish In A Few Simple Steps
That’s the invisible kitchen concept in a nutshell. Now, let’s see how you can recreate the style in your own home. Following a few simple guidelines can help you get the look and make your kitchen integrate seamlessly with its surroundings. As with all other trends, there’s also some flexibility and variance that allows you to let your creativity and personability shine through.
Lose The Hardware
Since invisible kitchens are all about letting go of unnecessary elements and details and creating a sleek and streamlined design, you might want to start by eliminating the hardware. Without handles and pulls, the cabinets will blend into the background and not look like the typical kitchen furniture.
If you’re designing your kitchen from scratch, you can simply pick handleless units from the myriad of options available in online and physical stores. However, if you want to revamp your current kitchen, this doesn’t mean you should change your entire furniture. You can always opt for handleless replacement kitchen doors and have them installed on your existing units.
Keep The Worktops Clear
Counters set the tone for the entire space, so this is a good place to start when planning your invisible kitchen. Clean and clear counters are a staple in this design, creating a sense of calm and order. However, these surfaces are also known to unintentionally become impromptu storage areas and hoard entire collections of odds and ends.
Since mess and clutter are sworn enemies of minimal interiors, you have to keep your worktops as neat-looking as possible. Sort through the objects that are taking up space on your counter and find a designated place for all of them. By removing all the items that don’t belong there and giving the ones that do belong in the kitchen a proper out-of-sight home, you can ensure a spotless look in the long run.
Incorporate A Concealed Pantry
If you have enough space, consider integrating a walk-in pantry. These additions are great not only for offering ample storage for all your kitchen supplies, from groceries to tableware, cookware, and appliances, but they’re also perfect for hiding away everything that might clash with your design vision.
For a smooth and minimalist look, opt for a generous pantry with panels that match the rest of your cupboards or your walls. This will create a clean and seamless appearance, helping you hide your pantry in plain sight, so no one will even know it exists or guess what lies behind those doors.
Get Rid Of Upper Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets are a dead giveaway for kitchens, so you might want to get rid of them or not install them in the first place if you want to make your kitchen less obvious. Instead, create a cabinet wall with tall units that go from floor to ceiling to cover your storage needs and integrate all your household appliances. Installing a single row of tall cabinets that conceal built-in appliances will ensure a clean and uniform look, making the kitchen feel more like a living space than a technical room.
A kitchen that doesn’t look like a kitchen but delivers all the typical functionalities in a more discreet manner is perfect for catering to modern living needs, providing a space that is both practical and stylish.