Modern German-style cuisines are fundamentally different from their predecessors at the beginning and middle of the last century. The pedantry and love of order and comfort, so characteristic of the representatives of this nation, were also manifested in the features of the arrangement of kitchen spaces. The interior of German cuisines in general terms is as close as possible to the style of minimalism, except for a set of materials. Therefore, if you need a bright, comfortable and functional kitchen without any decorative frills, a place where order and cleanliness always reign, where everything is at hand, but in their places, gives preference to kitchen design from Germany.
Typical features and characteristics of German-style
Of course, it cannot be argued that all German-made cuisines are made in the same style and look like each other, as close relatives. Moreover, pedantic and practical Germans prefer to make kitchen sets to order, acquiring exclusive designs that are ideally tailored to their homes and apartments in size, functionality, and design. Furniture in this country is purchased not for several, but decades ahead, made of durable natural materials. Moreover, many customers choose bright, rather than pastel or neutral colors for facades and aprons, flooring or accent walls. Each German-style kitchen is unique in its way, but common features can be traced in most headsets and modular combinations:
- concise design of facades and the entire structure as a whole;
- smooth monophonic surfaces of calm, natural colors with a predominance of light colors;
- minimum visible hardware;
- closed cabinets, where all utensils, appliances, utensils are cleaned;
- countertops combining the headset into a single whole;
- natural materials;
- spaciousness, conciseness, good natural and artificial lighting;
- practicality and comfort for the hostess, who has everything at hand;
- order and cleanliness without any decor;
- a minimum of textiles, the absence of visible utensils and any items characteristic of the cooking zone;
- the most modern technology;
- hidden storage systems, dividers in drawers, sliding, folding mechanisms, gas lifts, lockers, which can be opened by pressing, transformable worktops and other advanced developments to improve kitchen functionality;
- The strict geometry of furniture.
Design and layout
The design of apartments in the German-style can be described in three words: simplicity, practicality, and minimalism. As a rule, kitchen modules are united by common countertops; they are distinguished by strict forms and the absence of rounded corners. Typically, a kitchen consists of a bottom row of cabinets that look like one, with an integrated oven, hob, and sink. The upper level is practically indistinguishable from the lower. Open shelves, transparent doors are rarely used, but island designs are very popular, in which there is a place for storing utensils, books, for washing. Often, the island part of the kitchen is combined with a bar or a full table where the whole family gathers, as in the photo below. A separate table also has a rectangular or square shape, it is convenient to pushchairs under it, making room for passage.
Furniture is installed in a linear order, the letter “P” or “G”, there are also two-row headsets, where the cabinets are parallel, along two walls. The main goals that guide the Germans when ordering a new kitchen are a comfort, ease of operation and cleaning, and maximum functionality.
Functionality and Ergonomics
In German kitchens, everything has its place. And this place is usually located in the depths of numerous drawers, retractable, folding and swivel structures hidden behind smooth facades. All plates and cups, pots and pans, combine and microwave ovens are removed or integrated into the headset. Lockers open with a light touch. Outside, nothing reminds us that this is a kitchen where food is prepared and tested daily. Sometimes the purpose of the room is given only by the hob and the mixer above the sink.
German-style cuisine will surely appeal to housewives who not only love to cook, but also dream of an ideal order. Each cook, knife, cutting board has its place, and the hostess always knows where to find them. The location of the drawers and shelves is determined by convenience, you can easily and quickly reach any corner of the kitchen to get or remove food, utensils, appliances. There are no external roof rails, and if there is, then the set of items hanging on them is minimal.
Colors
The walls, floor, ceiling, furniture facades and countertops in the German-style kitchen are designed in light or neutral colors. Most often, white and cold colors close to it are used, all shades of natural wood, black, gray, blue, cream, less often – lemon, soft mint or turquoise. The walls are painted or papered with plain wallpaper, the facades of the furniture can be colored, dark or light, contrasting with countertops. Furniture is often matte rather than glossy.
You will not meet catchy ornaments, prints on textiles or photo wallpapers in the interior of German cuisine. The decor can be a bright or textured apron, accent wall (for example, covered with chalk paint for recordings), floor tiles colored or decorated with neutral ornament, wooden beams on the ceiling, as in the example in the photo.
Materials
The interior in the German-style kitchen is dominated by natural materials. Kitchen facades are made of solid wood, MDF, glass, metal, and countertops are made of wood or natural stone. Ceramic tiles or laminate are laid on the floor, even more often – parquet, parquet board, the walls are painted, plastered, and wallpaper.
Hardware
Accessories in German kitchens, as a rule, are of the highest quality, the most modern and functional. They use closers, gas lifts, built-in, rotating structures, rotary and folding mechanisms (additional countertops, sliding cutting boards, drawers for drawers. External fittings (handles, holders) are not often installed, and if cabinets and tables are equipped with such details, they have such the same laconic design as the kitchen itself.
Equipment
German-style kitchens are equipped with built-in modern technology models: refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, hobs, cooker hoods. All equipment is hidden behind the facades. The only excess that designers allow is the equipment of a functional corner based on the personal wishes of the customer. For example, you are very fond of coffee and often treat them to your guests and households. In this case, you can highlight a special corner where a coffee machine, cabinets, and shelves for storing different types of coffee, cups, and everything necessary for a pleasant coffee party will be installed.
Lighting
The German-style in the design of kitchens implies an abundance of light and air, which is achieved by maximum natural light and perfect order. Light furniture and the absence of any utensils, appliances, utensils or products visually makes the room more spacious, lighter, and the decor itself is easier. Light, transparent tulle, white linen curtains or Roman curtains letting in the sun’s rays hang on the windows. In parallel, several fixtures are used. It can be laconic suspensions in the dining area, built-in lamps on a suspended or suspended ceiling, modern laconic lamps with lampshades made of glass or metal. Often the German-style kitchen decoration is the LED lighting of the cabinets: for the upper level, it serves practical purposes,
Utensils and Utensils
Germans like to cook in dishes made of steel or tempered glass with a simple design. In use are metal sets of pots made of light metal, Teflon pans with transparent lids, glass stewpan and other utensils. Dishes, on the contrary, should be made of ceramics or porcelain, including baking dishes. For sets in the German style, the decor is minimal, most often these are classic white plates, salad bowls, bowls, cups and saucers, transparent goblets and glass glasses, steel knives, spoons, forks without patterns, classic or unusual shape, design.
Textile
German-style kitchen textiles are used selectively. It can be a white tablecloth, napkins, curtains or blinds on the windows. Sometimes you can find tissue with soft plant motifs or in a discreet cell. Chair covers are also relevant, but they are more often used to protect wooden furniture.
Decor
In some cases, a collector’s copper dish or a steel fruit bowl in a minimalist style, a wall, a working area highlighted in a bright color or textured material will help to decorate the kitchen. Replace the accent wall with a laconic, discreet picture or photograph on the wall. But the most popular decorative element in the German-style kitchen will be fresh flowers: cut bouquets in transparent vases, home plants in pots, a photo wall made of moss or creeping plants, spicy herbs in special pots.
The German design of kitchen spaces has many advantages that will make your life easier and more comfortable. Good luck with decorating the kitchen!
