It may be the heart of the home, but the kitchen is like any other room in the house, subject to a led makeover.
Now it is the invisible kitchen that is the highlight of style.
Minimalism to the extreme, invisible kitchen exactly as it sounds: zen, calming and so clutter-free, sometimes even from important elements like hob or tap, which will not even be able to guess the function of the room.
We spoke to Emily Pickett, Design Consultant at Kitchens by Holloways to find out more about the curious trends that are constantly making their way into British homes.
What exactly is the invisible kitchen?
“The invisible kitchen is seamlessly integrated into the home – hidden and discreet without any visible appliances. As described: invisible.
How does this work in practice? Through intelligent spatial planning and considered cabinet selection. The kitchen may look like furniture instead of more ‘classic’ cabinets. This can be achieved by choosing a more free feel, choosing an island with legs, or even having a table instead of an island, for example. Wall cabinets are also often minimized in an invisible kitchen, so that the room is rather light and unrecognizable as a kitchen.
Hiding and integrating devices is key. Extractors, fridges and freezers can be hidden or discreetly integrated to create a neater and more clutter-free space. Another easy solution is to choose a handleless kitchen so that it looks like furniture.
If space and budget allow, the main way to achieve a hidden kitchen scheme is with a hidden pantry or ‘back kitchen’. Wisely, integrated doors built into the cupboard, pantry or back kitchen are ideal places for countertop appliances and even sinks and dishwashers, as well as food storage. Visitors won’t even know the place exists, but a lot of work goes into it, especially when it comes to maintaining the clutter.
Another solution for small kitchens is a breakfast bar with pocket doors. This allows you to remove the mess and hide it. Keeping all your essentials on the island for coffee and breakfast in the morning, then stowing them away during the day means you can have everything but discreetly hide it away.
Why is the trend gone now?
Homeowners are increasingly making the kitchen a larger part of the home; it’s no longer ‘just’ the kitchen where you want to cook and eat – it’s where you spend time entertaining and hosting as well with your family. As most of the plans are open, it is more used as a daily living space. So, the kitchen becomes more sensible, so that it becomes a more cohesive room with the rest of the interior scheme.
Who is the typical invisible kitchen user?
For the host, an invisible kitchen helps set the scene and transforms the cooking area into a pleasant space, especially if there is a back kitchen or a hidden walk-in pantry.
Those short on space will benefit from a smarter kitchen. Smaller homes may be completely open plan, so a more hidden and discreet kitchen will help keep it out of sight and create a more cohesive design scheme.
What are the highlight features of the kitchen that you don’t see?
A hidden walk-in pantry or back kitchen is a highlight feature, if space and budget allow. Other features include handleless cupboards, pocket doors on the breakfast bar and concealed or integrated appliances.
An integrated fridge/freezer is a must and a key feature that is becoming increasingly popular is the hob with downdraft, meaning no extractor fans are prominent.
Instead of wall cabinets, a simple detailed shelf, or a marble or tiled splashback will inject design flair without making the space look like a kitchen.
Is a kitchen that does not look expensive?
As with any kitchen redesign, the cost will depend on your preferences and space. In general, the more bespoke or customized you go, the more expensive it will be, especially when choosing cabinets and appliances.
Concealed or integrated appliances are an important feature of an invisible kitchen and as such, it is important to consider the additional installation costs that may accompany this option. For example, a stove with a downdraft instead of a classic extractor will be more expensive, and the more discreet and integrated the equipment, the more expensive it will be.
Whether you’re dreaming of a total kitchen refit or just want a great idea to hide a lot of your clutter out of sight, we’ve put together some amazing ideas to help your kitchen achieve invisibility.