When choosing the right kitchen style, it’s imperative that you do your research. You don’t just want to throw any type of kitchen in, as you could end up regretting it. Instead, you need to look through your options, understand what they are, and consider your home as a whole to come up with the best possible answer.
In this article, we’re going to be lending you a helping hand. We’re going to be going through three different kitchen styles, providing you with a large chunk of the information that you’re going to need to make an informed decision. So, shall we get started?
What Does Each Style Mean?
Shaker
A shaker kitchen is a kitchen with simple, flat cabinet doors with a raised square frame. The goal of this kind of kitchen is functionality, craftsmanship and minimalism over everything else. Its defining feature is the ‘shaker door’, the five piece area with a flat center panel surrounded by a square frame.
Traditionally, these were made of solid wood, but more modern designs can use a wide variety of materials to keep it in touch with the rest of the property.
In-Frame
The in-frame kitchen is a traditional style in which the cabinet drawers and doors are set within a wooden frame that is then attached to the front of the cabinet. It’s a timeless look that has been very popular over the years
Handleless
As you may have guessed by the name, a handleless kitchen is just that – a kitchen without exterior handles. In fact, there are no knobs or pulls anywhere, but instead there are integrated handles which allow you to open the cupboards. This is definitely a modern, sleek style.
What Works Best In Different UK Homes?
Depending on the type of home you have, the type of kitchen you have can make a huge difference. For example, if you’re opting for a more modern home, or an open plan home, a handleless kitchen could be the answer you’re searching for. The sleek design really allows you to get that sense of the modern day, which is particularly beneficial if you have an open-plan design.
If you live in a townhouse and you want that blend of old and new, but also functionality, a shaker kitchen may well be your best choice.
Or, if you live in a period home and you’re simply not willing to give up the authenticity, or the aesthetic, an in-frame kitchen is a fantastic choice. It highlights the quality workmanship, while the traditional design compliments the architecture of the property.
What Do You Need To Consider?
Maintenance
You’re going to need to think about how difficult the upkeep is on each type of kitchen, and whether you’re going to be able to do this. Solid wood kitchens for example tend to need a lot more TLC than more modern materials. However, modern materials, especially those with a gloss finish or all white kitchens tend to highlight issues such as smudges, marks, and the slightest imperfection. This means more maintenance is required regularly.
How It Ages
You also need to consider how a kitchen is going to age. What is modern now might not be considered modern in a couple of years, causing you to have to upgrade again if you want to maintain a modern style. However, older, more classic kitchens have a way of ageing beautifully.
Choosing Your Kitchen Style With A Practical Mind
So, in order to choose the right kitchen for you, you need to think beyond fashion. You need to consider the important questions like what do you like to do in your kitchen besides cooking? What parts of your kitchen feel right as they are? Do you like the kitchen you currently have? Do you think simple is the best choice for you?
On top of this, in order to make your decision with a practical mind, you need to seriously think about how much time you’re willing to spend looking after your kitchen, and how long it is likely to last.
If now feels like the right time to start your kitchen journey, and you feel pretty confident about what you want, speak to a professional today. They will be able to help you get the ball rolling, and give you the kitchen of your dreams without all of the hassle.