By Rami Moorosi
Just like decorating your home, choosing your kitchen theme or style is a personal matter, but it is, to a degree, determined by the style of the rest of the home or the architectural design.
“Attention to detail is important, as cupboard doors, countertops, appliances and accessories all contribute to the look of the kitchen. Coupled with this should be a well-co-ordinated use of wall colours and finishes, soft furnishings and lighting to complement the kitchen style,” says Rob Murray of Kitchen Classics.
Classic
As the name suggests, the classic-style kitchen offers a timeless look. Midge Engelbrecht of Boulevard Collection International explains: “While colour may influence the design, colour in classic kitchens is normally incorporated by means of accessories and related products. Classic would normally mean timber combined with glass, steel or other products.”
Wayne Nabia, sales director of Grass ZA, adds: “The classic look is created with shaker door fronts, classic knob handles and an interesting granite surface. Solid wood countertops, glass and Duco-sprayed finishes instead of hand-painted can be used to give a different touch. Concealed, soft-close drawers are good for this timeless style, as they make opening and closing drawers effortless.”
Modern
The modern style is characterised by clean lines, wide drawers and flat doors with a handless look (using push technology). Alternatively, the handles can be long in stainless steel. Materials and finishes include veneer, aluminum, Duco, high-gloss acrylics, stainless steel and glass. Countertops are thin and seamless in one solid colour, accentuating the use of open space. Splashes of colour may be introduced with a feature wall or bold graphics.
“Another trend that is emerging is that of textures, naturally finished timbers and honed stone to complement the sleekness of the modern kitchen and add warmth and points of interest,” comments Roland Pitchek of Apollo Interiors. The look can further be enhanced by a box-shaped kitchen island along with light tiles, white cabinets, silver and black appliances.
Country
Experts from Southern Kitchens note that country or farm-style kitchens will have a classic shaker door with lots of tongue and groove, and open shelving with cup hooks. Capping is accentuated, often missing in the modern kitchen.” Tammy Shiller-Krauspe of Afrigran adds: “Country kitchens have ornate shapes to their cupboards with scroll-type brackets; the tops here have fancy edge details.” Paint techniques may also be used to complete the look.
Unconventional
Kitchen designer Sergio Polita of Snaidero Cucine explains that the unconventional look results in a space with a wow factor, without looking like something out of a futuristic movie. “You are actually throwing the rule book out of the window. The look is dangerous in the sense that it can date if used incorrectly,” he says. On whether your kitchen should match the rest of your house, Midge adds: “There is no reason why each room of the house should have the same theme, unless the kitchen is an open-plan area leading off into an immediate reception room.” Roland continues: “With care, a modern, minimalist and functional kitchen can be a beautiful focal point of a classically themed home. This is best achieved through the use of alternate materials, creating a distinct separation from the rest of the furniture.”
And Rob of Kitchen Classics concludes: “Clients should bring their own unique styling idea and marry those ideas with the input of an experienced designer. If the design is undertaken with top-quality products, and seamlessly encompasses aesthetics and functionality, the result will have a timeless appeal.”
With thanks to Afrigran, Apollo Interiors, Boulevard Collection International, Grass ZA, Kitchen Classics, Mk, Snaidero Cucine, Southern Kitchens and Valcucine
