A large kitchen, dominated by a spectacular island, a complete office area and a perfect amount of storage space is something we all dream about. Who would not want a kitchen like that? Although sometimes we may think that smaller kitchens will never be as well-equipped, resourceful and attractive as larger ones, it’s simply incorrect. Surely you wonder how can I arrange my kitchen to make it look wider? Or, is it possible for a small kitchen to be equally well-equipped? You only need to keep certain aspects in mind and a few space saving tricks.

1 . Take advantage of every millimeter, planning and designing the furniture in a way that, although often more expensive than standard sizes, you can make the most of the space available; including those places that remain unusable due to the irregular shape of the kitchen or structural elements which prevent an even distribution.

2. Opt for a sliding door to enter the kitchen: you will thus get more leverage, up to 1m2 in the kitchen, as it does not require as much room when opening and closing as conventional doors. Choose a glass model to get luminosity, or with a slow delayed closing for more comfort.

3. If you fully use your wall height, you will get more storage space. We usually measure a room or a house in square meters when it should be done in cubic meters, since the possibilities of storage and distribution that are offered by the wall’s height is effectively one of the best options to gain width. Use high furniture that reach the ceiling to substantially multiply the storage capacity in the kitchen. Preferably, and to make the space seem not too overwhelming, you should opt for white and/or glass doors to lighten up the room.

4. An organized set up is key for kitchenettes. Try to have everything placed in compartmentalized drawers and closets. Otherwise, the kitchen will look smaller than it really is. This is one of the easiest space saving ideas to implement.

 

5. Install furniture with shutting doors so that it’s possible to hide small appliances inside. Thus, the counter will always look neat and organized. If the cabinets’ interiors are equipped with the necessary plugging, you can use the appliances without having to remove them, multiplying the efficiency.

6. Fully take advantage of the baseboards. Baseboards with storage capacity tend to be between 10 and 15 centimeters. Take advantage of this space to store only what you don’t use every day, and avoid awkward postures by continually having to crouch.

7. Get more out of the shelves. Whether they’re shelves placed inside the cabinets or free-standing, fully take advantage of them by placing hooks to hang cups and mugs on the underside of the shelves.

8. Use rods and hooks to hang kitchen accessories: Get a more spacious countertop by using rods hung on the dashboard and the windowsill, or even on a wall! You can hang cutlery and cooking utensils, a full spice rack or things such as aluminum foil and cling film, among other things. You’ll be surprised by the outcome!

9 . What is the best color scheme for kitchenettes? Opt for white to attract more light and make the room feel more spacious. When selecting the color of the countertops, light colors will again help create a greater feeling of spaciousness and brightness. If you opt for a Silestone’s countertop, look out for the new colors of the Nébula Alpha series, such as Blanco Orion or Ariel, and the fabulous Maple Orna, White Storm, Blanco Zeua Extreme, Blanco Norte and Blanco Stellar, or even Cream Stone and White Diamond from the Eco Line Collection. Don’t miss out on the range of light Dexton colors such as Zenith and Arianne from the Solid Collection series, or Makai, an extraordinary choice wood imitating textures lovers. Finally, Blanch Concrete is a color featured in the Tech Collection.

10 . If you opt for materials with a satin or gloss finish, either for the countertop, cabinet coatings or the tiling. It will reflect both natural and artificial light, which will visually develop the spatial perception of the room. Metallized, polished or lacquered surfaces are all great allies for this purpose.

 

11. Avoid using too many different materials. Most people choose no more than three different materials to pave the floor, cover the walls and the kitchen furniture, as uniformity and continuity instill spaciousness. If you use the same material for the countertop and backsplash, also known as the dashboard, you’ll find that uniformity makes the space look wider and clearer, in addition to allow for easy cleaning and maintenance of the surface. Go for the shade that best suits your decorative tastes; there is a wide variety of neutral, light and bright colors to choose from in the Silestone’s collection that will help to lighten up the room and make it feel more spacious.

12. Where possible, you should panel larger domestic appliances (i.e. washing machine, refrigerator, dishwasher, dryer, etc.) following the advice above. Featuring identical appearances will create uniformity and multiply the overall spatial feeling of the room.

13. Minimalist handles: choose small handles with very simple designs. If possible, choose hangnail or open pressure handles.

14. Double or single sink? Choosing a single-bowl sink allows you to make the most of your work surface. Try to get one about 50 cm, so that it is comfortably sized and functional. You won’t need a larger size! If you’ve chosen a Silestone’s countertop, assess the possibility of installing the Integrity sink, to create a feeling of complete unformity, even in the washing area. Designed with the same features as the Silestone’s countertops, it is one of the most sought after options in the market: highly resistant to scratches, long-lasting and smart design.

15. Small hotplates. If your kitchen is very small, do not lose hope! You can solve the lack of space by choosing a hotplate proportionate to the size of the countertop surface. With a double stove or a domino module you can gain about 30 centimeters of countertop space.

16. Multifunctional domestic appliances: opt for appliances with several functions, such as washer and dryer or an oven with built in microwave function. This way you will fully benefit from the kitchen space, down to the last millimeter.

 

17. Or smaller domestic appliances. If the size of your kitchen does not allow you to install standard size appliances (60 cm), choose dishwashers, washing machines and ovens that are 40 cm wide instead.

18. Don’t worry about the household! If you don’t all fit in the kitchen, move the crockery and glassware (especially the ones you don’t use daily) to the dining room. If you get your priorities right you can have a small but well-equipped kitchenette.

19. Although it’s ideal to go for lighter and brighter colors, don’t completely give up on vivid colors for textile accessories, such as oven gloves, dishcloths etc., small appliances or auxiliary parts; always do so in a coordinated way.

20. Surely you’d like to have a small office in the kitchen? All you need is to install a small folding surface, a worktop area and stools for you to enjoy a mini office where you can have breakfast every morning. Worth it!

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When choosing a kitchen countertop or bathroom countertop you have to keep these criteria in mind more than any others:

• Durability
• Functionality
• Aesthetic

The first aspect is vital for the kitchen, a space where hot liquids, sharp objects, etc. are all used. The selected material will be key in the design of this room, for its daily use and its hygiene.

Granite: The most frequent stone countertops

Sample of different types of granites

Granites bring resistance and style to your kitchen. It has to be treated if you don’t want the surface to absorb fat substances, but it will then be impossible to scratch, will resist heat, acids and shocks. The national production is substantial, but offers less colors than importations. More hygienic granites are also offered like, for example, the ones from Sensa by Cosentino, featuring a unique anti-stain protection.

Marble: a stylish option

Polished marble bathroom countertop.

A very robust and aesthetically attractive material, especially if it’s been polished. It features a wide range of colors and its veining instills anything made of marble with a unique character and elegance. It however does not resist acids because it has a certain level of porosity which allows stains and that may need to be polished to regain brightness. It is nevertheless more recommended for the bathroom than for the kitchen countertops.

The elegance of slate

Its best property is its impermeability, which makes it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens stone countertops. It features rare beauty and class which makes a main character in any room. It therefore doesn’t get stained easily and maintenance is almost nonexistent, even if waterproofing it is advised so it can preserve its original look. One of its biggest downside is that it is a delicate material which is not very resistant to shocks, something essential for a countertop used daily.

Dekton’s ultra-compact countertop: resistance and aesthetic

Exterior kitchen countertop with a marbled finish, Aura 15,  Dekton by Cosentino

Dekton is a durable and robust surface which, in some models, imitates stone, ideal for the daily life and smooth to touch. It doesn’t get stained, is highly resistant to fire, heat and abrasion, as well as UV rays, the latter making it ideal for exterior kitchens. This material combines raw materials, which are used to produce glass, the latest generation of porcelain, with quartz surfaces because large format pieces avoid cuts and joints, allowing for greater uniformity and a steady color that will blend in perfectly in any setting. If you are aiming to instill a unique touch to your bathroom that will last for years thanks to a stone countertop, Dekton is a great choice. You will also be able to choose from the different textures and wide range of color palettes it offers, comprising more than 40 tones, allowing you to personalize your project to your liking. Natural stones and ultra-compact surfaces alike will harmoniously blend in with a lot of different design styles. Which one are you going to use for your next project? Take a look at other countertop color bets: Blue countertop Green countertop White countertop Gray countertop Black worktop Red worktop  If you liked this article, you can’t miss our free guide!

Decorators from all the around the world opt for a white floor in the kitchen because of its refinement, the purity it symbolizes and because white matches any decorative style. Displayed in this post are different types of floors from which you can choose the one best suited for your project.

 

White floor in the kitchen: What are the different types?

Looking to put a white floor in your kitchen? Many types are available. Hereunder, we’ll describe its main characteristics so you know which one to choose.

1. Stoneware

Stoneware, or ceramic, is the traditional kitchen floor, which looks like a red body tile. Amongst stoneware notable advantages is its low porosity composition, which turns out to be very practical in a kitchen as it is a sturdy easy to clean material.

2. White Porcelain tile

Thanks to its low porosity, its large format and the variety of its patterns, the porcelain floor has earned a well-deserved place in kitchen designs of any style. To be more specific, the Dekton floors are known to offer the most high-end range of this type of floors:

• They are super-compact.
• Their large sizes allow for endless design possibilities.
• It is also very resistant to scratches, stains, heath and abrasion.

3. Madera

Wood is undisputed rustic style’s main character. Even if some think that wooden floors in the kitchen can deteriorate faster, if it is well cared for and made of a high-quality laminated wood, there is no reason this would happen. You can however opt for easier maintenance options, like the one offered by the Wild by Dekton collection; inspired by wood, but with an increased longevity and durability.

4. Micro-concrete

The industrial style trend has also invaded the kitchens. If you are planning to go for this style for your kitchen, choosing floors and walls made of micro-concrete is ideal to create clean looking continuous surfaces.

3 kitchens with a white floor: 3 different styles

Modern design

White Porcelain tile – Counter, color Unsui, Silestone by Cosentino

 

In this modern style kitchen, stainless steel is a key feature: It can be found on the powerful central fans, on the central island, the stools legs and even on the lights. The designer chose a white floor to perfectly match with the metallic and taupe tones of the decoration.

New Nordic

White Porcelain tile – Counter, color Charcoal Soapstone, Silestone, by Cosentino

The white floor’s large size perfectly fits with the light wood ceilings, the furniture and the black kitchen island (A Silestone Charcoal Soapstone which instills a natural feel to the room). Each element is a distinctive feature of this new Nordic style kitchen, resulting in a captivating room.

 

Modern and functional

White Porcelain tile – Counter, color Coral Clay, Silestone by Cosentino

Combined with white, wood is always a safe choice. Taking this modern and functional kitchen as an example, we can see how the white canvas brought the elements of the wood together, creating a clever balance between warm and cold.

Looking for a more minimalistic concept, a Nordic touch, or simply, updating your kitchen to a modern aesthetic, white floor is the best option because it brightens up the room, making it look more spacious. Did these 3 ideas inspire some future projects?

 

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A home kitchen is the most functional room in every household. It is a busy place that serves its purpose, but that does not mean that your kitchen should look and feel like a school cafeteria. Quite opposite, your kitchen should be a heart of your home!

In this space reserved for cooking, people of all ages meet and bond over delicious food. You can make this small portion of your home a bit cozier with the help of simple décor ideas that will cost you very little to nothing. Keep on reading to find out how you can make your kitchen feel more welcoming in a matter of minutes.

 

1.    Bring Nature Into your Home Kitchen

A minimalistic glass vase filled with beautiful flowers enhances the appearance of the whole home kitchen.

People quite often forget about nature when decorating the interior. Without a pop of greenery, a home can feel a bit isolated. Kitchens especially strive for that fresh hint of wildness. A minimalistic glass vase filled with freshly picked flowers can make a huge difference in your home. Simply place an Aloe Vera plant or a pot of fresh parsley or basil in the corner of your kitchen counter and you will immediately notice the whole ambiance change for the better.

2.    Mix and Match Interior Styles

Industrial lamp and faucet beautifully complement this country-themed home kitchen.  

Have you ever thought about experimenting with different interior design styles? The art of mix and matching is not that difficult to master. Just remember that opposites often attract each other. For instance, cool tones of industrial style are compatible with warm tones of rustic and mid-century modern style. Try installing an industrial kitchen faucet and low hanging metal lamps in your country kitchen. If you happen to have a beamed ceiling or exposed brick wall in your home kitchen try pairing them with the upbeat retro inspired kitchenware in pastel colors.

3.    Add a Pop of Color

Cooking utensils and kitchen appliances are mostly available in black monochromatic shades, from white to different tones of gray. These colors can set a dull atmosphere in your home kitchen. If you feel like your kitchen lacks personality try introducing it to vibrant colors. Step out of your comfort zone and invest into a green stand mixer, pink coffee mugs, yellow vase, or hang an abstract painting on the nearest wall. Even a simple bowl of fresh fruit will give your home kitchen a makeover.

4.    Welcome the Light

Sunlight will brighten up your home kitchen and make it appear more spacious.  

Sunlight can open up even the smallest rooms. The brightness and therapeutic effects of daylight will make your kitchen instantly more desirable. Welcome the sunlight into your home and open up the window whenever in need of a fresh breeze. Natural light will not only affect your mood but also make every smooth metallic and glass surface stand out. The sunlight will reflect off your kitchen counter and expose a true beauty of the marble or Cosentino Silestone now available in more colors.

 

5.    Experiment with Materials, Textures, and Patterns

Natural veining of Cosentino Silestone gives the luxurious element to this home kitchen.

Every single material, texture, and pattern carries its own message. Circular patterns, for instance, create a softer look great for the contemporary interiors while angular shapes exude sharpness that best complements the industrial style.

If you want to add a little bit of edginess to your kitchen, try investing into leather barstools or a rug embellished with the square motif. An oriental rug, on the other hand, can help you bring a Middle Eastern cultural influence in your home. And if you want to make your kitchen more luxurious, try investing into Cosentino Silestone countertop with the prominent veining pattern running throughout the whole surface.

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A superb minimalist Kitchen features an illuminated white surfaces with white subway tile, herringbone floors and beautiful bare wood textures.

Today’s most stunning minimalist kitchens are governed by a set of key design principles including the use of “white space,” linear focus and pared down aesthetics. How is real presence and style achieved when the homeowner or the architect is committed to such restraint? How is the space of a minimalist kitchen made unique, personalized and of course luxurious? The answer is that a truly modern design concept should always be absolutely livable. Minimalism can also include luxury materials and bold surface choices. However, while truly cutting edge minimalist kitchen design is often dramatic it must also be functional – after all, this essential home space needs to work well for cooking and eating. And a kitchen should always feel welcoming whether this quality comes from beauty born of an elegant and refined use of materials or a curated sense of oasis.

Sleek Lines and Pure Black – A Superb Minimalist Kitchen

A minimalist kitchen in all black is undoubtedly contemporary. A wall of windows and an open space concept create the ultimate contemporary home living experience for this super sleek minimalist kitchen. Drama and refinement meet in this noir space and the combination white lantern lighting adds a flair of mid century modernist style.  Clean linear lines form a geometric island with ample storage. Empty space is balanced by the luxurious quality of the surfaces and the smoky matte surface adds a touch of sophistication and depth.

A New Scandinavian Style Minimalist Kitchen

A balance of Scandinavian pale woods, subtle greys and dramatic black, this minimalist kitchen in a masterpiece in modern design. The bold island is a statement piece. The eternal charcoal soapstone counters have a matte depth that exudes a sense of fine handiwork and sculptural sensibility. An understated nordic palette includes white floors, neutral accents, and wall of wood surface. Horizontal cabinetry adds a unique interpretation of mid century modern style and an expansive wood ceiling is accented by inset lighting as well as hanging lamps.

A New Way of Looking -An American Minimalist Kitchen and Dining Area

This striking minimalist kitchen includes a bold stone punctuated by gray patterning, dark wood and colorful lighting.

Monochrome is again at the heart of this kitchen design that incorporates the open space concept, creating a traditional galley kitchen while allowing the island to function as an architectural feature. Greys and pales offset the geometric forms of the kitchen wall cupboards. The communal island section is for prep and entertaining as well as family time. A highly polished floor is a wonderful final touch.

A Spectacular Minimalist Kitchen with a Garden View

The classic mid century modern house in American often featured a continuity between indoors and outdoors, second floors as well as garden levels provided views and access to greenery.

A common view was into the canopies of trees, nothing could be more beautiful. As well classical elements include the combination of wood accents with manmade materials and natural textures. This is a fine example of such a style and has an updated look as well with the Dekton Natura -Halo countertop. Hidden dark wood storage shows the natural grain and this textural sensibility is complemented by the beautiful and intricate patterning of the stone island as well as the complex and supple counter surfaces. The vertical wall garden adds a pop of green connects indoors with outdoors. The open concept island table is extended outdoors allowing a sense of design continuity allowing the homeowner to fluidly entertain in both spaces.

Drawing from Scandinavian traditions, the minimalist kitchen is an ever present motif in contemporary design, often distinguished by monochrome hues and luxurious materials, countertops, cabinets and islands seem architectural artworks in themselves and creatively divide and expand space. One of the most popular and versatile styles, minimalism is a trend that is continually invigorated and rethought by talented designers and revitalized with new and exciting surface materials, countertops and island designs.

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Kitchen with a black and white mosaic hydraulic ceramic covering style

 

Ceramic has been part of our lives for thousands of years. Actually, talking about ceramic wall tiles, ancient Babylonians already acknowledged the longevity and strength of this material. Nowadays, so many centuries after, ceramic is still a great choice for wall coverings of all kinds of spaces, interior and exterior alike. Thus, we want to explain to you what are ceramic coverings, and which are the trending designs and layouts.

How is a ceramic wall tile made?

Ceramic is a material made of clay, sand and other inorganic materials, which is then usually hardened with fire inside a kiln. This is a material similar to porcelain, except that ceramic is made with thicker raw materials. Ceramic wall tiles are usually coated with ornamental enamel, which allies colors, different textures and coatings, or an imprinted decorative pattern.

 

Trending coverings

Beside the traditional tiling, there are many others which emulate different coatings, larger sizes, new tiles formats and many more, which feature intriguing textures and reliefs, completed with designs for any type of ambiance.

 

Kitchen island with wood imitation ceramic wall tiles

Coatings that reproduce natural elements are the most sought after options. Thanks to new technology, it is now possible to replicate materials like stones, slate, marble, and even wood. The new patterns feature real wood coating of various shades; the perfect option to instill warmth and authenticity to any room.

Bathroom with ceramic wall tiles and wooden imitation slats floor

 

There is now a revolution in the ceramic covering sector largely due to the use of laser printing, an innovative new technique which allows to emboss high-resolution images on ceramic of other kind of materials, like steel, wood, stone, leather, gold-metallized, silver or copper, cement, hydraulic tiles, and even tapestries and wallpapers; which are just some of the many options available. Adding texture is key to achieve complete realism, using punches and casts specifically designed to create the perfect finish.

Silestone front cladding and countertop, color Noka, DHS photo

 

Large-scale coverings are useful to reduce joints, and so create a sensation of continuity; it’s one of the most popular option used in the design of modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Besides giving a polished aspect to the walls, this type of covering, like the ones offered by Silestone, also enables the materials used for the countertop or the floor to merge into a single piece and create a space visually more attractive and modern. Also keep in mind the advantages of ceramic surfaces, their high resistance to stains and hits above all.

White kitchen with wooden ceramic wall tiles and a white honeycomb styled worktop backsplash.

 

Given the wide range of textures and reliefs, some of the most sophisticated designs are made with three dimensional engraved ceramic coverings, as well as geometrical, floral or vegetal patterns with relief. Beside modern designs, handcrafted ceramic coverings are also particularly relevant to design modern kitchens: the metro tiles or the fish-scales tiles, a rising type of covering, will infuse your rooms with style and personality.

Dekton by Consentino covering and countertop, color Soke

As for the Natural Chic style lovers, there is an innovative type of tiles, which combines the essence of the industrial style with the beauty and uniqueness of the natural environments: coverings that emulate cement in its most polished and urban form. Laos and Vera are both new colors from Dekton by Cosentino, which are an example of the perfect elements needed to design stylish and personalized spaces.

This type of covering also comes with three different anchoring systems options: the simple, mixed or dry abating system. Depending on the use and location, interior or exterior, another system will have to be applied to insure the longevity and resistance of the installation.

Handcrafted, large-scale or ceramic coverings made of smaller ceramic wall tiles, have become an essential decorative resource to design an aesthetic and functional kitchen. Choosing the right one will make your space more balanced and harmonious, both crucial aspects to design the perfect kitchen plan.

 

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Silestone countertop color Blanco Zeus by Cosentino

 

Clear quartz, also known as rock crystal, is one of the most abundant materials in the Earth’s crust. As a result, it is largely used in the design of different types of elements, such as countertops, floors, lining and furniture, and in the interior decoration and architecture industry for its hardness, stability, resistance and natural features. While years ago countertops were exclusively made from hardboard with PVC lining, marble or granite, today quartz has become one of the best alternatives to other materials, especially marble or granite. It’s also prescribed by a respectable number of professionals, interior decorators and architects in the design of their projects.

Why is clear quartz essential in interior design?

In essence, quartz offers great advantages when used in the manufacture of countertops and linings, since clear quartz (the raw materials from which it is made) is one of the hardest materials in nature (ranked 7 out of 10 in the Mohs scale of mineral hardness). In addition to stability and resistance, quartz naturally adds value to the kitchen, by being a material that adapts to the design and personalisation of the countertop or project, enhancing the functionality of each space.

Contemporary wood kitchen with white countertop

Compared with granite, another mineral proposed for the creation of this type of element, quartz is harder, more compact and resistant. This is largely due to its process, which converts it into a more solid and consistent material.

In addition to its hardness and high resistance, another key advantage that makes it into an ideal material for countertops is its zero porosity. This essential feature prevents the formation of bacteria and increases its resistance to stains and scratches. This is possible thanks to the process quartz surfaces are subjected to, which is very similar to that of ceramics, where the mixture of materials undergoes vacuum vibro-compression treatment. Thanks to this treatment, quartz is also highly resistant to shock.

Unlike other materials, quartz also offers multiple aesthetic advantages thanks to the wide range of colours that it presents. In addition, the colour does not fade, and new designs have been created over the years to faithfully simulate different textures, such as leather or natural rocks.

Quartz is easy to clean and maintain and it is durable, resistant over time and functional – essential properties for an excellent reform project.

Quartz variations for each application

Despite what it might look like, not all quartz materials are the same. The most common composition of quartz is of 84% to 95% rock and silica, 2% to 14% polyester resin, 1% organic pigments and 1% catalysts. However, manufacturers such as Silestone – specialising in quartz surfaces – develop their own percentages and compositions, which allows for different types of surfaces for countertops, flooring or lining, depending on the needs and characteristics of each project.

Encimera Silestone color Ariel, autor Jodie Johnson

Quartz is undoubtedly prevailing in the market as the most in demand material. Kitchen, bathroom and interior decor design have and increasing need for materials that are renowned for their hardness, resistance and versatility – essential qualities for such surfaces.

 

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