Recipe for style: 8 ideas to cop for maximum style and function

One major component that impacts the overall look of your kitchen design is the cabinetry. If your kitchen aesthetic gravitates towards ultra-sleek, minimalist looks, here are eight ideas to cop for maximum style and function. Michelle Lee reports

Arclinea Lignum et Lapis island. PHOTO: ARCLINEA

1 KEEP THINGS AFLOAT

When space is scarce, floating cabinetry can give the illusion of more floor space and visual lightness without raising the roof.

Looking every part a sculptural piece, the Arclinea Lignum et Lapis island is constructed with suspended base units.

Its worktop, which can be crafted with materials such as stone or stainless steel, doubles as a bar area and comes with a handy drip guard. It can also be integrated with hobs and sinks. Available at Unique Kitchen Fusion.


2 PUSH TO OPEN

PHOTO: BLUM SOUTH EAST ASIA

Push mechanisms, like Blum's Tip-On mechanical opening system, allow you to simply press on the cabinet door and have it spring open.

The kitchen systems expert's Aventos series takes this up a notch with options that include a bi-fold lift system that is especially useful if you have little room overhead, as well as soft-close features. Available at Blum South East Asia.


3 POCKET DOORS

PHOTO: ARCLINEA

Instead of doors that swing outwards, consider pocket doors designed to slide outwards and then tuck in laterally. You will not have to deal with open doors getting in the way when you work in the kitchen.

With Arclinea's new pocket doors system, even sinks and food preparation counters, easily accessed with floor-to-ceiling profile handles, can be hidden from sight when not in use. Available at Unique Kitchen Fusion.


4 HIDE APPLIANCES

PHOTO: ARCLINEA

A minimal kitchen design falls flat when clunky small appliances, like toasters and rice cookers, clutter up the space.

When designing your kitchen, designate concealed storage that camouflages appliances.

Arclinea's Mini Appliance Container Unit has a pull-out wood shelf to free up counter space, two electric sockets and internal lighting, plus a mirror-finish Stopsol tempered glass door with a built-in grip. Available at Unique Kitchen Fusion.


5 INTEGRATED HANDLES

PHOTO: SIEMATIC

These have an inward-facing bevelled edge that can be grasped and pulled.

The front panel appears flat for an uninterrupted look. Grooves are also included between each cabinet and drawer.

The SieMatic SLX kitchen island pairs integrated handles with a 6.5mm-thick countertop and individually controllable lighting strips that elevate the mood of your space. Available at W. Atelier.


6 STAY SMUDGE-FREE

PHOTO: THE SCIENTIST

If you are going with handle-free cabinetry, you will want to banish unsightly fingerprint marks, so forgo high-gloss surfaces.

Dark colours with a matt finish or textured surfaces better minimise the appearance of smudges.


7 A FEAST OF TEXTURES

PHOTO: MITON

Minimalist kitchen interiors do not necessitate plain cabinetry. Experiment with various textures to evoke contemporary vibes.

Miton Cucine's Menta kitchen design can be customised with a selection of finishings such as wood-and stone-like bi-laminated panels and solid colours that complement matt black aluminium and glass elements. Available at W. Atelier.


8 AUTOMATE THE SPACE

PHOTO: VALCUCINE

The age of automation has presented exciting possibilities in kitchen tech and that extends to cabinets too.

Valcucine's patented Logica Celata kitchen system conceals counters, home bars and appliances with V-motion, which opens doors, turns the tap around and activates back-panel lights with a wave of the hand.

For more information, go to www.valcucine.com/store-locator.

• This article first appeared in the September 2020 issue of Home & Decor, which is published by SPH Magazines.

• Get the October and latest issue of Home & Decor now at all newsstands or download the digital edition of Home & Decor from the App Store, Magzter or Google Play. Also, see more inspiring homes at www.homeanddecor.com.sg

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 31, 2020, with the headline Recipe for style: 8 ideas to cop for maximum style and function. Subscribe