The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but just like any other room in the house, it's subject to makeovers to keep up with trends.
Nowadays, invisible kitchens are becoming a trending topic.
Minimalism to the max, the Invisible Kitchen is exactly what it sounds like: zen, calm and free of clutter, so devoid of even essential elements like a stove or tap that it's impossible to guess what the room's function is.
To find out more about this intriguing trend that's quietly making its way into British homes, we spoke to Emily Pickett, design consultant at Kitchens by Holloways.
What exactly is an invisible kitchen?
“An invisible kitchen blends seamlessly into your home. It's hidden and unobtrusive, with no visible appliances. It's exactly what it sounds like: invisible.”
How does this work in practice? Through intelligent space planning and thoughtful cabinetry choices. The kitchen can be made to look like furniture rather than more “classic” cabinetry. This can be achieved by opting for a more freestanding feel, choosing an island with legs, or having a table instead of an island. Invisible kitchens also often minimize wall cabinetry, making the space feel a bit lighter and less recognizable as a kitchen.
Hiding and integrating appliances is key: extractor fans, fridges and freezers can all be discreetly hidden or integrated to create a more seamless, uninterrupted space. Another simple solution is to opt for a handle-free kitchen for a more furniture-like look.
If you have the space and budget, the ultimate way to make your hidden kitchen plan a reality is with a hidden pantry or “back kitchen.” A walk-in pantry or back kitchen with unobtrusive, integrated access built into the cabinets is the perfect place to store countertop appliances, even a sink and dishwasher, and even food storage. Visitors won't know these spaces exist, but they do a lot, especially when it comes to hiding clutter.
Another solution for small kitchens is to install a breakfast bar with pocket doors, which helps to tidy and hide clutter. Keep your morning coffee and all the breakfast essentials on the island, stored away for the day, so everything is close at hand and discreetly hidden afterwards.
Why is this trend taking off now?
Homeowners are increasingly making their kitchens a more practical part of their homes. They're no longer “just” a place to cook and eat, but a place to spend time with family, as well as entertain and entertain. Most kitchens are open-plan and are used more as a daily living space, which makes them less conspicuous and more in keeping with the rest of the interior.
Who is the typical invisible kitchen user?
For hosts, an invisible kitchen can help set the scene and transform a cooking area into an entertaining space, especially if there's a back kitchen or hidden walk-in pantry.
A more discreet kitchen can be helpful if space is limited: Small homes can be completely open plan, so a more discreet and unobtrusive kitchen can help to reduce clutter and create a more cohesive design scheme.
What are the notable features of invisible kitchens?
If space and budget allow, a hidden walk-in pantry or back kitchen can be a highlight feature. Other features include handle-less cabinetry, pocket doors at the breakfast bar and hidden or integrated appliances.
An integrated fridge/freezer is a must and a key feature that is becoming increasingly popular is a hob with a downdraft, meaning there's no noticeable extractor fan in sight.
Instead of wall cabinets, simple but well-crafted shelves or a marble or tiled splashback can add a sense of design without making the space look too much like a kitchen.
Are invisible kitchens expensive?
The cost of a kitchen redesign will vary depending on your choices and the space you have. Generally, the more bespoke or customized it is, the more it will cost, especially when it comes to cabinetry and appliance selection.
“Hidden or integrated appliances are a key feature of an invisible kitchen, so it's important to consider the additional installation costs that come with choosing them. For example, a stove with a downdraft instead of a traditional extractor fan will be more expensive. Also, the more hidden and integrated the appliances are, the higher the cost.”
Whether you're dreaming of a complete kitchen makeover or just looking for some nifty ideas to hide clutter from view, we've rounded up some ingenious ideas for keeping your kitchen out of sight.
