When it comes to designing your home, the kitchen is one of the most important elements to get right. As the heart of the home, it’s a high-use space that can dramatically affect you and your family’s lifestyle.
But what makes a fantastic architectural kitchen? There are certain elements that help the space move away from formulaic into fantastic, making living as easy as possible.
1. Flow
A fantastic kitchen needs to flow, with a design that complements how you’d like to live and entertain in the space. Architecturally considered kitchens will follow the working triangle rule, an invisible shape that links the fridge, sink and hob. The three parts should be close enough to make cooking easy, but not too close – you don’t want to be on top of your fellow chefs!
How the kitchen flows will also depend on the wider house design – if in an open-plan space, there should be appropriate ventilation and sources of natural light, as well as a cohesive flow from zone to zone.
Image: Pinterest
2. Materials
An architectural kitchen is built to last, so will always feature high-quality materials that can withstand constant wear and tear. Whether laminate, stone or an alternative, they will be chosen with longevity in mind.
Contrary to popular opinion, the best cabinets won’t be made from solid wood, as this has a tendency to expand and contract. Instead, engineering wood products (such as fibreboard or plywood) or stainless steel might be used instead. Sustainable materials are also becoming more popular, as builders and designers look for ways to reduce a home’s carbon footprint.
Image: Pinterest
3. Fixtures and Fittings
Just like the base materials, the fixtures and fittings of an architectural kitchen are always of the highest quality, designed to satisfy both form and function. Everything from light fittings to tapware and handles will be considered and curated, with materials such as stainless steel, brass or wood.
The finishing touches should also bring a kitchen’s aesthetic together, with subtle nods to other materials in the room. For example, wooden handles may complement stools at a breakfast bar, or a colour in a splashback may match the light fitting.
Image: Pinterest
4. Timeless Appeal
An architectural kitchen won’t bend to the current trends, but feature a timeless aesthetic that ensures longevity. Instead of featuring trending colours, textures or finishes, it features clean and refined lines, a neutral palette and balanced proportions – all of which will never go out of style. This can then be built upon with more temporary additions such as linen or decorations.
Image: Pinterest
5. Statement Features
Creating an architectural kitchen allows clients to introduce bespoke elements that elevate the home as a whole. Examples include skylights to allow for additional natural light, bespoke furniture or cabinetry, a glass or mosaic splashback, or feature lighting. These can often take a kitchen from stock-standard to sensational, adding that ‘wow’ factor for entertaining.
Image: Pinterest
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If you’re looking to create a bespoke architectural kitchen in your new home, get in touch with the team at BCM Aust to see how we can help.