In home design, the kitchen has changed from being merely a functional space into an important part of the ‘great room’ concept. The great room is an interior design idea that merges different areas such as the living room, dining room and kitchen into an open plan space. Hidden kitchens have become part of this trend and they aim to blend cooking spaces with living areas to create a flexible home environment.

7 Key Tips on Designing a Hidden Kitchen

Understanding the Hidden Kitchen Concept 

A hidden kitchen aims to integrate the kitchen cupboards and appliances with the living space while still keeping all the functionality of a kitchen. It often includes made to measure kitchen cupboard doors that fit in with other architectural elements of the wider room to make sure there is a seamless transition between the spaces.

Storage Solutions and Vertical Integration 

Modern hidden kitchen design often moves away from traditional upper cabinets and instead favours more creative storage solutions. Tall cabinets, which feature made to measure kitchen cupboard doors like the Zurfiz door with a colour matched edge, stretch from floor to ceiling and give plenty of storage space while also creating clean lines and an uninterrupted design.

Pro Tip: When you design a tall cabinet, consider using a touch-to-open mechanism rather than traditional handles to maintain the look of clean lines and design continuity.

Materials and Finishes 

The materials from which the cupboards are made also play an important role in achieving the hidden kitchen style. You could try matching the materials of the cabinet to the flooring which creates an uninterrupted visual flow like the smooth finish of the Valore slab door or try using made to measure kitchen cupboard doors in materials that are also used in other areas of the great room. Natural materials, such as wood veneer, can be used throughout the space and can blur the boundaries between kitchen and living areas.

Innovative Appliance Integration 

Modern technology has made it possible to conceal even larger kitchen appliances effectively. Refrigerators can disappear behind panels, and extraction systems can be integrated into ceilings or worktops. Integrating the technology ensures the kitchen keeps working as a kitchen but also maintains the open plan layout's clean and uncluttered design. Smart technology has also become more important in hidden kitchen design because it can allow people to remotely control their appliances, lighting and even ventilation systems, which keeps the kitchen environment perfectly managed. Smart storage systems such as motorised cabinets or intelligent organisational tools are also a great part of hidden kitchen design because they can make the best use of the space and keep surfaces uncluttered.

Pro Tip: Think about choosing appliances with panel-ready options early on in the design process to make sure they can be seamlessly integrated.

Lighting Design 

The design of the lighting also has an important role in hidden kitchen design. Statement lighting fixtures that complement the design of the great room can help unify the space, and task lighting can be integrated into the cabinets. Wall sconces that are traditionally used in living spaces can also be incorporated into kitchen areas to make a connection between the zones.

Furniture-Style Elements 

Using furniture-style pieces in the kitchen design also helps to bridge the gap between cooking and living spaces. Using a large dining table instead of a traditional kitchen island or using an armoire-style pantry can help with the style of the great room and deliver the functionality that a kitchen needs.

Pro Tip: When choosing the furniture-style elements, make sure that they have sufficient space to compensate for any traditional kitchen storage that has been removed in the design process.

The Future of Hidden Kitchens

As our homes continue to change and evolve, the hidden kitchen concept is a great solution to modern living requirements because it can work in homes of many different sizes. It is important to carefully consider each part of the hidden kitchen design because the storage solutions, lighting choices and materials must work together to integrate the kitchen into the living areas. The right choices can result in a harmonious living environment that works with all kinds of contemporary lifestyles

Happy Doors are here to help

At Happy Doors, we understand the importance of creating a home that combines style, functionality, and comfort. Our range of made-to-measure cupboard doors, such as the sleek Zurfiz and Valore collections, are perfect for achieving the hidden kitchen look that seamlessly integrates with your living space. With a variety of finishes, materials, and innovative designs, we can help bring your vision to life. Start designing your dream hidden kitchen with Happy Doors today and transform your home into the epitome of modern living!

Contact us today on 01256 845 816 or email us at hello@happy-doors.co.uk.