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New ‘Minimaluxe’ Kitchen Design Trends to Elevate Your Home
Minimalism is never going out of style. It’s been around in some form or another for decades and is loved by designers the world over. However, what tends to happen with such longstanding trends, is every now and then they shift slightly, a ‘new’ version of the trend starts to come forward, and right now that newer take on minimalism is minimaluxe. So what’s minimaluxe? Well, it takes all the aspects of minimalist style we all know and love – the simplicity, the lack of clutter – and blends it with a warmer, softer vibe. With minimaluxe style the lines are curvier, the textures deeper and the coolers mellower. Here’s what designers say about how to bring this new approach into a modern kitchen, designing a space that feels pared back and contemporary but also has that warmth that minimaluxe style is all about.
TAKE A MINIMALIST APPROACH TO CLASSIC STYLE
The beautiful warm-toned, dramatically veined marble is really commanding the attention here. Balanced with the simple cabinetry and color scheme the space remains minimalistic but with touches of the traditional – the herringbone flooring, the pendant lighting, the slightly farmhouse-esque stools. The whole vibe is giving minimalism with a traditional twist, and it’s that twist that makes this kitchen feel less clinical and more cozy. ‘This kitchen is housed in a large turn-of-the-century Victorian house. The proportions of these homes are always so fun to deal with but present challenges that need to be thoughtfully considered. In this project, we wanted to ensure the scale was balanced and the space felt intimate, and not overwhelming,’ explains founder of Nune, Sheeena Murphy. ‘The kitchen sits in the center of the main floor and we created a more human scale by limiting the height of kitchen cabinets and allowing the upper part of the walls to breathe. The introduction of architectural curves evokes a sense of invitation and the very visual stone on the worktops and backsplash draws you in. The blend of more traditional oak herringbone flooring, handmade counter stools by Edward Collinson, and classic Devol lighting are balanced with simple, modern cabinet design and a dynamic marble, and the idea was that this mix of elements would evoke a feeling of being in a modern farmhouse kitchen, but in the middle of a bustling city outside.’
CURATE YOUR CLUTTER
One thing all takes on minimalism have in common is lack of clutter, or better said lack of purposeful, sophisticated clutter. Minimaluxe is definitely more about creating rooms with character, so there’s going to be more on show than in a classically minimalist kitchen, but still everything feels curated for the space. If it doesn’t add something beautiful, it’s not visible. ‘Organization and styling also play a significant role on the overall feeling of your kitchen. Eliminate clutter on your countertops, keep the number of appliances out in the open to a minimum, maintain the interiors of your kitchen cabinets, and perhaps take the time to reorganize the interiors every few months,’ suggests Bianca Betancourt. ‘Accessories and display items should positively impact the space and be gentle on the eyes. This is an opportunity to bring in more color, texture, organic shapes, and materials. Maintaining an organized, simplistic, and subtly designed space will influence relaxation, reduce stress, and will create an overall well-functioning space.’ This kitchen by Studio Zung gets it right. The decor adds more interesting textures and unexpected shapes and any crockery on show fits the minimaluxe aesthetic. Not a kettle or a toaster in sight. ‘Interior architectural details were specified throughout the entire residence from the Dinesen flooring to the book-matched marble in the kitchen, wooden cabinetry, and color and material specifications for both the interior and exterior. Warmth, breadth, and simplicity are the key pillars that imbue this space. Each material holds an energetic quality to it. One does not have to be an architect or designer to feel it,’ says Tommy Zung, Principal of Studio Zung.
GO SOFT AND SUBTLE WITH THE LIGHTING FIXTURES
Kitchen lighting can be just as important as finishes and colors when it comes to creating that natural, minimaluxe look. You want the lighting to have the same warming effects as the design and decor – pools of soft, diffused, yellow-toned light that give the space an all-over glow. ‘Lighting in general can completely transform any space. In terms of ambiance, keep away from heavy, bright and harsh lighting. Opt for soft, warm lighting & use wall or remote dimmers to control all lights in the space. There should be multiple sources of light ie; recessed ceiling lights, under cabinet lights, pendants or decorative lights, track or task lighting & never forget the power of natural light!’ advises Bianca Betancourt, kitchen design lead at FORM Kitchens. In this kitchen by TR Studios, there are so many light sources, both statement and subtle. The multiple spotlights are ideal for lighting the whole room when needed, and the stunning kitchen island lighting allows for a softer more ambient lighting. ‘Our client loved life in the Hamptons when they resided in New York and that sense of tranquillity was something we were keen to bring into their new West London townhouse through the color and material palette,’ says founder Tom Rutt. ‘You can use lighting to help a pared-back kitchen look and feel warmer. Marble and touches of satin brass effortlessly add a softness and evoke a feel of understated luxury and these materials can easily be introduced through lighting.’
BALANCE SIMPLICITY AND A RUSTIC STYLE WITH WOODEN CABINETRY
Wooden kitchen cabinetry is a classic choice, and it leans into both the sleek and rustic sides of this style. In this kitchen designed by Wittmann Estes, it’s used in its most pared-back, natural, and unfinished form and the results are a kitchen that feels both very modern and minimal but filled with character. And note how the same wood is taken over the backsplash to create a beautiful, almost uninterrupted span of wood allowing the pattern of the grain to become a real feature. ‘We sought to dissolve the barriers between the inside and out, between forest, garden, and structure,’ explains Matt Wittman Principal of Wittman Estes. ‘Interior surfaces are rendered in wood materials – local fir for the floors, pine on the walls and ceiling, and cedar on the outdoor decks. A 10’ tall multi-slide fir door opens onto the west deck, where the kitchen counter extends to become a wood-fired barbeque.’ ‘We use a lot of natural materials like wood, steel, and concrete that express themselves through their inherent qualities and textures. The grain and figuring of pine wood wall paneling offer a warmth and connection to the forest through a memory of its source as a tree. Fir flooring has a softer and warmer feeling on the feet, and the warm yellow and orange tones of the fir offer a visual warmth. Our interior design focuses on the sensory qualities of materials, the tactile feeling on your feet and hands, and the visual softness of nature’s textures, tones, and hues.’
Text by Hebe Hatton | Photo credits on livingetc.com | Read More Here
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