Designing a summer-inspired kitchen captures not just the brightness and warmth of the season, but also its simplicity. The influence of summer brings a lighter, more relaxed approach to kitchen design, reflecting the joy and ease of the summer season.
One way to accomplish this is through choosing a lighter palette, as reflected translucent glass or light-colored woods. These summer-inspired materials can result in a design aesthetic that unifies the comfort and tranquility synonymous with summer. By opting for materials that are visually light and unimposing, designers are able to capture the essence of summer by ‘decreasing visual noise.’ And, using lighter hues like pastels, soft blues, and crisp whites can help make the kitchen appear as though it’s bathed in natural sunlight, regardless of the time of year.
Another key trick of the trade is to target clutter. Summer kitchens should ideally be spaces of comfort and serenity, void of extraneous utensils and appliances. Minimalism in the kitchen can draw attention to the beauty of the kitchen itself, especially the materials and hues used, rather than the items stored in it. Besides contributing to a clean aesthetic, being organized also helps homeowners stay efficient and focused in the kitchen. Storage is an integral part of creating a minimalist, serene kitchen, with real estate pros indicating that well-organized spaces attract more hopeful home buyers.
It’s also essential to keep the kitchen’s functionality in mind. Incorporating outdoor-indoor living into the kitchen design is an excellent way to participate in summer. Opening up the kitchen to outdoor spaces can facilitate gatherings for summer parties and cookouts. Installing French doors, a kitchen pass-through window, or even just an open-air concept can bring the outdoors in. It not only create an opportunity for more light exposure but also enhance airflow for a cooler feel. The result is a kitchen that feels less cloistered, amplifying the sense of space and light.
Changing the material design can also evoke a sense of summer. Using beach-inspired materials, like a sea glass backsplash or a sand-colored countertop, can create a calming, beachy vibe. It’s about creating a space where you can feel the sea breeze wafting through. Tropical hardwoods, bamboo, or rattan can also blend seamlessly to create a vacation-like vibe.
It’s also worth considering the addition of houseplants, which can bring the outdoors in. Not only do plants add a pop of color and hint of freshness to your kitchen, they can also improve the indoor air quality. Using vertical spaces to hang potted herbs or a cluster of trailing variegals can create a green oasis in your kitchen.
While the concept of summer simplicity in kitchen design may conjure images of beach houses and summer getaways, it can also reflect simple design techniques and material choices that make the kitchen feel more relaxed and comfortable. By using a light palette and minimizing clutter, your kitchen can evoke the breezy leisure of summer. Functionality and openness go hand in hand, connecting your kitchen to the outside world affectionately.
Finally, the type of lighting chosen, the plants placed strategically around your kitchen, and the summer-styled materials used all contribute in making a very evocative, summer-style kitchen. Consider these tips to transform your kitchen into the perfect place for summer soirees or a relaxing retreat from the heat. With a well-thought-out design, you can make every day feel like a sunny and serene summer day, regardless of the temperature or time of year outside.
