If you’re thinking of redesigning your kitchen and going for a handleless kitchen look you probably like to keep things simple but choosing your designs, colour schemes & countertops isn’t always a simple task! There are so many options that it can become quite overwhelming. This is why we’ve decided to share some ideas which will hopefully make things easier when it comes to the kitchen style, design and buying process.
What is a Handleless Kitchen?
Handleless kitchens create a very minimalist look with a modern twist. They are quite versatile depending on the finish and colours that you choose, they’re also generally good for smaller spaces because they remove the need for handles on cupboard doors making them extremely functional for busy families. At the moment, the current design trends seem to be focusing on contrasting colours that create a sleek, clean, modern appearance, but handleless kitchens will suit bold colours just as well. One factor that is always important to consider is your choice of materials so that your kitchen can be both functional & charming as some materials are more durable than others; it’s vital you choose practical materials in order to create a beautiful kitchen that will last for years to come.
Handleless Kitchen Doors
Handleless kitchen doors are proving to be extremely popular at the moment because the ‘invisible’ handles reduce clutter which can make the room appear much larger than it actually is; a great bonus for anyone with a smaller kitchen. If you do have a smaller kitchen then we suggest choosing a gloss finish for your doors because not only will this make your kitchen look ultra-modern but it also helps light reflect from the surface creating an illusion that the room is even more spacious!
However, if you like the minimalist look but want to keep your kitchen looking quite natural we suggest using a wood finish for your kitchen doors. Wood finishes can be much easier to wipe down so it is something worth considering if you haven’t already. One of the best features of a handleless kitchen is that the designs are endless so don’t panic if you’re still unsure on your design; perfection takes time and our team are more than happy to speak to you regarding all aspects of your design before confirming any work.
Which Sink Works Best With A Handleless Kitchen?
We suggest pairing your handleless kitchen with an integrated stainless-steel sink & mixer tap to keep with the minimalist appearance. To top this off, use matching integrated appliances and this will finish the look. However, if you would prefer something a little more unique then you could choose an apron sink which will reveal some of the bowl and stand out from the ‘average’ kitchen sink. Generally a single basin sink will look best in a handleless kitchen but the wider the better because it will fit in nicely with the wide kitchen cupboards. Copper sinks are a stylish alternative too; they can create a unique focal point to your kitchen but they can limit your choice of décor & colour schemes if you’re wanting everything to match. Whatever your preference, try to avoid top mount sinks that suit more traditional styled kitchens because this will take away the minimalist appearance and could end up ‘sticking out like a sore thumb’.
Decor & Colour Schemes
Handleless kitchens can suit a multitude of colours but look spectacular with bold colours which many other designs wouldn’t usually suit. Going for bold colours can sometimes be a little risky so we suggest pairing bold colours with a black or white colour scheme and only using the bold colours for so many aspects of your kitchen. (For example; try adding a bright colour just to walls & appliances or flooring & cabinets; using a contrasting colour to balance things out). If you want to be extremely minimalist you could go all white using a mix of matte & gloss textures to avoid the design looking too clinical. One of our favourite trends at the moment is colour blocking; to achieve this look try to keep with a subtle colour such as light grey; then add a block of colour to one wall (this will be your focal point) and finish the look with matching décor to tie everything together.
Cabinets
Unlike traditional kitchens, which try to squeeze in every last bit of cupboard space, contemporary kitchens take the ‘less is more’ approach. This is done using wider draws with handleless cupboards to take away the cluttered appearance. Using wider drawers where possible not only adds to the overall look but it also gives you easy access to all of your pots and pans, with no rummaging around at the back of the cupboards. Handleless kitchens look particularly fantastic when designed to incorporate an island or breakfast bar; instantly adding more functionality & style! (space permitting of course). Thanks to the modern appearance they can be designed with smooth edges to create a safe and spacious preparation/eating area; even with little ones around. We recommend using gloss cabinets for this design.
Worktops
For a handleless kitchen look we suggest pairing your cabinets with contrasting worktops to create a modern, eye-catching kitchen sure to wow any guests you might have. That said, handleless kitchens always look great with white or grey countertops. Grey can suit a multitude of designs but choosing which shade of grey is vital to achieving the style of kitchen you desire. If you’re tying colours in together matching your worktop & flooring is always a good place to start but not necessary to achieve a flawless kitchen design. If you’ve decided on some aspects of your design but wanting to add some patterned interest then consider a quartz or granite worktop. It’s important to remember that your countertops deal with a lot in the kitchen; choosing a durable surface such as granite could save you from damaging your kitchen as well as adding to the aesthetics.
Flooring
Handleless kitchen designs really are unique in the way that they suit almost any colour, design or layout which makes them a great match for both rough & smooth flooring. Gloss flooring looks great in a handleless kitchen design but avoid adding too much gloss to your overall design; gloss has the best effect when paired with something matt so try a gloss floor & matt cupboards or matt flooring & gloss cupboards to create a beautifully contrasting kitchen. If you’d like to add some natural texture/material to your kitchen then we suggest taking flooring as your opportunity. Stone flooring can really bring a handleless kitchen to life. If you’ve already decided on wood countertops for your kitchen why not tie it in with wooden flooring too? Then add gloss cabinets to keep it modern & spacious.
Still stuck? Speak to our design consultants; they’re more than happy to go through your kitchen measurements and explore a range of layouts, styles, materials, features, colours, finishes & lighting to create your perfect kitchen.
Can’t picture your design? Our in-house design team are able to put together a 3D rendering of your kitchen so you can have a photo-realistic view of exactly how your new kitchen will look once complete, before committing to a purchase.
