Neoclassical style is one of the most popular solutions when choosing a kitchen design. Combining the sophistication of classics and the practicality of modern styles, it allows you to combine traditional elements with the latest technologies, creating a kitchen as comfortable as it is pleasing to the eye.
Neoclassical kitchen design
The design of the kitchen in the neoclassical style implies:
- Restrained laconic forms and strict straight lines.
- Natural or imitating natural materials for furniture.
- The absence of bright flashy colors and bold contrasts.
- The feeling of lightness, airiness of a space filled with light.
Unlike minimalism and other modern styles, neoclassicism quite allows moderate use of stucco, gilding and other decorative elements characteristic of classical interiors. It is only important to maintain a balance, avoiding excesses.
Neoclassical interior design in kitchens of different sizes
At its core, modern classics require a certain scope. Nevertheless, using some tricks, it is quite possible to design a small room in this style.
Save space will allow:
- countertop-window sill;
- folding table and stackable chairs;
- upper cabinets reaching to the ceiling;
- compact furniture and household appliances.
To visually expand the space, you can use:
- decoration in bright colors;
- mirror surfaces;
- good lighting and maximum open window opening;
- accent wall or photo wallpaper with perspective effect.
A large kitchen in neoclassical style allows you to comfortably place all the necessary furniture, and if desired, combine the room with the living room. In any case, you will need to pay special attention to the zoning of the space: both the visual separation of the functional parts of the room and the convenience of their mutual arrangement play an important role.
The most common zoning methods include:
- the use of various types of finishes;
- multi-level ceiling or podium;
- separate light sources for different zones;
- an island, a peninsula, or a bar counter as a barrier.
In the kitchen-dining room, the cooking area is traditionally located closer to the entrance, and the dining area is near the window. If there is a door to the balcony in the kitchen, you should take care of the possibility of unhindered passage to it.
In the kitchen-living room, the eating area is usually adjacent to the cooking area.
However, if there is a bay window in the room, the dining table and chairs are usually placed in it. Also, when combining the kitchen with the living room, it is extremely important to ensure good ventilation of the room so that upholstered furniture is not soaked with kitchen odors.
Features of neoclassical kitchen decoration
Both natural and artificial materials can be used to finish the kitchen in the neoclassical style. The main requirements that are put forward to them are practicality, aesthetics and, if possible, natural colors.
As a floor covering, you can use:
- wood (including parquet, laminate, decking);
- natural or artificial stone;
- ceramic tiles, plain or with a discreet pattern.
It is desirable that the floor material harmonizes with the coating of the countertops.
It is recommended to make both surfaces either stone or wooden, but do not use both options at the same time.
The walls are traditionally decorated with:
- white paint;
- wallpaper in neutral shades;
- light plaster.
Also popular are options with an accent wall of a richer shade or with photo wallpapers. Such a design requires some courage, but it can be very successful.
For finishing a kitchen apron, it may be suitable:
- light plain tile;
- imitation of stone or marble;
- solid tempered glass without a pattern.
The ceiling in the neoclassical style is usually made white. The ceiling can be single-level or multi-level, stretched or covered with whitewash or plaster.
Characteristic colors
The interior of the kitchen in the neoclassical style should look expensive and refined, so excessive brightness and variegation in it will be inappropriate. As a rule, no more than one or two primary colors and their shades are used for decoration.
The most suitable solutions will be:
- shades of white (milk, ivory, etc.);
- variations of gray;
- powdery and pale pink;
- cappuccino and other shades of beige;
- pale blue or mint shades;
- other pastel colors.
Dark colors, including black, maroon and brown, can also be used in neoclassical kitchen interiors – mainly as contrasting additions or for individual details.
More saturated colors, such as blue or green, are used less often, but are quite acceptable if they are diluted with white, gray or beige.
Red, yellow and orange tones in this style are best avoided, as they can make the interior more rustic, which is highly undesirable in the case of neoclassical.
Features of the neoclassical kitchen design
The airiness and austerity of lines characteristic of modern classics is reflected primarily in the choice of furniture. Monumental and too bulky interior items will not fit into such a kitchen.
The facades of the kitchen set are most often selected matte with milling. Glazed cabinet doors or stained glass windows made of transparent glass are often used. Furniture accessories can be both classic and modern.
In the interior of a neoclassical style kitchen, one should always:
- compliance with symmetry when placing furniture;
- no gaps between the kitchen set, walls and ceiling;
- built-in modern appliances without vintage stylizations;
- countertops made of natural stone or wood or their imitations.
For the design of window openings, monochrome modern curtains are usually used in combination with transparent tulle.
Both functional elements (lamps, tableware, textiles, cutlery) and objects serving as decorations can act as decor.
Such items can be:
- paintings or tapestries;
- vases with flowers;
- porcelain figurines;
- decorative plates.
Overloading the kitchen interior with non-functional decor, of course, is not worth it, but in a small amount it will make the atmosphere more cozy.
Organization of lighting
Kitchen lighting should be sufficient, but not excessively bright or blinding. The main light source is usually a beautiful ceiling chandelier above the dining table or in the center of the room.
As in any other kitchen, you will need additional illumination of the cooking area. Due to its eclecticism, the neoclassical style allows the use of both classical and modern lamps.
Here it is possible to use:
- ceiling spotlights;
- spotlights built into the kitchen set;
- wall lamps in the form of candles.
When using several additional light sources around the perimeter of the kitchen, it is worth placing them as symmetrically as possible.
For a kitchen combined with a living room, sconces and floor lamps with fabric lampshades will be appropriate. In addition, additional illumination for paintings is often used.