There is a kitchen trend taking the design world by storm, and it’s turning the “traditional” kitchen on its head. The design tactics used to create a “camouflage kitchen” (also referred to as “hidden kitchen” or “invisible kitchen”) eliminate the utilitarian vibe of this space to instead create a calm, less chaotic area in which to gather and relax.
Now, before you conjure images of a kitchen outfitted in olive green camo patterns, let’s establish what we mean by “camouflage kitchen.” The goal with this approach is to create a space that doesn’t feel like a kitchen—a non-kitchen kitchen, if you will. When you’re hired to implement such a design, here are three creative ways to camouflage a kitchen and create the zen space of your clients’ dreams.
Hide the Appliances
Sure, appliances are so much of what make a kitchen a kitchen. However, if the sight of a cluttered range, dish-filled sink, or dirty dishwasher brings with it the stress that dinner still needs to be made or dishes washed, mitigate the strain by stylishly hiding these components.
There are many ways in which to do this. Place the sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator in a large butler’s pantry that is tucked out of sight. Or consider retractable doors that can easily open for appliance access or close to hide them away. And when it comes to smaller but frequently used appliances, hide them on spacious storage shelves that are out of sight but easily accessed.
Whether in a pantry or behind retractable doors, when you hide the major appliances, suddenly the space feels more relaxed and less like you need to be working in order to enjoy it.
Select Panel-Ready Appliances
While this isn’t a new design approach, panel-ready appliances are an impactful way to camouflage these major kitchen components. Create a seamless look in a kitchen with matching panels on everything from refrigerators and dishwashers to wine coolers and even hood vents. When you pair the panels with the cabinet design, the resulting look is both soothing on the eyes and makes for a serene space.
Perhaps the pinnacle in hidden kitchen design is the invisible cooktop. These invisible induction appliances quite literally blend in with the countertop design. And while they’re both stylish and seamless at once, they’re also incredibly safe and economically sound.
Hide the Lines
Much like the illusion created by an infinity pool, skillful designers implement a similar tactic when creating a camouflage kitchen. By bathing cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes in the same or similar materials and designs, harsh lines that divide cabinets and counters are blurred, creating one seamless look—and a calming effect in so doing.
When it’s time to find the appliances to fill your client’s stunning new camouflage kitchen, direct them to Friedman’s Appliances. One of our experienced sales professionals can help them make the perfect selections for their new space.