How to Implement the Hidden Kitchen Trend
Interior design trends reflect the times we live in, and nearly three years after the onset of the pandemic, which made eating out in restaurants rather risky, it’s no surprise that kitchen remodeling is high on many people’s wish list. In particular, over the past couple of years, the so-called “hidden” or “invisible” kitchens have become quite popular.
The appeal of hidden kitchens is pretty simple: kitchens get messy, and hiding the mess is sometimes more convenient than cleaning up. (For example, when you’re throwing a dinner party and want your guests to think you’re less messy than you really are.) But even if you’re a total tidy freak, it can be a good idea to separate your kitchen from the rest of the space. your living space, which is great news for those stuck with an open-plan floor plan they didn’t ask for .
According to a recent New York Times article , the hidden kitchen trend has been gaining popularity over the past 2-3 years, especially among wealthy homeowners with generous renovation budgets. Not surprisingly, many of the examples of “hidden” or “invisible” kitchens featured in magazines and design blogs are incredibly expensive. But you don’t have to redo your entire kitchen (or build an entire pantry extension) to make this trend come true. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Literally hide the whole kitchen
The easiest way to try a hidden kitchen is to literally hide it behind a room divider, sliding doors, or any other physical barrier that fits within your budget and blends in with the rest of the décor. This is a particularly good option for studio apartments and other open-plan spaces with small kitchens; it is an easy way to physically separate the kitchen from the living area without having to resort to a large and expensive project.
Close your vault
With an invisible kitchen, the more storage space you have behind closed doors , the better. If you have open shelves, consider replacing them with cabinets or otherwise covering them. The same goes for your kitchen island if you have one. For a truly invisible vibe, try to keep your cabinets in the same aesthetic area as the rest of your living space – they don’t have to match perfectly, but strive for consistency.
Update your pantry
If you want to fully realize the concept of a hidden kitchen and have enough space to work in the pantry, you can turn it into a second kitchen. Depending on your needs, you can choose a design that maximizes cooking space or a design that prioritizes storage – whatever you want your real kitchen to have more of. (Some people go to great lengths and add sinks, induction cookers, and even dishwashers to their second kitchen.) Whatever you choose, make sure your hidden kitchen has tight-closing doors—after all, the end goal is to save clutter and mess. out of sight.