German style in the kitchen interior - photos and design tips

Modern German-style kitchens are radically different from their predecessors from the beginning and middle of the last century. The pedantry and love of order and comfort so characteristic of representatives of this nation were also manifested in the peculiarities of arranging kitchen spaces. The interior of German kitchens in general terms is as close as possible to the style of minimalism, with the exception of the set of materials. Therefore, if you need a bright, comfortable and functional kitchen without any decorative excesses, a place where order and cleanliness always reign, where everything is at hand, but in its place, give preference to kitchen design originally from Germany.

Typical style features and characteristics

Of course, it cannot be said that all German-made kitchens are made in the same style and are similar to each other, like close relatives. Moreover, pedantic and practical Germans prefer to make kitchen sets to order, purchasing exclusive designs that are ideally tailored to their homes and apartments in size, functionality and design. Furniture in this country is purchased not for several years, but for decades to come, and is made from durable natural materials. Moreover, many customers choose bright rather than pastel or neutral colors for facades and splashbacks, flooring or accent walls. Each German-style kitchen is unique in its own way, but common features can be seen in most sets and modular combinations:

laconic design of facades and the entire structure as a whole;
smooth plain surfaces of calm, natural colors with a predominance of light tones;
minimum visible fittings;
closed cabinets where all utensils, equipment, and dishes are stored;
countertops that combine the set into one whole;
natural materials;
spaciousness, conciseness, good natural and artificial lighting;
practicality and comfort for the housewife who has everything at hand;
order and cleanliness without any decoration;
minimum textiles, absence of visible utensils and any items typical of the food preparation area;
the most modern technology;
hidden storage systems, dividers in drawers, sliding and folding mechanisms, gas lifts, push-open cabinets, transformable countertops and other advanced developments to improve kitchen functionality;
strict geometry of furniture.

Useful tips

Follow these tips when decorating your kitchen:

Provide maximum lighting. During the day there should be plenty of sunlight, and in the evening soft sources of artificial lighting should be used.
For the ceiling, use wooden beams or plaster.
It is better to make the walls in light colors. If you use wallpaper, choose a floral design.
Wooden boards are used as flooring.

German kitchen design with an original bar counter.

See also: How to make a bar counter out of wood with your own hands?

Design and layout

The design of German-style apartments can be described in three words: simplicity, practicality and minimalism. As a rule, kitchen modules are united by common countertops and are distinguished by their strict forms and the absence of rounded corners. Typically a kitchen consists of a bottom row of cabinets that look like one unit, with an integrated oven, hob and sink. The upper level is practically indistinguishable from the lower one. Open shelves and transparent doors are almost never used, but island designs are very popular, in which there is space for storing utensils, books, and for washing. Often the island part of the kitchen is combined with a bar counter or a full-fledged table where the whole family gathers, as in the photo below. A separate table also has a rectangular or square shape; it is convenient to slide chairs under it, freeing up space for passage.

Furniture is installed in a linear order, with the letter “P” or “G”; there are also double-row sets, where the cabinets are parallel, along two walls. The main goals that guide the Germans when ordering a new kitchen are comfort, ease of operation and cleaning, and maximum functionality.

Bulthaup

Kitchen Bulthaup b1
The company was founded in 1949 by Martin Bulthaup, who approached the issue with non-Aryan adventurism. He bought an ordinary sawmill in a small Bavarian town and turned it into a furniture factory.

In 1951, Bulthaup introduced his first kitchen cupboards, which have now become retro classics. The meticulous craftsman thought through every detail, right down to the hand-sewn curtains on the doors.

A few years later, he opened two more factories and switched to assembly line production. Bulthaup has done a great job of developing the range, incorporating the best craftsmen in Bavaria. Increased attention was paid to both design and processing technologies. Unusual, original cuisines quickly attracted and retained the interest of the public for a long time.

In the 70s, the company was taken over by Martin's son, Gerd. Like his father, Gerd treated furniture making with great passion and scrupulousness. He brought the outstanding designer Otl Aicher to the company, who came up with the idea of corporate identity.

Over 69 years of existence in the kitchen furniture market, the name Bulthaup has become legendary. Kitchens of this brand are characterized by a discreet, minimalist look combined with functionality, technology and the highest quality materials. The brand is preferred by the most famous architects and designers.

Kitchen Bulthaup b2

Details. Kitchen Bulthaup b3.

Functionality and ergonomics

In German kitchens, every item has its own place. And this place is usually located in the depths of numerous drawers, retractable, folding and rotating structures hidden behind smooth facades. All plates and cups, pots and pans, food processors and microwave ovens are removed or built into the set. The cabinets open with a light touch. From the outside, there is nothing to remind you that this is really a kitchen, where food is prepared and eaten every day. Sometimes the purpose of the room is revealed only by the hob and the mixer above the sink.

A German-style kitchen will certainly appeal to housewives who not only love to cook, but also dream of perfect order. Each ladle, knife, cutting board has its own place, and the housewife always knows where to find them. The location of drawers and shelves will be determined by convenience; you can easily and quickly reach any corner of the kitchen to get or put away food, dishes, and equipment. There are no external rails, and if there are, the set of objects hanging on them is minimal.

Leicht

Kitchen Leicht Avenda
Another long-liver of the kitchen furniture industry. In 1928, brothers Alois and Joseph Leicht opened a private workshop in the town with the difficult name of Schwäbisch Gmünd. The brothers made non-trivial kitchen cupboards and other furniture, introducing their own developments into production. Customers liked the innovations, and the furniture quickly became in great demand.

The ideas of the Leicht brothers had a serious impact on the industry as a whole. For example, it was they who came up with the idea of combining roll-out and drawers in lower cabinets and made life easier for ordinary people by presenting furniture on roller guides. At the Cologne Furniture Exhibition, the brothers made a breakthrough in the furniture industry. Leicht presented the “test tube kitchen”, that is, the first kitchen system made of plastic. New, stylish and modern kitchens have become available to those who could not afford expensive furniture.

Now Leicht is one of the ten most famous German furniture brands in the premium segment. The brand is committed to the idea of functional design, which is relevant at all times.

Kitchen Leicht Carré-2-FG

Details. Leicht kitchen system

Colors

The walls, floor, ceiling, furniture fronts and countertops of a German-style kitchen are designed in light or neutral colors. Most often, white and cool colors close to it are used, all shades of natural wood, black, gray, blue, cream, less often lemon, soft mint or turquoise. The walls are painted or covered with plain wallpaper, the fronts of the furniture can be colored, dark or light, contrasting with the countertops. Furniture is often matte rather than glossy.

You won’t find flashy ornaments, textile prints or photo wallpapers in the interior of German cuisine. The decor can be a bright or textured apron, an accent wall (for example, covered with chalk paint), colored floor tiles or decorated with neutral patterns, or wooden beams on the ceiling, as in the example in the photo.

Features of the interior in the German style

The following characteristics should be highlighted:

A large amount of light should enter the room. Wide windows are welcome to provide optimal lighting.
Extreme minimalism in every detail. There are no unnecessary elements. Each thing has its own purpose.
It should be spacious inside.
Use of durable and reliable product materials.
Equipping the kitchen with modern technical devices that can significantly simplify human life.
Wood is used to decorate the walls and floors.
Thanks to the abundant amount of plants, a feeling of warmth and homeliness is created.

A German kitchen should be spacious.

See alsoWhat should be the design of a kitchen in the Art Nouveau style

Accessories

The fittings in German kitchens are usually of the highest quality, the most modern and functional. Closers, gas lifts, built-in, rotating structures, rotating and folding mechanisms are used (additional countertops, retractable cutting boards, drawer dividers. External fittings (handles, holders) are installed infrequently, and if cabinets and tables are equipped with such parts, then they have such the same laconic design as the kitchen itself.

Textiles in the kitchen in German style

Everything should look cozy and give the impression that you are at home. For windows, it is preferable to use stylish curtains for half the window. The fabric is exclusively natural pastel colors. If you choose a pattern, preference is given to floral patterns. Don’t skimp on tablecloths and napkins – these are important components for comfort.

Curtains in German kitchen design.

See alsoHow to create a beautiful kitchen design

Technique

German-style kitchens are equipped with built-in modern appliances: refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, hobs, and hoods. All equipment is hidden behind the facades. The only excess that designers allow is the equipment of a functional corner based on the personal wishes of the customer. For example, you love coffee very much and often treat your guests and household members to it. In this case, you can select a special corner where a coffee machine, cabinets and shelves for storing different types of coffee, cups and everything you need for a pleasant coffee drink will be installed.

Hacker

Kitchen Häcker Toronto GL
This story began in 1898 and also with a carpentry workshop. It’s amazing what prospects open up for carpentry shop owners! So, entrepreneur Hermen Hacker bought a workshop and began making high-quality and durable kitchen furniture in it.

Years later, the workshop passed to his son, Friedrich Hacker, and from Hacker Jr. to Horst Finkemeier, under whose leadership the business finally flourished. Striving to satisfy every customer's whim, Häcker has become a guarantor of reliability and quality.

For its centenary, the brand presented two product lines, premium and budget, with a total of 150 programs. The company invested heavily in acquiring a giant high-bay warehouse with capacity for 20,000 pallets - all in order to be able to quickly respond to orders.

Among the unique solutions that Häcker offers is the use of natural and non-trivial materials: black granite, slate and others. And his main goal, as in the good old days, is to produce furniture that will make the client as satisfied as possible.

Kitchen Häcker Integrale – Perlgrau

Kitchen Häcker Uno – Graphit

Kitchen Häcker. Accessories.

Lighting

The German style in kitchen design implies an abundance of light and air, which is achieved by maximum natural light and ideal order. Light-colored furniture and the absence of any utensils, equipment, dishes or products in sight visually makes the room more spacious, brighter, and the atmosphere itself lighter. Light, transparent tulle, white linen curtains or Roman blinds that let in the sun's rays are hung on the windows. Several lamps are used in parallel. These can be laconic pendants in the dining area, built-in lamps on a suspended or suspended ceiling, modern laconic lamps with glass or metal lampshades. Often, LED lighting for cabinets becomes a decoration for a German-style kitchen: for the upper level it serves practical purposes, and for the lower level it creates a feeling of weightlessness of the furniture (we are talking about wall-hung models).

Ceiling decoration in a German kitchen

This is one of the main details when decorating a German classic kitchen. Preference is given to simple plaster or wood panels. Nothing extra. Stretch ceilings are suitable. The main thing to remember is to keep the minimum number of decorative elements. Choose matte finishes that do not distract attention.

In German cuisine, preference is given to suspended ceiling structures.

See alsoBeautiful decor and DIY kitchen design

Crockery and utensils

The Germans like to cook in dishes made of steel or tempered glass with a laconic design. In use are metal sets of light metal pans, Teflon frying pans with transparent lids, glass saucepans and other utensils. Dishes, on the contrary, must be made of ceramics or porcelain, including baking dishes. German-style sets have minimal decor, most often these are classic white plates, salad bowls, bowls, cups and saucers, transparent glasses and glasses made of glass, steel knives, spoons, forks without patterns, classic or unusual shapes, designs.

Quality and functionality

All furniture is made exclusively from high quality materials. The best option is wood. There are also modern elements - for example, plastic. The presence of household appliances manufactured according to all modern standards is typical. Functionalism and high quality workmanship are felt throughout. Household items are characterized by durability and reliability.

In a German kitchen, household appliances must be manufactured according to all modern standards.

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Elite German kitchens - the choice of practical people with good taste

For decades, luxury kitchens have been supplied mainly by Germany throughout the world. According to Jan Kurth, managing director of the Verband der Möbelhersteller (Association of the German Furniture Industry), furniture export sales in 2021 brought manufacturers €10.9 billion.

We asked ourselves how one country managed to conquer an almost global market in this segment? For people familiar with Germany’s reputation in the world, the answer is obvious: it is famous for its rationality and scrupulous approach to even the smallest details, which is why luxury German kitchens ideally combine aesthetics and functionality.

What is the difference between luxury premium kitchens?

Ergonomics

Excellent quality begins with a thoroughly developed idea. For furniture sets - with thoughtful functionality of each element. Luxury premium kitchens are extremely practical, because the interior space of the furniture is fully utilized:

Organizers of different sizes and configurations are built into the drawers - for neat storage of utensils, dishes, cutlery, food and many small things necessary for cooking and serving;
the ability to use even hard-to-reach areas in cabinets is provided by retractable and rotating systems, as well as compact racks located on the inner surface of the doors;
Sockets built into the drawers simplify the use of kitchen appliances stored inside.

The attitude of German designers and constructors to the configuration of equipment is also important. They maximally provide for the needs of modern people seeking comfort. Therefore, modern kitchens can be equipped with all the necessary appliances: from an effective water filter to a microwave oven with a lot of useful options. Priority is given to built-in equipment. Thanks to this, the space looks holistic and more aesthetically pleasing. But the main thing is that it simplifies the maintenance of the devices, because dust does not get into them. This means that housewives manage to save time, and their equipment lasts longer.

Environmental friendliness

German luxury kitchens reflect the most important trend that Germany is following - their production is focused on environmental friendliness. For cabinets, filling and finishing of furniture, natural materials or safe products from the wood processing industry, composite materials, and non-toxic paints and varnishes are used. Therefore, even at high temperatures and humidity, which are inevitable in the kitchen, the furniture retains its impeccable appearance and does not emit harmful substances.

Aesthetics

It is worth noting that modern luxury solutions are characteristic of kitchen design - the absolute harmony of objects. The reason for the impeccable coherence of the interior ensembles was elegance. German kitchen furniture; usually decorated so restrainedly that high-tech and modern lamps, loft chairs and benches of an ethnic concept easily harmonize with classic or Provence style sets.

The furniture palette is neutral in most decisions. Natural shades of wood, gray and white colors, and pastel colors are popular. Such tones are practical: they do not get boring and allow you to safely use decor and accessories.

Where to buy modern luxury kitchens from Germany

Luxury custom kitchens are made by the Nolte factory located in Germany. All you have to do is choose the model you like in the company catalog and contact the nearest official Nolte showroom in Moscow and other Russian cities. All official partners are listed on our website. The set will be individually designed for a specific room.

Main advantages

At first glance at the products of German manufacturers, it becomes clear that all the nuances were thoroughly thought out. German kitchen design is characterized by a number of features:

• abundance of smooth surfaces;
no clutter of objects, emphasis on free movement around the room;
• prevailing calm light shades;
• creating a feeling of freshness and fullness of air and light;
• maximum use of natural materials;
• simplicity and sophistication of each element, lack of a large amount of decor;
• straight lines and a minimum of complex shapes.

Other advantages of the creations of German specialists are multi-stage quality control, high strength and protection from temperature changes, improved moisture resistance, as well as a large number of built-in equipment.

Advantages of German furniture

The reliability of products manufactured at German enterprises has long been deservedly considered a kind of quality standard.

Recognized advantages of German cuisines:

restraint of German style;
following historical traditions;
use of technological innovations;
combination of functionality and convenience;
excellent workmanship;
reliability and durability.

The whole world knows the Germans' passion for technology, and therefore it is quite obvious that German furniture factories are equipped with the most modern equipment. The machine intelligence of automatic machines allows you to cut furniture boards for the kitchen with absolute precision of the details.

Many of the buyers appreciated the benefits of purchasing custom-made kitchens from German manufacturers. They were consistently satisfied with the development and execution of each individual project, created taking into account the rational use of kitchen space. All furniture materials are delivered from Germany, and direct assembly is carried out in Russia by local trained specialists. This ordering scheme allows us to maintain the highest level of German quality at more affordable prices.

The German kitchen is not just stylish furniture, but a careful attitude to “eternal” family traditions. These are works of art that highlight the unique style of each customer.