Germany is a country where residents love practicality in everything. This is what inspired us to create stylish German kitchens. In this interior you can notice many characteristic features and elements. To highlight the distinctive characteristics of a kitchen design, each aspect of the design should be considered in more detail.
German style kitchen design with a breakfast bar.
Main features of a German-style kitchen
At first glance, there are no distinctive features that you can cling to if you find yourself in a room decorated in a classic German style.
Note! The main feature is the use of high-quality furniture made from natural materials. The flooring is made of high quality wood.
The main advantage of German cuisine is the use of natural materials.
In such kitchens you can see modern technical equipment. Only new technologies are used to make life easier for owners. In modern German kitchens you will not find ancient stoves, fireplaces, or ovens.
Important! All furniture is level. The angles are right. Characterized by the absence of a large number of decorative elements. There are no stucco details on the walls and ceilings, which will only make the design of the room heavier. Also, fancy chandeliers and rich curtains are not used.
Modern kitchen decorated in German style.
The most commonly used lamps are made of plastic. One of the main functional elements for any devices is plastic. Modern decorative devices are welcome - photo printing and environmentally friendly materials.
The main thing is to create a feeling of comfort and coziness. Every thing should be in its place. The Germans prefer cleanliness, so this is another feature of this type of kitchen. It cannot be that there is a large greasy stain or dust on the surfaces somewhere.
The German kitchen lacks ancient ovens, curtains and chandeliers.
Note! The location of every item is thought out to the smallest detail. Furniture is selected to create a harmonious combination. There should be no excesses.
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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.
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.
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The interior of a “German” kitchen - comfort in the details
The obvious advantage of decorating a kitchen in a German style is its practical and very simple finish.
Judge for yourself:
- dark wooden parquet, laminate or glossy ceramic tiles on the floor;
- large, wide windows with wooden or plastic frames;
- light walls covered with plain wallpaper or painted;
- white ceiling with dark beams or suspended structures in the form of shelves.
It is important to strictly observe the proportions of the room in order to visually increase the free space through proper finishing. That is why the windows in such a kitchen should not be made very small and tightly curtained. If you are the owner of not an apartment, but a house, then you can add light using roof windows, which are so loved by the Germans.
There is also no need to “heavien” the interior with arches, cornices, stucco molding, partitions and other decorative elements. All this is unnecessary. A German-style kitchen should have a strict, regular shape.
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.
See also: What could be the design of a studio apartment?
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.
What colors do the Germans prefer in the kitchen interior?
The Germans prefer to use light or pastel shades to decorate their kitchens. The most popular are yellow, beige, bluish tones. All colors are natural, so the choice of colors is small. Dark colors are chosen for finishing the floor. Even in this, minimalism and lack of frills are encouraged.
Pastel colors are used in German interiors.
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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.
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.
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German kitchen layout
How many storage systems there will be, where to place work surfaces and household appliances, how to arrange the set and what layout to choose - all this depends on the area of the space, the presence of windows and their number, the location of the doorway, the shape of the room and its architectural features.
Single row kitchen
Arranging the kitchen unit in one row is the best option if the kitchen is intended for a narrow and elongated room. In this case, it is impossible to comply with the rule of the so-called working triangle, when the sink, stove and work surface are located at the same distance from the conditional center, where the housewife is usually located. When arranging furniture in a single row in the kitchen, try not to place the refrigerator close to the stove or sink.
This layout is often used in a large room, if the kitchen space is combined with a dining area.
Photo by ReRooms
Single row layout with island or peninsula
German kitchens very often include a module that helps optimize the use of space and adds hidden storage systems. An island or peninsula makes it possible to increase the kitchen work surface. German developers most often integrate a stove or hob and sink into such a module. At the bottom of the island there are drawers designed in the same style as the façade of the entire kitchen. Handles and other fittings are not provided on this façade.
Photo by ReRooms
A peninsula differs from a kitchen island in that one of its ends is attached to a wall or part of a furniture set. In this way, you can save useful kitchen space and compactly place work surfaces, a sink or hob, and storage systems in the peninsula.
Parallel layout
The parallel layout is suitable for long and narrow spaces where a kitchen island or dining table does not fit. Smooth facades and the absence of any decor make this kitchen look like the galley of an ocean-going ship or a futuristic interior from a science-fiction film.
Photo by ReRooms
U-shaped layout
A U-shaped layout should be used if the room is something tending towards a square or rectangle with wide sides. In this case, you will have a chance to install a dining table with chairs here if the room is small, or even arrange songs and dances if the designer has allocated you a very large area for this area.
The advantage of this arrangement is that the vertices of the working triangle (stove, sink and refrigerator) will be equidistant from each other.
Photo by ReRooms
Photo by ReRooms
Corner layout with kitchen island
Arranging the kitchen unit in an L-shape is a universal kitchen design option that is suitable for both spacious rooms and small spaces. If the kitchen is spacious, a dining group with a large dining table will fit here.
Photo by ReRooms
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.
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Specific features of the German style
The German style is distinguished by practicality and convenience; it cannot be confused with any other. Increasingly, Europeans prefer decorating their homes in the German style.
The most important difference between the style is the embodiment of naturalness, which borders on simple. You will not see a hint of extravagance or refinement of taste. Also, don't expect your apartment to have stucco or any other fancy details.
The smallest design details are simple and rigorous. The colors used in the German style are characterized by restraint and limitations. The designers creating this interior try to achieve only one goal - to achieve maximum practicality while maintaining high quality.
To decorate apartments in German style, they use only natural materials that do not harm the environment.
Of course, this interior design option will not appeal to every person. If you are a fan of a large number of trinkets and store a huge number of things at home, then you are better off choosing some other stylistic design direction.
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.
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German classic furniture and accessories
German interior furniture should be not only practical, but also rational. This way she will be able to fit harmoniously into the overall design of the rooms. Stick to classic proportions.
Comfortable sofas and armchairs, elegant tables with thin legs, sideboards, shelving - all this furniture is an example of comfort without unnecessary decoration. When choosing furniture, first of all, focus on its functionality and only then on design.
German-style furniture is distinguished by clear, strict lines. Make sure all furniture is free of decorative trim. It is desirable that it be made of natural material - this will emphasize its high quality and high cost.
Fresh flowers can be distributed throughout the house: place them on window sills, place them on the walls in flowerpots, place them on the floor in large tubs. Do not use artificial flowers under any circumstances!
Windows should be large, because German interior design provides for plenty of natural light. Choose curtains that are weightless, translucent, without unnecessary decoration. Use chandeliers for artificial lighting.
It is better to cover the floors with laminate that imitates wood. Cover the walls with wallpaper in a delicate shade. You can hang photographs or paintings of flowers.
Rating of the TOP 6 best kitchen manufacturers
Below is a selection of manufacturers of luxury German-style kitchens.
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Bauformat kitchens
Ideal for everyday use. It features functionality and modern built-in systems. The showrooms offer a wide selection of different modifications.
Kitchen Bauformat.
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Schuller kitchens
Each option is created according to an individual design. This allows you to choose any possible functionality. All models are characterized by high quality.
Schuller kitchen.
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Zuchel Kuche
Each element is adapted to everyday needs. This allows you to perform routine tasks without extra effort. Custom development is possible.
Kitchens Zuchel Kuche.
Kitchens LEICHT
An optimal ratio of quality and cost is ensured. A wide range of traditional or modern designs are available.
Kitchen LEICHT.
Kitchens Nolte Küchen
Characterized by bright models for extraordinary personalities. Various configurations are possible depending on use.
Kitchen Nolte Küchen.
Nobilia kitchens
Each element is characterized by high quality and durability. Only modern durable materials are used.
Kitchen Nobilia.
German cuisine is the best solution for pragmatic people. This option allows you to achieve maximum convenience, arrange everything cozy and beautiful.
Subtleties of kitchen lighting
Multi-level lighting visually divides the room into functional zones . In addition to convenience (every corner is illuminated), it is also beautiful, especially if you use multi-colored lighting.
Rules for designing kitchen lighting:
- the brightness of the lighting depending on the location of the kitchen area. The further away the window, the brighter the artificial light.
- Choose low wattage light bulbs if there will be a lot of them. This will save your budget.
- Combine pendant lights with spotlights. Choose the main lamp to match the interior style and place it above the dining table. Provide spot lighting for work areas.
- The lighter the kitchen, the fewer lighting sources are required. For dark interiors, choose higher wattage bulbs.
- Maintain a distance of 60 cm between light sources and the sink.
- To create the desired effect, consider the design of multi-level stretch ceilings .
- Use table lamps and sconces to create areas of additional soft light.
Space decoration
The walls in the kitchen are usually decorated with natural materials & stone, glass, wood. It is also allowed to paint the walls in monochromatic colors, using paints that can be washed to remove dirt.
Mostly solid colors
Materials of natural shades are used for decoration:
- ;
- dark brown;
- dark green; ;
- wood texture.
Natural shades are more welcome
Residents of Germany do not like unnecessary accessories, so they decorate the kitchen by playing with different textures & glass, leather, wood and stone. It is the contrast of these materials that creates the peculiarity of the interior.
There are almost no curtains in such kitchens
The only accessory that Germans can use in the kitchen is live plants. They can be placed on special shelves in the dining area, as well as on window sills. Palm trees, ficus and abutilon are great for German interiors.
An invariable attribute of any kitchen & living plants
Lighting
In an ideal German interior, the main source of lighting & wide panoramic windows. But this is not always possible in reality, so you can add light to the interior through artificial lighting.
In this case, it is advisable to use practical, inconspicuous lamps. LED spotlights are best suited for German interiors. They can be placed on furniture panels and along the ceiling.
Add lamps where there is little light
Large chandeliers cannot be hung in a German-style kitchen, even in the dining area. The Germans prefer to use space to a minimum, without occupying it with useless parts and elements.
Choose lamps with white light
Window decoration
From a design point of view, it is best if the windows are completely open so that all natural light enters the room. But in practice this is not always possible, so you can’t do without curtains in the room
The choice of curtains is based on the principles of style. Therefore, they should be as concise, simple and elegant as possible. It is advisable to use curtains in light shades that will match the color of the walls, ceilings, and also match the color of the chair covers. On curtains it is allowed to use a minimalist floral pattern in natural shades.
Curtains should be as laconic as possible and suitable in style
Finishing materials
A characteristic feature of the German style is half-timbering, which means wooden beams. The Germans really like to use wooden beams to decorate the walls and ceilings of rooms.
Using wooden beams on the ceiling
Therefore, there are two options for finishing the ceiling . The first is classic white paint to visually enlarge the room and add light to it. And the second option is a light ceiling along which the beams will be fixed, but it is important that the beams are the same shade as the kitchen unit. You can also use suspended ceilings . But they are not entirely suitable for German interiors, because when they are installed, the free space is significantly reduced. If you install suspended ceilings in a German-style kitchen, then only in matte shades.
Gives the ceiling sophistication and unusualness
The floor can be covered:
- natural parquet in dark shades;
- dark glossy tiles, but it is better to install floor heating under the tiles; dark shades, laminate is an economical replacement for natural parquet, but it is not very suitable for the kitchen, as it can swell from heat and moisture.
Tile or laminate & most commonly used options
The floor in a German interior must be dark, contrasting with the light ceiling. Also, a dark floor is practical because small dirt is less noticeable on it.
You can use wallpaper to decorate the walls, but only if they are calm shades, without bright patterns. Wallpaper should not stand out from the overall interior concept. It is best to cover the walls with stone tiles or simply paint them with waterproof paint.
The floor always contrasts with the light ceiling
Kitchen items
Residents of Germany have their own preferences regarding kitchen utensils. Here they also give preference to reliability and practicality. Therefore, most of their utensils are made of high quality stainless steel.
Too many little things don’t happen in such kitchens
Ceramic and glass dishes are also suitable for such a kitchen. And on holidays and for guests in Germany, they get porcelain sets. But in their case, the services will be made in a laconic, strict style.
Mostly stainless steel cookware
