"Your Kitchen" where memories are made. A space which evokes our human sensory perceptions. Like the feeling we experience at the sight of lush green vegetables, the soft touch of a beautifully ripened juicy tomato, the sizzling sound as a steak hits the pan, the fragrant smell of spices as they travel throughout our homes and finally the taste. The delicious taste explosion experienced by our taste buds.

This experience created in our kitchen is influenced by the design of our kitchens. The pleasure of cooking brings friends and family together to enjoy in these moments, it is the heart of our homes and the core to which the style of the rest of our home follows.

New kitchens are designed to create comfort and pleasure, yet they still manage to be stylish. Mundane ordinary kitchens have departed, and our design ability has become almost limitless. A great amount of detail is placed on its functionality as well as aesthetic satisfaction which is unique to every individual and home - creating and setting design trends.

Pops of Colour
A pop of colour adds a focal point and creates interest in the design. It is reflective of the user's personality and style.

Elegant Pastels
A subtle hint of colour draws the eye in a calm gentle manner, creating a delicate relaxed environment. Less extreme yet still highlighting the features within the kitchen.

Shades of Blue, a Blue Monday Never Felt so Good
The most popular colour to hit the kitchen. From light and soft to dark and rich. Making a statement whether it be dramatic or subtle.

Warm Wooden Neutrals
Monochrome timber kitchens with gold accents are welcoming, inviting one's guests into the kitchen becoming an intrinsic part of the space. A warm environment is created simultaneously a timeless design is manufactured.

An Island Life
The size and layout of the kitchen influences the design of one's island and the island becomes the gathering point within it. Over the years the design limitations have become minimal to none, allowing the creation of a unique multi-functional space in the kitchen. Islands can be singular, double, connected, multi-levelled, minimalistic, dynamic, rigid etc. The design variety is endless.

Shelving & Display
The juxtaposition of horizontal and vertical lines creates a statement and planned areas for display. Showing off the owner's personal style through colour, ornaments, plants, crockery, books etc.

Contemporary Country Style, Shaker it Up
A modern take on the typical ornate country style kitchen design has emerged. The shaker door being its instrument to add depth in a very subtle manner.

Handles Make a Comeback
Handles are back with a contrast. Gold, brass, rose gold, copper, etc. stand out against the modern door. Beautiful and ornate.

Concealed & Hidden Lighting
Hanging lights over the island continues to be prominent. However concealed and hidden lighting create a mysterious atmosphere and is emerging in popularity. Highlighting the wall cabinets with lights. Lighting is key to any design, it helps to highlight and accent the design by reflecting off the material finish.

Multiple Ovens
Multiple ovens are efficient and functional for your typical home MasterChef whilst adding an aesthetic feature creating a statement look.

Brass
Accessories, fixtures, fittings. Modern yet old school. It adds character to the space through the taps, doors, handles, ovens, sinks etc.

Industrial Look
The industrial style is very robust through its design and finishes. Metal and concrete effects make the kitchen unique and brings various unexpected textures.

Patina Finish
Treating metals to create interesting patina finishes, resulting in a personalised kitchen. This is quite popular with home owners wanting their one of a kind finish.

Green Living Walls
Green walls bring in nature and life. A living wall can be functional through the types of plants used on the wall, this can be useful herbs and vegetables. Or aesthetically through beautiful flowers and plants. There is an immediate calming effect which nature/ greenery brings to a space.

Contemporary Appliances
Appliances can depict the style of the kitchen as well. Through its design or colour, for example pastel or vibrant coloured appliances will set a different mood.

Veneers
Veneers add texture and character. This finish naturally makes an impact.

Countertops
Granite is not the only option. Durable long-lasting quartz are also popular with concrete or marble effect surfaces becoming more dominant.

Design trends are helpful guidelines however one should bear in mind that design is constantly changing. Design trends change depending on influences at that specific era in time. Style is created by how you choose to manipulate current trends. As a client or home owner your kitchen should reflect your own personal style creating a mood or feeling which eases one into a comfortable space. Most interior designers have a vision. They take the lead and help guide the outcome of your kitchen bringing it to life - that is after all their job. Take heed to their advice but know your style and design preferences so they can create your timeless space and you can create a lifetime of memories.

When designers set out to design the perfect kitchen for their clients, choosing the right countertop is vital. It is a very important decision during the planning stages of design. The countertop is ultimately needs to suit the needs of the client, as the work surface will depend on the type of user. We need to identify key factors which affect our decisions when providing the solutions for our clients. Would your client require an easy to maintain work surface? Or is a stain resistant work surface a worry? Or is the style of kitchen design a determining factor? Ultimately the choice lies with the client's needs and we can also mix and match different materials to suit the style requirements and add a feature to the space.

The two factors most likely to influence your choice are that of durability and appearance. As the worktops is of frequent use and needs to look great as well. There is an immense variety of materials to choose from. Certain materials call for extra care, a few are almost maintenance-free, and others develop a patina effect which makes the work surface even more stunning as it ages. So what are the options available?

Marble Countertops
Marble countertops create an elegant and sophisticated look, whether it has a polished or honed finish. The stone is resistant to heat, cracks, and breakage. But it is porous, can permanently stain and requires a lot of care in use. This is not ideal or an advisable option.

Wooden Countertops
Wooden countertops can be fairly economical and it adds a sense of warmth to your kitchen. It is multipurpose surface and works perfectly in a contemporary or rustic kitchen. Scratches will occur but those can be sanded away. A wood surface will need regular oiling and it is not heat resistant so one should be wary of protecting it from extra-hot cookware.

Granite Countertops
Granite countertops offer flexibility and sturdiness. It highlights the beauty of natural stone as each slab varies in appearance; it is also stain-resistant and requires minimal maintenance but can be porous. Granite worktops are normally sealed by the granite installation crew and might require further sealing a some years down the line.

Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops is basically impervious to heat and bacteria, making it the go to choice in professional kitchens. Besides cleaning up fingerprints regularly, it is a smart choice for a kitchen fitted with commercial-style appliances and is an ideal choice for those who are germ conscious. However, stainless steel worktops show surface scratches soon after use.

Solid Surfacing Countertops
Solid surfacing countertops like Corian offer great solutions for colour choice, build ups and a modern aesthetics. Innovative designs can be created using this product. It can be pricey but require minimal maintenance. Solid surface countertops can be thermo formed, shaped and styled in ways not possible with any of the other countertop materials. An alternate solid surface would be Formica which comes in a wide selection of colours, is fairly cost effective but comes in a standard thickness.

Engineered Stone Countertops
Engineered stone is currently one of the most popular solutions. It is composed of natural quartz mixed with resin. It is very durable, nonporous, and heat-scratch-resistant and maintenance free. Aesthetically there are always new colours coming on the market for every desired look from a marble effect to a concrete look. It is a bit most costly but well worth it.

Although similar in their function of creating a more cohesive, sleek and custom fitted look, they are however, not the same. Lets take a look at the differences. Built in appliances are designed to be visible. You will always see them, however, they are usually quite attractive with stainless steel accents and tinted glass fronts. Some have stylish LED light features and colour accents.

Often appliances such as ovens, microwaves and coffee machines etc, do create some sort of focal point in the kitchen and do add a very contemporary look and feel to the environment. Appliances such as fridges, dish washers and washing machines are considered free standing, which means they are not secured or fitted to any of the cabinetry. What does this mean in terms of giving them a built in look?

Well, these appliances, for one usually always protrude past the counter space or side panels. We can make them look "built in" by creating sides and tops, however, there is always a gap between these sides and the appliances. Fridges for example now come in many different sizes and depths vary drastically, some as much as 900mm deep which means that they would stick past your cabinets by at least 300mm...that's a whole ruler length! Unfortunately, there is often very little that can be done to overcome this dilemma without adequate space.

Integrated appliances on the other hand are designed to blend in seamlessly with your kitchen and the finish you select. These appliances don't come with a fancy front, but rather, a bland, usually white front with holes for brackets to be mounted to. These bland doors are there so that your kitchen supplier can add the same finish as what is in your kitchen to your appliances.

Appliances that usually get integrated include more commonly, fridges, freezers and dish washers. Occasionally you are able to get integrated washing machines and tumble dryers as well.

A cooker hood will make cooking more pleasant by filtering out any fat molecules, conducting away the steam and neutralising smells to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and clean. Aside from making an impressive visual statement by forming the stylish centrepiece of your kitchen, cooker hoods also offer the practical service of removing any airborne vapours, odours and grease to keep your kitchen environment as pleasant as possible. There are five main types of cooker hoods available on the market, including integrated, wall-mounted, island, downdraught and ceiling cooker hoods.

No hood without a hob
The type and size of your hob will, to a large extent, dictate what kind of cooker hood best serves your needs. The kind of hob you select will have an enormous impact on the size of cooker hood you should choose. The two appliances should work hand in hand – you can't buy one without considering the other.

All cooker hoods need to be positioned centrally over the hob in such a manner that they cover it sufficiently. To decide what cooker hood width will best suit your hob, you can draw an imaginary straight line upwards from the edge of the hob through to the lower edge of the cooker hood. An angle of 5° outwards for wall-mounted hoods is advisable, while for island hoods, the angle needs to be at least 10°. The recommended distance between a hob and a cooker hood is around 65cm to 75cm, and a hob measuring up to 75cm will require a cooker hood with a width of 90cm, while a hob measuring up to 90cm wide, will require a cooker hood with a width of 100cm to 120cm. The major exceptions to this rule include cooker hoods with multi-zone edge extraction, and cooker hoods servicing gas hobs, which can both be the same size as the hob below, while island cooker hoods always need to be larger than the hob below."

Silence is golden
When choosing your cooker hood, check out the noise levels of the unit. This is especially important today, where kitchens often double as the social hub of the home. You don't want operational noises to interfere with any social discussions. Cooker hood noise generally stems from the motor and the moving air throughout the unit, however, both these factors can be influenced. Any good quality cooker hood should have a noise level of less than 60 decibels.

Energy efficiency
With the ever-rising cost of electricity, it is important to consider energy efficiency when selecting your cooker hood. A good quality cooker hood should offer excellent energy efficiency, without compromising in terms of power and efficiency. In general, the fan and the lighting account for the bulk of any cooker hood's energy consumption, so you should look out for models with LED downlights, and ones that boast a DC motor. Another feature to look out for is the inter-hob-cooker hood communication as this is not only a convenient feature, but it can also play a major role in reducing energy consumption.

Cooker hood customisation
With the eternal quest for uniqueness and customised solutions, your cooker hood should also be as individual as your taste preferences. Today, you can customise your choice of cooker hood to best suit your needs.

Contrast is an art design principle that can also be applied to the design of your kitchen. Basically, it's the placement of opposite elements, like light and dark or smooth and textured, to create interest or drama in a space. Creating contrast is the perfect way to add a striking statement to your space. Add contrast to your own kitchen with these five simple ideas from Weizter. Contrast is an art design principle that can also be applied to the design of your kitchen. Creating contrast is the perfect way to add a striking statement to your space. Add contrast to your own kitchen with these five simple ideas from Weizter.

1. Balance dark-colored kitchen cabinets with lighter countertops
Black and white is one of the most popular forms of contrast you'll find. It's a classic pairing that will add timeless style to your kitchen. Create this contrast by installing dark color kitchen cabinets.

2. Pair light-colored cabinets with dark hardware
Changing out your cabinet pulls and knobs is a simple and budget-friendly way to add contrast in your kitchen. Weizter has a wide selection of kitchen hardware, making it easy to find just what you're looking for. Pair dark cabinet pulls and knobs with white or light-colored cabinets to really make them pop.

3. Try white cabinets with a black kitchen island
Another place to add contrast is the kitchen island. Create a focal point in the kitchen with a black or dark color kitchen island surrounded by white or lighter-colored kitchen cabinets, or try a white island with darker color cabinets. The island is also a great place to add a pop of color if you're feeling adventurous.

4. Balance dark color kitchen cabinets with a lighter backsplash
Make dark color kitchen cabinets stand out by installing backsplash tiles in a lighter color.

5. Add wood to create contrast
Contrast isn't just about light and dark, it's about texture too. Wood's natural texture is great for creating contrast in the kitchen. Try wooden countertops, a butcher block island, or wooden cabinets to create a warm and inviting vibe in the kitchen.

Every client has specific needs when it comes to designing their kitchens; some require a certain aesthetic appeal, others want only high tech modern appliances, some want comfort and ease and others follow certain religious beliefs and dietary requirements. As designers we need to be well informed and educated to accommodate the varying needs of our clientele. Families who keep kosher follow the Jewish dietary law of Kashrut whereby foods are prepared in accordance; hence the need for kosher-friendly kitchen designs.

Kosher-friendly kitchen design requires a certain preparation and storage of foods. Meat and dairy products cannot be eaten or stored together. Utensils, cutlery, pots, cutting boards, and countertops that have come into contact with meat or used with meat cannot be used with dairy products and vice versa. Any utensil, pots, etc that come into contact with non-kosher foods cannot be used with kosher foods while the food is hot. Hence all cooking and storage is kept separately. Ideally one should think in 2's. Two sets of appliances, two sets of cooking utensils, two sets of dishes and two sets of storage. Basically designing two kitchens in one space and providing for every possible necessity. However, designing 2 kitchens in one space that still looks like one kitchen can be a bit of a challenge.

The perfect solution would be differentiating between appliances and cooking areas but still having one gathering point. This particular modern kitchen design is kosher-friendly but reads as one kitchen design catering for the needs of the family. Allowing for a coffee station, under-counter fridge, eyelevel ovens, hob, free standing gas oven, various concealed extractor fans, built in microwave, built in dishwasher, freestanding dishwasher, double sink, prep sink, free standing fridge, herb garden, various inserts and double storage areas. All following modern trends of matt grey finishes with marble tops and most importantly ample seating and gathering space for the family which brings the entire design together.

Which kitchen flooring is right for you? Not all kitchen floors are created equal. As much as we'd like every floor to have exceptional durability, a low price tag, superior longevity and sky-high resale value, it just isn't realistic. If you're planning to revamp your kitchen knowing the strengths and weaknesses of hardwood, tile, travertine, laminate and vinyl is paramount. Lets weigh the pros and cons of these five common flooring types to help you select the right option for your lifestyle.

TILES
Cost - Medium to High
Much can be said about the options that tile affords homeowners. Modern printing technology can generate ceramic and porcelain tile surfaces that mimic natural stone (travertine and marble), wood and concrete, plus clean monotone styles. This versatility almost guarantees you'll find a style you like.

Pros
Moisture is no match for porcelain, which absorbs less water than ceramic. Tile has a hard surface that is uber-durable, especially color body porcelain (where the color runs through the tile instead of being just on the surface). It won't scratch easily and should last for however long you decide to live in your home. It's perhaps the easiest floor to clean. It can withstand most detergents, though all you really need is water and a mop. Tile is also well-priced option.

Cons
Tile with a smooth finish can get slick when wet. And despite how durable it is, it can still crack and chip if a heavy object hits its surface. Though standard tile is affordable, plank tile and marble tile can cost nearly as much as wood and stone. Older homeowners and those with foot or knee problems may have difficulty standing on its rock-hard surface.

The porcelain tile in this minimalist kitchen captures the natural movement of marble sans the maintenance. Marble tile and plank tile can be a low-care substitute for real stone and wood. Plank tile combines the beauty of hardwood with the durability of porcelain and ceramic. As with hardwood, you can mix and match the sizes of your planks to create depth in your kitchen.

VINYL
Cost - Low to Medium
Vinyl flooring is manufactured in three primary forms: vinyl plank (above), vinyl tile and sheet vinyl. It has several installation methods, including peel and stick, glue down, and click and lock. It can look like wood or stone.

Pros
Unlike tile, vinyl won't chip, and unlike laminate, vinyl can handle moisture. Its durable surface won't easily succumb to scratches and scuffs. It's also soft on your feet, a perk for older homeowners and those with foot or knee problems. The DIY-friendly installation methods and reasonable price tag will help keep your piggy bank intact.

Cons
Though it varies by market, the majority of home buyers will prefer hardwood and tile to vinyl. Furniture can leave marks on vinyl's soft surface. Foot-traffic patterns can emerge over time.

Whereas vinyl plank and vinyl tile are manufactured in separate pieces, sheet vinyl is manufactured in large sheets, typically about 12 feet long. It can be more cost-effective than the other two options.

CONCRETE
Cost - Low to Medium
Concrete has a contemporary look and tone that is hard to match. Durable, it can withstand activity in the busiest kitchens and look great. There are various finishes you can give concrete to customize its look. Freshly poured concrete can be stamped, while all concrete can be stained, polished, stenciled and waxed. If you like concrete flooring and live in a colder climate, consider adding radiant floor heating beneath the to warm up the material's cold surface.

Pros
Durable, versatile, moisture resistant, contemporary looking.

Cons
Hard if standing is required for prolonged periods, cold, needs re-sealing, can stain.

HARDWOOD
Cost - High
The appeal of a rich or smooth solid hardwood floor never fades. There's also much to love about hickory, mesquite, oak and walnut. When it comes to flooring, they're often at the top of the pecking order. Buyers can choose between solid hardwood or engineered hardwood, which is constructed with several layers of wood called plies. South Africa is not on par with these floors like Europe or the States.

Pros
Just about everyone wants hardwood floors, including home buyers. The resale value is through the roof. Other flooring products can come close but never fully replicate their natural beauty. Hardwood floors have the ability to be refinished and can last for centuries too.

Cons
Hardwood floors aren't always practical for homeowners who want low-maintenance kitchens. They scratch more easily than other materials and are harder to clean. When exposed to moisture over the long term, they can warp, buckle or crown. And then there's the price tag. Since quality hardwood floors are really expensive, expect to tap into your bank account.

Mix the sizes of your hardwood planks to add dimension to your kitchen. This traditional kitchen has planks with varied widths, but you can also choose planks with different lengths. Cleaner hardwood styles can blend in well with modern and contemporary designs. Hardwood flooring with a raw, unfinished texture gives this sleek London cooking space a natural midcentury modern touch.

Hardwood floors can also sport contemporary color palettes. This Miami kitchen uses gray oak to ground the ethereal white cabinetry. Woods with knots, grains and hand-scraped textures have strong character. They can restore a home's original charm when you're renovating a fixer-upper.

LAMINATE
Cost - Low to Medium
A relatively inexpensive floor, laminate has good bang for its buck. It can spruce up your kitchen at a lower cost than hardwood while providing superior scratch resistance against foot traffic. It's a viable alternative to hardwood floors, offering realistic wood finishes in a variety of styles.

Pros
If you want to save money, laminate may be for you. Not only is it less expensive than hardwood and tile, but it also has a click-and-lock floating installation system, which is primed for DIY installation.

Cons
Laminate isn't as equipped to handle moisture as tile and vinyl are (it can warp when wet), so installing it in your kitchen can make the upkeep more challenging. If you do, use a proper moisture barrier. You'll need a special cleaner and mop to clean it. Laminate also doesn't have the shelf life that hardwood, tile and vinyl floors do.

BAMBOO
Cost - Medium to High
Bamboo is a great kitchen flooring material, especially if you like eco-friendly products. Bamboo grows so quickly, it's a good sustainable source for flooring. Besides the eco-friendly aspect, bamboo's strength is one of the highest of the natural materials on the market. When selecting bamboo flooring, go with a reputable brand with the longest warranty possible. The quality bamboo flooring is reflected by the length of the warranty.

Pros
Durable, beautifully grained, eco-friendly, long warranty available.

Cons
Some bamboo flooring can dent easily and are expensive.

. Creating a minimal home is simple right? While maintaining that simplicity becomes that's a different story. Inevitably clutter appears and builds up over time but how we manage this is important when it comes to maintaining a home that is sleek and fuss free. One may love the minimalist look but struggle to maintain it. Try adapting these useful habits:

Habit #1
De-clutter the little spaces regularly. Doing a major spring clean can be daunting and time consuming, so we tend to put it off for as long as possible. A simpler and more achievable task is to target the various areas of your home, one at a time. Set aside 20 minutes to clean out a specific space, this way clutter is avoided.

Habit #2
Wash your dishes straight after you're done using them. Don't leave a sink full of dirty dishes, they pile up and create a mess. It makes sense to clean your dirty dishes as soon as you're finished using. This is more hygienic and avoids unnecessary clutter.

Habit #3
Organise your mail. We all have that spot in our house – the kitchen counter, entrance hall dresser, bedside table – where our mail inevitably piles up. Don't be tempted to sort through all your mail at the end of the month but rather go throughout immediately. That way you can throw away what you don't need and put the rest away for safe keeping.

Habit #4
Clear off counter tops. You can have the most beautiful appliances in your kitchen and your beauty products can be neatly lined up on your bathroom sink but if you have too many things on your countertops, your home will inevitably look untidy and cluttered. Organise your cabinets and drawers making sure there is a place for every item when you're not using it.

Habit #5
Only take in things you love. Do not buy just anything on a whim – ask yourself if you absolutely love it or if you will use it often. Think twice before making purchases and don't let gifts or other items stock up, if it is not for you then you should purge.

When you live in a city, galley kitchens are a reality. They're everywhere. If you don't have one, one of your friends probably does. Galley kitchens present a unique set of challenges because of their limited space and aisle-style layout. This can make using the space a huge pain, especially if the original layout isn't conducive to cooking with ease. A galley kitchen doesn't have to be your nightmare kitchen. With proper workflow and the right design, it could become the kitchen of your dreams. Galley Kitchens Are Not a Design Choice Not many people choose a galley kitchen on their own. The kitchen works in the space, but not so much for the people who end up living there.

The Lack of Storage, The constricting space means that your storage options are limited. For people who have a lot of cookware, a galley kitchen often won't have the room for it. Design Solutions for Your Galley Kitchen The stove should also be close to the serving area, and the fridge close to the sink. This gives you a more seamless transition between collecting, prepping, cooking, and serving. If your family has a host of culinary fanatics, or even if the chef just needs a little help with prep, a galley kitchen can propose some problems. There is a lot of back and forth and members of the family will get in each other's way, make sure there are dedicated spaces in which you can prepare beverages without interfering with the cook. To compensate for the extra people in the restricted space, I recommend scattering the appliances further apart. Arranging your appliances for the space will let everyone have a little more room to negotiate.

Aquariums have always been a beautiful centre piece of any room. Why not add one to your kitchen to create a space of peace and tranquility. Aquariums add colour, light and beauty to any space therefore in a kitchen it would make the space stand out. Whether you go for a tropical or a marine tank, either will give a focal point to your kitchen that will make your space stand out compared to other kitchens. When planning the kitchen around an aquarium it is important to go with a monochromatic space that will allow the aquarium to stand out. At Weizter we can plan your kitchen around your aquarium. Enquire today for a kitchen that stands out.

Playing around with colours are daunting, but that is why a backsplash is perfect. By adding a colourful backsplash to give your kitchen a pop, might be just what your kitchen needs. Or if you have a colourful kitchen already go with forever in style White subway tiles. There are many options for adding a backsplash in your kitchen. From covering only the wall behind your cook top or letting it stretch all the way to the ceiling for a bigger impact. The only way to do it is to go big and bold! Here are some ideas of how you can splash your kitchen up.

The forever in style subway tiles is sophisticated, yet elegant. It will give your home a Manhattan look and you will definitely feel like you are in New York. If sleek and subtle is what you are looking for then get your hands on subway tiles as soon as possible.

If you are not one for the sleek and safe side of town. Go to the industrial side to work up a sweat with a steel or the currently making its way back copper splash backs. The copper splash back might be a bit of a gamble, but it will look beautiful if you can pull it off with the right colours around it.

Mosaic has always been a big adder in a kitchen. May it be two rows of tiles or the whole wall.

Mosaic yourself. If you feel a bit arty and you would like to add a bit of yourself on the wall and have hours maybe even days to spare. Get off cuts and broken tiles from your local tile shop. Break it up some more and build your own mosaic wall.

Colourful antique tiles will give a bit of maturity in your kitchen and guests will think you are sophisticated enough to whip up a Crème Brûlèe in mere minutes. 

If you suffer mildly from multiple identity disorder and don't know whether you feel blue, green or purple today, then a glass splash back might just be your calling. By just taking it off and repainting the wall you can have 4 seasons in one day. As long as the paint dries quick enough.

 Don't like too many colors? Are you the type of person that believes in a plain and almost minimalist? Then let your tops run across the wall.

The kitchen is probably one of the busiest places in the house. Keeping it neat and organised most of the time can be a real struggle, especially if cleaning is not your favourite activity. A minimalist kitchen may be the answer to your cleaning dilemma. Minimalism is one of the hottest design trends right now. More and more people are choosing the simpler and easy-to-maintain space over the heavily decorated places. The core idea behind minimalism is functionality. This is what makes it a great solution to the hard-to organize cooking area.

When designing a minimalist kitchen, only include the essentials. Each piece should serve a specific purpose. The rest should be removed. There is more than just one way to incorporate minimalism in your kitchen. It depends on your taste and the place you have. Here are, however, some ideas that will get you started.

Work with Your Space
The design of your kitchen depends on the size and architecture of your place. The good news is that minimalism is appropriate for both big homes and small apartments.

Create an Effective Layout
The layout of your kitchen needs to be straightforward. You can stick with the traditional and effective work triangle layout. This refers to the area between the three major kitchen components – the fridge, the stove and the sink.

Remove the Excess
The key to a minimalist and organised kitchen is getting rid of the unnecessary. The main reason for the cluttered place is keeping too many things in a tiny space. It's more convenient to just leave it on the counter than taking out and then putting it back in its place. Being a minimalist doesn't mean that you should own only the basics. It's more about storing things according to the frequency of usage. Put essentials in the easy to reach areas, while the other items should be well kept.

Keep it Simple
This is the mantra of every minimalist. Incorporate only appliance you know you will use. Don't simply arrange items for display. The same goes for the furniture. Minimalism is not fussy or complicated. A dining set or a counter island is enough. You need to have enough room to move around. The more furniture pieces you include the less natural flow you will have. This will also make everyday cleaning and maintenance a breeze.

Stick with the Neutrals
Clean lines and neutral pallets are the trademark of a minimalist design. White, beige and other unobtrusive shades adds sophistication and modern sense to the place. You can use the neutrals as a base. Create interest with details in bright shades.

Generally found in high end kitchens, the pot filler tap is becoming a popular choice in today's modern kitchen. The swinging cold water tap, mounted above the hob allows you to easily fill up pots directly on the hob without having to carry around heavy pots from the sink, adding convenience and function. Plus the classic look of a jointed-arm tap adds a touch of elegance and practicality. But is this feature really necessary or just a luxury? It is a luxury that creates convenience, and convenience is a big factor when creating the kitchen of your dreams.

Lighten The Load
Sure it's a great opportunity to start bulking up on some upper body strength, but unfortunately that type of strain can go straight to your back instead. A pot filler tap allows you to avoid lifting, straining or twisting. Critics will point out that you still have to carry the pot to the sink to empty it when you're done. Also, when your dishwasher is done cleaning your dishes you still have to unload it, and when your oven finishes cooking your meal you still have to serve it to your guests. In other words, we'll gladly take convenience wherever we can get it.

Save Time & Hassle
Perfecting a meal can quickly become a balancing act of multi-tasking. The pasta needs 12 minutes to boil, the sauce needs to simmer for 1 hour, the broccoli needs to be steamed for 5 minutes and your spouse is trying to rinse the dishes before your dinner guests arrive. What was already a challenge in and of itself has suddenly became a circus of yelling and waiting for water to go from hot to cold and back to hot, and bartering favors just to get a chance at the tap. Instead of juggling the kitchen sink, you could be out of each other's hair thanks to a second water source. A pot filler reduces conflict and creates more opportunities for multi-tasking.

Do More
You may not realize how much you truly use water in the kitchen until you have a pot filler tap. Think about how many dishes and items in the kitchen need water, from boiling and steaming to watering and cleaning, and then how often you need to add water. You add water to soups, pots of rice or oatmeal, the slow cooker, smoothies, your potted herbs, a tea kettle, the list goes on. A second water source in a separate location from your sink allows you to do so much more.

Add Style
The ideal kitchen contains appliances and fixtures which not only add function, but also aesthetics. For example, a sink and tap can endure the rigors of daily use while also adding a touch of beauty to your kitchen. Just like your sink's tap, a pot filler tap is both practical and beautiful. A pot filler gives you an opportunity for a new shiny fixture that complements your other hardware on a wall that would otherwise have nothing.

Built in cupboards are not always plain and simple in any bedroom, they can add quite a lot of flair to those not seen by everybody areas. The flexibility of an open wardrobe means it can suit any space and what you want to store. You can put together your own combination in your bedroom, hall or even inside a walk-in closet or cupboard. It takes care of your things, gives you a good view of them, and you can add to it as your needs change. Open wardrobe combinations offer lots of options for organizing your clothes.

By mixing and matching different clothing storage — like drawers, shelves and rails — there are wardrobes for rooms of all sizes. Fancy creating your own open clothes and shoe storage? There are systems that have different parts that you put together the way you want. You get a personal combination that suits your space and your things, and that you can adapt or re-arrange whenever you feel like it. Your open wardrobe, made easy and elegant. Use open storage to put the clothes you love on show. With a custom-designed wall unit, it's easy to see what you have and find outfit inspiration.

Are you tired of having knives randomly thrown into drawers, plastic containers crashing down on you every time you open the cabinet door or struggling to find the what you're looking for? Here are some tips that might help turn your kitchen from messy to meticulous! Organization and storage is more than just putting specific items in certain drawers or cabinets. It's about affordable, modern solutions that can reduce health risks, improve food prep and make cooking and cleaning more efficient.

Pull Out Organizers
Pull-outs are perfect because all it takes is a pull of the knob or handle and you've got everything at your fingertips. You won't ever have to experience the discomfort of bending or hunching to dig into a small, dark space only to pull out the wrong item. This organizer puts everything on display, adding these to your home will make your life so much easier.

Drawer Inserts
Drawer inserts are amazing! You'll be able to find one for whatever purpose: cutlery, utility, spices and even cups. If you want it organized, you can make it happen with an insert. No longer will you struggle to open a drawer because there is a place for everything, and everything has its place with inserts! An insert brings a certain peace of mind, knowing that everything you need is exactly where it should be.

Tray Dividers
To ensure that your cabinet has a design for the most efficient use of space, think about the tray divider option as well. These are for your larger hard to store items like a glass pan, or the circular pizza tray.

White has been a regular colour of choice in kitchens for well over a half a century - year on year, white kitchens remains the biggest seller. It's a safe choice, it blends and it is always in season. But what will you find when you pull off some of the layers? One of the disadvantages might be a reason for you to look at other options. It doesn't improve with age like wine. When you have a painted kitchen, it will show smudges easier and scratches will give more character. Although modern melamine resist better, it will show wear after some years down the line. Other finished will also show wear later on, but with white it will be more visible.

How often do you want to clean your kitchen? White kitchens are higher maintenance as it shows marks quicker than a coloured or patterned kitchen. Also, should one cook or entertain allot in the kitchen. The cleaning will not only be the tops but also the doors. They are often seen as plain, cold, unwelcoming, simple and even unexciting. If that is the look you are after then it will be fine - but this can be complimented with colour accents in your accessories and ornaments. All is not bad. Part replacements can easily be done from just about all kitchen manufacturers - you don't have to go mad looking for the same white when adding something to your kitchen. White will always be available and has a way of blending all different whites. White also makes the space look and feel lighter and bigger. If your kitchen is a bit on the small side, bringing a white kitchen in will make the space feel bigger.

If you want to add some cabinets to your kitchen, you will most certainly find the same finish in a few years time. Because white is always in demand, it doesn't really discontinue. While an all white kitchen is a serious commitment. It still looks breathtaking. White kitchens will never go out of style, they're just not trending hard for a few years ... leaving you stuck with a dated colour a few years later. So if you're about to jump into a kitchen remodel and you're wondering if you should really purchase those white kitchen cabinets, don't be fooled, white kitchens will always be timeless. Don't ever let anyone tell you white kitchens are out because they're never going out of style. They're classic and timeless - add to this the cost to change when you get sick of the other current trending colours.

The heart of your TV life is likely the living room. However, if your household is like most others, you probably have a TV in the bedroom, as well. Some people perch their TVs on top of dressers or side tables, but this isn't ideal. Attractive media storage is equally important in every room. This is especially true in your bedroom, a space that should be a calm and well-organized sanctuary.

To tame cords and keep TV paraphernalia under control in your sleeping space, opt for a sleek and attractive entertainment unit instead of furniture that was designed for other purposes. Even if your bedroom isn't large, there's always room for a compact and lowline TV unit to keep things stylish and sane. Whether your space is big or small, contemporary or more traditional, you'll be able to find a TV unit that perfectly accents it. Especially if you are switching from a piece of furniture that wasn't designed with media in mind to a modern entertainment unit, you'll be amazed at the difference. From a stressful and cluttered mess to sleek and organized sanity, a TV unit will make rotting your brain an absolutely enjoyable experience.

2020 was a year like no other, for a lot of different reasons. A big one was the number of people finding themselves working from home for the first time. While it can seem like a simple enough transition, working from home presents a lot of challenges, not least of which is finding a dedicated space to actually do the work. In small studios and apartments, that task was an even larger feat, especially for people living in already tight living quarters. If you weren't used to working from home, for example, you may not have had a comfortable office chair or even an available work surface.

The number of people working from home has increased and the need for a dedicated home office space is slowly becoming a necessity. While some will have the luxury of an extra bedroom or basement that they can transform into an office, others will have to work with a much more restricted floor plan. Is it even possible to have a home office when you live in a tiny apartment, loft, or house? The answer is yes ... but you must be more creative.

Thankfully, ingenuity in the makeshift-work-from-home world was off the charts this year, particularly for the renters and homeowners below who were able to carve out room for home offices in small spaces. These small-space dwellers turned closets into miniature home offices, squeezed home offices in their living rooms and their bedrooms, installed fold-down work surfaces, DIYed desks, designed custom solutions, and worked with what they already had to create highly efficient work zones… that also looked great, too. Whether or not you foresee yourself working from home more in 2021, the ideas in this roundup will inspire you to take stock of your own at-home work and craft spaces.

Working at home is increasingly routine for office workers everywhere. But not everyone has a spare room or finished basement to convert into a home office. The good news is that a home office workstation can be anything from a cloffice to a corner of the bedroom or dining room. Even better, working from home means that you can decorate your home workstation any way you like to suit your personality and cater to what makes you feel productive and focused, be it bright wallpaper, a bunch of plants, ambient lighting, or soft and cozy textures that you wouldn't normally find in an office setting.

See whether any of the following ideas would work:

Featuring glass in you kitchen might look like a daunting experience, but it can exciting. Glass can break the monotonous one colour doors looking the same if you don't want to go for the two tone look. Glass in a kitchen has been around for a long time and it will go away any time soon - it certainly have it's place in the old as well as new.

Here are some tips on how you could bring some glass to the kitchen. The bigger your kitchen, the more glass cupboards you can bring in. There are no set amount of how many cupboards must be glass. But if you want to make the glass a feature, it would have more aesthetic to only have a few.

Glass-fronted cabinets not only break up the monotony of repetitive, solid fronted doors, but they add both form and functional appeal to the kitchen design, showing off your beautiful dishware and ornaments. They can also create an illusion of depth in smaller kitchens, flowing light into, particularly dark corners and shining up those prized pieces. They are also a great kitchen idea to access everyday essentials in a clever manner allowing you to see what you have and where you've put things and are a bonus in smaller kitchens.

You might think choosing handles for your kitchen is easy, But if you think about how many times a day you will be using that easy choice handle or that they can effect your overall look and the functionality of your kitchen. Maybe just add a few minutes to your choice of handle.

Handles come in a variety of materials and colours. From plastic to wood, stainless steel, brass, chrome and even glass. Like all the different materials they also come in different shapes and sizes. When choosing a shape of handle, think about who might be using the handles. Do they have big hands? Then maybe a shell shaped handle is not for your kitchen. 

You want handles that feel good to touch, that is easy on the eye and looks strong enough to open whatever door it is attached to. Consider how long you would want to live with the kitchen and those handles to know what to look out for. If you want to live a couple of years, then maybe not go for finicky, small or even wick like materials. It will not go the distance.