The color scheme for the kitchen

No matter how strange it may sound, even ordinary white kitchens may look completely different. Their appearance depends on the type of facade coating - matte or glossy, the presence or absence of lighting, on the material of the countertop - plastic, artificial stone or even glass.

When you decide on the color of your future kitchen, rely, first of all, on your own tastes and preferences. The only thing you should pay attention to is this: if you want a kitchen of a certain color, then think over the pros and cons of this color. You may like a bright and saturated color, but with this color constantly in the kitchen, it can cause you feelings of irritation, discomfort. Therefore, it is best to dwell on a combination of a bright favorite color and a basic calm tone. In addition, furniture combining two colors looks more stylish and attractive. If you can not decide on the color scheme of your kitchen, it is better to consult with the designer.

From what color of the kitchen you choose, you will get a completely different perception of it space. So, if you want to hide kitchen furniture, make it invisible, then use matte black. But just remember that people who are prone to depression or emotionally unstable, it is better to refuse this color, because he will put a lot of pressure on the emotional state of a person. If, on the contrary, you are a person who is active, cheerful and optimistic, then the black color will have a calming effect on you, balancing your emotional state.

The red color is very beautiful, it gives energy, increases tone and arouses appetite. Of course, such properties of red color will be more appropriate in the morning, when you need to throw off the remnants of sleep, start up and set yourself up for active work throughout the day. But in the evening it is better not to appear in such a kitchen: instead of resting and relaxing, you will feel irritability and an appetite.

Beautiful saturated blue color acts directly opposite to red: it calms, relaxes, reduces appetite. But the blue color at the same time is not entirely cozy, so it would be better to opt for a pale blue color, which will give you a feeling of freshness and lightness, a surge of energy.

If you want to achieve peace in your family and spend a lot of time together in the kitchen, then the green color and its shades will be a great solution. Especially beautiful is the color of spring greens and shades of lime, which cheer up and smooth out conflicts.

Unfortunately, purple is not much in demand in interior design. This color is almost perfect: it removes excitement, soothes, positively affects the metabolism. Incidentally, it is in the kitchen that a saturated purple color is acceptable. It goes well with olive and ocher.

When choosing a color for the kitchen, do not forget to consider the amount of sunlight that gets into the kitchen and whether it gets at all. For dark rooms, it is better to choose light soft shades of lemon, pink, peach, pistachio, etc. flowers. For brightly lit kitchens, it is better to dwell on shades of blue, green, gray.

Wood, granite, glass: What material for the kitchen worktop?

A comparison of the most popular materials for countertops in the kitchen, including cost overview and care tips

We sneak our vegetables on it, just put down the hot saucepan there and make it dirty every day: The worktop in the kitchen must be able to withstand a lot. It should be water resistant, robust and heat resistant; Practical, easy-care, but also beautiful - because it determines the aesthetic look of the kitchen significantly. We will show you 12 short-portrait materials for worktops - from solid wood to natural stone to modern mineral materials, and explain the advantages and disadvantages, costs and care of the various kitchen worktops.

1. Worktop made of solid or real wood

With wood - whether beech, birch or cherry tree - cosiness in your kitchenon. With naturally treated solid wood panels you make an ecologically harmless choice at the same time, get a great feel and get a real unique. The important thing is a difference: solid wood panels are made of solid wood. Real wood boards, on the other hand, are chipboard with veneer - they are made of wood, but they are not "grown". Either way, wooden worktops are sensitive: Sharp knives can leave cuts on the surface, hot pots leave unsightly dark stains on the wood. You should never cut on a worktop made of solid or real wood without a base. Make sure that the joints around the sink and hob are well sealed. Otherwise, water penetrates and the wood swells up.

Costs:depending on wood and thickness, from approx. 60/70 euros (eg solid beech, 30 mm) to more than 300 euros (eg solid oak, 80 mm) and more per meter, plus assembly

Care: For hygienic reasons you should impregnate the worktops. This goes without saying due to a regular treatment with oil or a special wood varnish. The advantage of oiled panels is that you can easily sand down damaged surfaces. Read even more tips on caring for wooden worktops here.

2. worktop made of laminate or laminate

Wood look can also be achieved with worktops made of laminate or laminate - but also the look of natural stone surfaces, high-gloss decors or concrete. The advantage of the imitation of laminate or laminate is their special ease of care - and in contrast to wood, they are even harder. Impacts are better cushioned. Nevertheless, you should not cut on a plastic worktop - a cutting board and also a saucer for hot pots are advisable. Another advantage: kitchen worktops made of plastic are cheap. Nevertheless, there are big differences in quality here as well. The thicker the coated surface, the more durable. Through thinner surfaces cuts go quickly to the underlying support plate, water can penetrate, the material swells up.

Costs: Depending on the version from 15 Euro to over 200 per running meter; plus installation

care: Light soiling can be easily removed with water, commercial cleaning agent and (scratch-free) sponge. Unlike wood or other sensitive worktops, plastic surfaces do not need to be impregnated.

3. Granite worktop

With worktops made of natural stone you have three options: slate, marble or granite. The most commonly used is the robust granite. Like the other two natural stones, a granite counter worksnoble and timeless, but also cool. The stone with its individual structuring is available in lighter or darker versions. Caution: In small or dark kitchens, a black or gray stone can quickly be overwhelming. A particularly finely structured granite slab can also cause unrest. The stone is particularly popular due to its insensibility to stains and scratches. Hot pots, water and sharp knives can usually not harm granite - a big plus in terms of hygiene.

Costs: depending on grade and plate thickness from approx. 120 Euro per running meter; plus installation - the price can be significantly higher, depending on the type of granite, up to more than € 500 per meter.

Care:Untreated granite is more sensitive than it looks. Do not use any chemical, acetic or acidic care products as they can attack the stone. Better access to special stone oils for granite care. Regularly polish the stone in a circular motion to avoid streaks. Sponge and water are sufficient for daily cleaning.

4. Worktop made of marble

A classic beauty is also a countertop made of fine marble . Marble is a bit softer than granite and therefore more susceptible to scratches. High temperatures, such as a hot pot bottom, the dense rock, however, optimally withstood. Even water has only a small chance to penetrate the material. Nevertheless, as with all surfaces, water stains should be wiped quickly to avoid unsightly edges. Marble is sensitive to acidic foods. Marble worktopsare available in many colors - but depending on the country of origin and rarity, the price is correspondingly high.

Costs:depending on the variety and strength from 300 euros per meter, noble varieties also quite 700 euros per meter, plus installation

care: If persistent water stains have arisen on the marble, you can remove this with a soft woolen cloth and a little olive oil. Grease stains with a lime powder mixture.

To permanently seal the pores of the marble, so that such stains do not even occur, you should regularly impregnate the rock with special oils.

Note: You need advice on kitchen planning or an exact estimate? Here you will find kitchen experts in your region

5. Worktop made of slate

Not as robust and resistant as granite is slate . Nevertheless, the exclusive natural stone is popular in the kitchen. The sedimentary rocks are distinguished by their simple and cool appearance, matching industrial style as well as country-style kitchens or simple, modern kitchens, But slate is not slate. A distinction is made between a gapless, brushed and ground surface. And the tints may vary depending on the composition varied. If you decide on a slate, you should first make aware that the material "lives". The so-called "slates" occasionally dissipate small particles. Also through the daily use and its natural aging, he gets after a while a very specific patina. Do not cut directly on the surface - this will damage knives and slates alike.

Cost : from about 200 euros per meter, depending on the variety also far higher, plus installation

care:Prior to first use, the slate should be primed with oils or waxes so that grease and water can not penetrate for the time being. For daily cleaning you can then resort to mild soaps and soft sponges.

6. Worktop made of concrete

Because of cold logs! Concrete worktops are becoming increasingly popular. Why is that? At their properties! Because the traditional building material is heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, stable and convertible. For custom-made products, not only the worktop but also the seamlessly integrated sink can be cast. Before installing a concrete worktop , however, you should think about the weight of the plate: a square meter with a thickness of 4 centimeters weighs about 100 kilograms. Be sure to clarify the load capacity of your kitchen floor and the stability of the substructure. If the floor can not support the weight, you can also work on countertops with concrete lookdodge.

Cost: Since mostly made to measure very dependent on the mold, mold and finish. Roughly speaking, a concrete worktop lies in the middle price segment of granite countertops.

Care: Porous as concrete, a treatment with oils or natural wax is highly recommended. It becomes even more insensitive by a synthetic seal by means of artificial paints. As a result, however, a part of the charming rough look is lost. But no matter how much you care for the surface, concrete will develop a nice patina over time - so you have to like it. For daily cleaning water-soluble detergent and a damp cloth is sufficient. You should also refrain from using acidic agents here.

7. Worktop made of artificial stone and solid surface material

If you do not want to give up the look of natural stone, but want a work surface that is even more resistant, then you should resort to artificial stone or mineral materials such as Corian or Cristalite. Here, in terms of hygiene, robustness, hardness and ease of care, nothing to be desired. On particularly hard minerals can even be cut on the surface; however, for example, Corian should be protected from heat. Kitchen countertops made of artificial stone and mineral materials, but also captivate by external values. They are noble, seamless - and can be mixed on top of that to your liking. Everything is possible, from the seamless white look to the colorful design.

Costs:from about 240 euros per running meter plus adjustment and installation. Depending on the design and material end price therefore much higher, especially since the plates with individual cutouts and z. B. are made seamless sink.

Care: In contrast to natural stones, worktops made of artificial stone or mineral materials do not have to be sealed. Here it is perfectly sufficient to remove stains with water and conventional household cleaners.

8. Worktop made of glass Glass

plates are also robust and insensitive. They are not only suitable as splash guards in the kitchen , but also as countertops. The material is hygienic and, unlike artificial stone and mineral materials, germs hardly offer any attack surface. Only one thing is harder than glass: diamond. Here you can confidently put the knife or put off hot pots - up to 400 degrees, the plate keeps loose. Especially with modern kitchens, glass fits in with its light yet extravagant look. But quality also has its price here.

Costs: from about 200 euros per meter, plus installation

care:Glass worktops need no impregnation. Stains are removed with water, detergent or glass cleaner with a wiper.

9. Worktops made of quartz composites

Quartz composites such as Silestone, Caesarstone or Zodiaq are real all-round talents. Consisting of 93 percent ground quartz and so-called "upgrading additives", kitchen worktops can be created entirely according to your wishes. Like a shiny white surface that looks like a noble stone. Due to the high quartz content, countertops are among the hardest surfaces available for kitchens and are scratch-resistant and water-repellent. Only with heat you should pay attention here and put under the hot pot a coaster.

Cost: from about 150 euros per meter, depending on the variety and thickness much higher. The price range is comparable to that of granite; plus installation

care:Stains can be wiped off easily and quickly, just like with a glass. Although quartz glass worktops are very insensitive, too much chemistry should not be available. You should therefore not resort to acidic means.

10. Worktop made of stainless steel

Kitchen worktops made of stainless steel are the ultimate in gastronomy - and also in the domestic kitchen by now. For one simple reason: They are particularly heat-resistant, functional, timeless - and hygienic, as the material keeps all liquids and fats on the surface. Another advantage: sink and hob can be welded flush with the surface. Unfortunately, stainless steel worktops are also susceptible to scratches - and visible fingerprints are unavoidable. Cleaning is the order of the day.

Cost: from about 35 euros per meter, plus installation.

Maintenance:Stainless steel worktops can be cleaned with special stainless steel cleaner, but even with mild cleaners from the drugstore you will get rid of stains. Small scratches can be removed with scouring cream.

11. Linoleum worktops

Resistant to oils and greases, largely insensitive to heat, flame retardant, bacteriostatic, hygienic, easy to care for - the natural material based on linseed oil, cork powder, limestone flour and resins is perfect for everyday kitchen life. The clou: You can also easily cut on linoleum countertops, even deep cuts close practically by themselves. However, a worktop made of linoleum is completely insensitive : Coloring foods such as red wine, coffee or ketchup can leave stains if they are left to soak for a long time best to be eliminated immediately.

Cost: from about 120 euros per meter, plus installation.

Maintenance:Detergent is perfect for daily cleaning, the luster disappears over time with a special washing emulsion. Although linoleum is acid-resistant, alkaline cleaners such as soft soap should rather be avoided as they attack the surface.

12. Tiled worktops There are many

possibilities in the design of tiled worktops. The carrier material is a simple chipboard, which should, however, be sealed watertight. In order that the joint does not break, the use of a so-called decoupling mat is also advisable. The gluing is also more or less complex depending on the size of the tiles - but no problem for a tiler . Special molded parts and edgebanding provide a remedy.

Cost: from 15 Euro the running meter, plus installation.

Maintenance:In fact, tiled countertops made of simple ceramic tiles are extremely easy to care for - if there were not the joints. Here, the higher the proportion of joints, the higher the cleaning effort. A special joint cleaner helps to remedy stubborn dirt.

Note: All prices are intended as a rough guide. Depending on the manufacturer, exact type of material (such as different stones or woods), plate thickness, edge processing and depth of the prices vary per meter kitchen countertop. Also costs for cutouts and assembly are added.

This item has been updated, pictures have been removed or exchanged.

Which material did you choose for your kitchen worktop? What experiences have you had? What tips for care?

Newest Home Trends: Attractive Ideas For Home Furnishings

The facility has a major impact on whether residents feel comfortable in their home. Newest home trends ensure an appealing and modern appearance.

THE APARTMENT SET UP AGAIN: A CHANGE OF SCENERY IS VERY PLEASANT

Anyone who has used exactly the same equipment for many years has certainly had enough of it by now. In addition, almost every style looks old-fashioned after a few years. With a new facility, it is possible to bring a breath of fresh air into the apartment and set some visual irritation points. As a result, the rooms are immediately more modern and interesting. This immediately makes the stay in it much more pleasant. This article presents some current trends that make it easy to redecorate your home.

STRUCTURED SURFACES

Smooth surfaces without any blemish have been in fashion for a long time. However, the time of this style seems to have expired meanwhile. In the meantime, openwork structures that appear irregular and sometimes even raw are in high demand. There are many different ways to do this. In older buildings, for example, it is very popular to remove the plaster and expose the underlying brickwork. This often has very beautiful structures and immediately gives the room a special charm.

Another possibility is to use a cladding made of natural stone. The natural shapes and colors of this material always have a certain irregularity and make a very interesting impression. The use of waste wood also represents a very interesting alternative. Here already used wooden boards - for example from old barns or farmhouses - are recycled and reused. This brings a natural appearance and elegantly connects the past with the present. Other materials that may be considered for walls with an appealing structure are concrete, velvet and wool.

INDIRECT LIGHTING FOR THE FURNITURE

The lighting technology has made tremendous progress in recent years. Light-emitting diodes are tiny and have minimal power consumption. This technique is increasingly used for the indirect lighting of furniture. Thin LED strips can be installed inconspicuously and without much effort on kitchen cabinets, cooking islands, sideboards and other pieces of furniture. This not only ensures a uniform brightness in the living spaces. In addition, these devices provide a very atmospheric lighting that brings every element of the device to its best advantage.

DARK GLAM: DARK COLORS AND GLAMOROUS DESIGN

Dark Glam is a furnishing style that is currently very trendy. Dark colors such as dark blue, forest green or purple give the room a quaint character with rich colors. In particular, carpets and upholstered furniture in these shades make a very cozy impression. Also pieces of furniture in black fit perfectly. These colors are already very elegant on their own. However, it is particularly impressive when combined with gold-colored patterns, decorative objects or furniture made of brass or similar design elements.

ROOM-IN-ROOM SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMAL USE OF LIVING SPACE

The next living trend is not defined by its design, but by its practical benefits. Room-in-room systems are becoming increasingly popular in order to make the most of the living space. This multifunctional boxes are used, which make it possible to separate a small area of a room. In this way, its functions can be expanded. This makes it possible, for example, a small bedroom, a bathroom or a closet set up in the middle of the living room, if elsewhere there is no space for it.

BATHROOMS WITHOUT TILES: JOINTLESS DESIGN

For centuries, the tile has been an indispensable part of the bathroom design. The small ceramic tiles provide excellent protection against moisture and are therefore ideal for this room. However, many people have already had enough of this tile pattern. Therefore, they want a change in the bathroom. Modern building materials make this possible. Resin surfaces or waterproof wallpaper are interesting alternatives to tile wall cladding. This gives you the opportunity to design a seamless design that looks decidedly modern.

URBAN JUNGLE: THE GREEN OASIS IN THE APARTMENT

Urban Jungle describes a trend that has been spreading for some time in apartments in Germany. Wallpapers, wall tattoos or posters with palm trees and ferns create a natural impression that looks almost like in the jungle. Especially in big cities, where green spaces are scarce, that makes an excellent impression. Even in winter, people feel very comfortable when they get some fresh green in the apartment in this way. It is particularly appealing to complement the prints with plant motifs by natural houseplants. Real palm trees or trees make sure that the apartment actually becomes a small jungle.

WOOD: A HIP MATERIAL

Wood has been one of the most popular materials for several years now. This material gives each object an individual appearance through its grain. In addition, it is completely natural and therefore allows a natural decorating style. It is very popular to attach the wood in a visible way to the house, showing its natural irregularities. The latest trends show that this material is used for more and more furnishings. Meanwhile, there are even bathtubs and wooden sinks that look very appealing. In addition, it is very popular to use waste wood. Recycled wooden floorboards are particularly rustic and ensure that the corresponding pieces of furniture or wall coverings make an outstanding impression.

TERRACOTTA: THE MEDITERRANEAN WAY OF LIFE RETURNS

The term terracotta refers to both a material and a color. This material was originally used mainly in the Mediterranean area. The gentle brown tone therefore automatically ensures a Mediterranean flair. In Germany, items made of terracotta or in the appropriate color were particularly popular in the nineties. After that, they fell into oblivion.

At the moment, however, they are back in full swing. A wall or floor cladding made of terracotta looks very natural and brings the lifestyle of Italy into your own home. Also home accessories in this warm earthy color have a special charm and give the home a cozy yet stylish impression.

TIPS FOR BUYING FURNITURE

In order to rebuild the apartment, it is not only necessary to think about which style should be implemented. In addition, it is very important to think about how and where to buy the furniture and what to look for when choosing it. There is a wide variety of shops where it is possible to purchase furniture. Not only is the range different, but so is the distribution structure.

UTILITY VALUE OR APPEARANCE: WHICH CRITERIA ARE DECISIVE WHEN BUYING FURNITURE?

Furniture is primarily a commodity. Therefore, it is very important to first pay attention to the utility. Only second follows the visual appearance. A closet may still look so appealing - if it does not provide the required storage space, it is useless. A sofa must be comfortable in the first place. Only then do design aspects follow. Also for shelves, chairs and other furniture similar requirements apply. Therefore, it is very important when purchasing to pay attention to the functionality. However, there is a very wide choice, so it is usually possible to find models that offer a high utility value and also look good.

MEASURE THE APARTMENT WELL

Before buying, it is important to measure the apartment accurately. It makes sense to make a sketch and then buy furniture that exactly fill the intended areas. If there are gaps, not only valuable living space is lost. In addition, it makes a very strange visual impression.

BUY FURNITURE ONLINE: HUGE SELECTION AND PRACTICAL SERVICE

In addition, it is important to decide whether the furniture should be purchased online or at a local specialty store. Furniture stores offer the advantage that it is possible to personally inspect the furniture. Test seating is a great advantage for seating furniture. Online providers like Livingo, on the other hand, are characterized by a huge selection. Therefore, it is almost always possible to find a product that meets all the requirements in terms of both design and functionality. In addition, these dealers usually offer fast and convenient delivery. This makes the purchase of furniture particularly easy.