Features of American-style kitchens

The American style refers to flexible directions that can fit into the concept of restraint and laconicism, or they can go beyond these limits, seeing the vector of development in luxury and even pretentiousness. But what is commonly understood by the common man as the American style can be boiled down to interiors that rethought the design of the Old World.

These are very recognizable stylistic features. In a typical American kitchen, all appliances and furniture are lined up according to the perimeter of the room: either in the image of the letter P or G, or C-shaped... In the center of the kitchen is the island. If there is no island, then a dining group takes its place. And this grouping of furniture can be called successful, since the space is unloaded as much as possible for free movement: you can combine a sink, stove and refrigerator according to the principle of a working triangle.

The massive island in the center is one of the main hallmarks of American-style cuisine. If the space is large, then it can be several islands at once. An island is called a desk with many functions, in which there are several shelves for storage, sections, it can contain a wine cabinet, it can also play the role of a bar counter.

The island has the following requirements:

• it follows the shape of the kitchen or the shape of the workspace;
• you can't put an island in a small kitchen, because the passages to it must be at least 90 cm;
• if your kitchen has 20 or less squares, choose an island more than 90 x 120 cm;
• a compact replacement for an island can be a peninsula; it differs in that part of it rests against a wall or is simply built into a kitchen set.

An interior with an island is a classic. And if your kitchen allows you to repeat such a design, be sure to take the opportunity. It is convenient and really practical. If the room is about 20 squares, you can put an island in the center of the kitchen, on which it is very convenient to perform various culinary manipulations. And since inside it is equipped with a spacious storage system, the headset itself can not be loaded with such functions, you can order a more compact and "slim" version.

There are a lot of signs of American-style cuisine. But there are those that can be called style-forming. For example, a sink by a window is a recognizable feature of direction. This is convenient, because natural light is good to have in the sink area, and it is also pleasant for the dishwasher to see a living landscape, not a wall. But in a city apartment, alas, it is not always possible to transfer communication (although it is worth trying).

The characteristic features of this style include the following.

• Wood in furniture and decoration. Wood can be considered the main material in American cuisine. Wooden furniture stands in the premises of people with different incomes and aesthetic preferences. This is usually a kitchen set with wooden (usually veneered) facades, a wooden countertop and a dining group made of the same material.

• Lots of storage locations. If someone prefers "clean" walls in the kitchen, it is not people who live in a classic American kitchen. Cabinets and shelves (especially open ones) are a real sign of style. Dishes can be stored in a separate cupboard, kitchen textiles can be stored in a small cabinet, and all kinds of storage containers can be stored on the shelves. If it is possible to arrange a small pantry nearby, be sure to do it. You can store seams or crops there.

• Open plan. And this is also typical of American cuisine - it is usually combined with the dining room, but the kitchen-living room option is not uncommon. This allows you to increase the space, and also increases the possibilities of communication within the family. But there are also disadvantages in the open plan - if the guests are already in the living room, and the hosts are preparing something else in the background and doing the finishing touches, this is not always convenient.

• Neutral colors. The most top-end option is a white kitchen. Beige and light gray shades are also common, but dark kitchens are much more rare. The floor is almost always wood, brown or dark brown.

• Using a hog tile or small mosaic. Ceramic tiles "hog" ("subway") are most often found in American cuisine. This is a typical work area cladding. These are white or gray tiles, neutral, classic, comfortable.

• Lots of textiles. Cotton or linen textiles are a must in the kitchen. It makes it cozier, warmer, and without it, American cuisine looks "naked."

Textiles are presented:

• curtains and curtains on the windows - only natural fabrics, and often muted shades of natural colors;
• narrow cozy rugs in the working area, as well as a large carpet in the dining room;
• pleasant looking table textiles - runners or napkins under the plates;
• bar or dining chairs in fabric upholstery, which can overlap with the curtains on the windows.

A good solution would be replaceable covers... These are chair covers that are sewn or ordered as part of several sets. One can decorate the room in the summer, the other - in the winter and the eve of New Year's holidays, another - a solemn one, designed to receive guests. The curtains on the windows can be changed in accordance with the covers.

Uniform lighting can be achieved by organizing lamps that are placed in different parts of the kitchen. There may be no central chandelier in the room at all. The working area is usually illuminated with furniture lighting or wall sconces.

But above the island or the bar, you can hang a chandelier (and even several low ones with one light bulb). The dining area, especially if it is located on the territory of the dining room, is usually illuminated by one or two more elegant chandeliers, which are hung directly above the table, about 70-80 cm from the table top.

The American kitchen also has a bar, its function can be performed by a special cabinet in which alcohol, glasses and glasses are stored. The kitchen may have a dedicated wine cabinet or, in a pinch, a drinks trolley, which doesn't necessarily take up a lot of space, but it looks very cute.

A large table is an inviolable attribute of American cuisine. A mini-table, a transformer, a glass table - all this will not be a compromise, but a departure from style. Even if there are 3-4 people in a family, the table should be such that at least 8 people can be seated at the same time.

This is massive furniture that shouldn't look like a thing from palace interiors. The table in the American kitchen is cozy and warm, large and welcoming. It's great if this is a thing with a history, and it has been for many years.

Wooden or metal chairs complement the table, there may be more comfortable semi-chairs in soft upholstery. The table itself is usually decorated with a track or flower arrangement. For example, in the center of the table is a beautiful rectangular tray containing candles, ceramic figurines, a small vase, and a candy bowl. On holidays, the table is beautifully served, it will feature themed decorations, candles in graceful candlesticks, exquisite dishes and, of course, elegant textiles.

Today, deliberately rough countertops are in vogue, without painting and visible processing. Their texture cannot be completely uniform, they look rustic, but this is their charm. They can be easily combined with a wooden kitchen, made in any color.

This is not minimalism, because the decor is really important here. Natural gifts always delight and look the most natural decoration, therefore, every second (by the most conservative estimates) American cuisine always has flowers. And not some chic bouquets, but something affordable, simple, but at the same time beautiful.

The dishes should also be pleasing to the eye. A decanter for water, a teapot, glasses and cups - everything should be such that the very sight of the dishes will cheer up and delight the hosts and guests. Cozy and beautiful things that you choose yourself will always be the main décor of your kitchen.

This is confirmed by a selection of striking examples of American cuisines.

American cuisine is built on the principle of "how good it is to be at home." This is a cozy, fairly spacious, very functional room, where there is everything you need, and where a large company can always gather at the dinner table.

An overview of the American style kitchen, see below.