Add an Asian touch to your kitchen design

Bored of traditional kitchen design? If you’re dreaming of a beautiful and timeless modern kitchen design, why not add an Asian touch to your kitchen? Cosy and warm, oriental design is perfect for families and homeowners that like to gather and celebrate with friends. Creating an Asian-inspired kitchen is also easier than you might think…

Seven steps to oriental kitchen design

1. Embrace floral prints and patterns

You may not associate kitchen design with floral patterns, but that’s what sets the Asian kitchen apart from traditional design. It’s easier than you might think to add florals to your kitchen. Opt for floral curtains or blinds or enhance your kitchen space with beautiful cherry blossom artwork. Fresh flowers, in strong, bold colours, are also a must.

2. Go bold

A bold colour palette is crucial in Asian kitchen design. Colours like red, royal blue and zesty orange all work well and can be teamed with a monochrome palette. When incorporating bolder colours like red, we recommend using them as an accent colour. For example, opt for a red backsplash or red worktop doors. You could also accessorise with red pots and pans and bold red crockery.

3. Incorporate natural elements

For that Zen-like atmosphere, natural materials are key. Think stone floors and light wooden furnishings for a look that’s natural and chic. If you’re a fan of the metallic trend, why not incorporate warmer metallics, such as copper, into your kitchen design too?

4. Make it sociable

A family-oriented kitchen is important in many Asian cultures – so it’s important to have a sociable dining space. Kit out your kitchen with a large dining table for family and friends and make use of other sociable dining areas, like a breakfast bar.

5. Keep the layout simple

Simplicity is essential in any kitchen design and even more so in Asian kitchens. To keep things simple, we recommend using the kitchen work triangle as the foundation of your kitchen design. This will ensure an efficient layout, allowing all primary tasks to be completed with ease. The kitchen work triangle is also very much synonymous with minimalist principles – which are a big thing in Asian cultures.

6. Get the lighting right

Comfort is key in oriental design – and that includes the comfort of the cook. To make the task of food preparation easy, ensure task lighting is available under-cupboards. You’ll also want to make dining areas comfortable too by using mood lighting to create the perfect ambience.

7. Don’t forget the detail!

Intricate details, like oriental accessories, antiques and pictures, help to enhance an Asian kitchen space. You can also experiment with oriental plants too – like a bonsai or Chinese money tree.

Keen to start planning the finer details of your Asian kitchen? Browse our Finishing Touches section to explore our range of worktops, appliances and more.

What do you like most about Asian kitchen design? Join the conversation on Twitter @ModernKitchens