Linear Kitchens: Features And Tips

Linear kitchens have a minimalist decor style and are the perfect example of how to make the most of a small space. The objective is to arrange the main elements in a straight line and on a single wall.

While you may find this idea a little tedious, this type of kitchen offers a wide variety of styles. In addition, it has many advantages, such as low installation cost, better use of space, guaranteed comfort and quick access to utensils.

How to make the most of your kitchen space?

A frequent question when remodeling the house is in what style to decorate the kitchen. In some houses, the kitchen is the place where there is more movement, especially for gastronomy fans.

The answer may lie in linear kitchens. Unlike other styles, kitchens of this type only require a few feet of room. You can install one in just 3.6 meters, which is the standard for grouping the main elements: refrigerator, sink, stove, oven and dishwasher.

For this reason, linear kitchens are the perfect choice for apartments with a few square meters or open concept. Whatever the reason, linear kitchens never compromise on comfort, and what’s more, they’re a great solution when it comes to quick access and functionality.

Tips and ideas for linear kitchens

You don’t need to hire an interior designer to create your own linear kitchen. Fortunately,  and iff type of cuisine is based on a simplistic and understated style. So you just need to keep in mind some basics. The most important are as follows.

Keep the tones neutral

As we said earlier, the linear kitchens group all elements in a small space. So, you should look for neutral colors to avoid overloading an area that is already a little loaded by itself.

The most used colors in this type of kitchen are white and gray. The possible combinations are many even using only these colors, thanks to their tonal variations. Black, combined with subtlety, is also an interesting option in an open space.

If you want variety in decor, you can include accessories in other colors. Kitchen utensils in brown or cream, for example, are a good option to break the monotony of the main design.

install tall cabinets

This trick is useful if your space is too small, as the height will counteract it. She will be the focal point, diverting attention from the area’s size limitations.

You can achieve the effect using horizontal lines. Keep in mind that with limited space, you might prefer furniture and cabinets that include multiple storage options.

Choose a futuristic design

Trends change constantly, but the futuristic finish is here to stay. You can achieve this particular style in the kitchen with metallic details.

Metallic finishes are the latest trend in all types of kitchens and you can find them on cutlery, utensils, and more. Try, however, to avoid cluttering the space with too many metal items.

pay attention to lighting

Installing tall cabinets isn’t the only way to overcome space limitations in linear kitchens. You can also do this through lighting, both natural and artificial.

Regarding artificial lighting, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

• Install horizontal luminaires (this gives a feeling of spaciousness).
• Vary the shades (LED lamps are best for this).
• Consider installing spotlights on the baseboard or close to the floor. This is useful for creating a floating look.
• Include small, soft lights in busy areas.

Keep in mind that in addition to contributing to the aesthetics of the space, the set of light fixtures you choose should be functional for cooking.

follow an unbroken line

Linear kitchens are not named just because they occupy a single kitchen wall. They are also characterized by following uninterrupted lines, so that their elements match each other. This creates harmony and balance.

But how to do this? It’s very easy, just arrange the kitchen elements to follow a straight line from start to finish. Sure, you can be creative, but try to keep a line at least three feet long.

Consider the lines of cabinets, refrigerator, microwave and sink. Everything must be part of a whole, that is, you must not place the elements randomly.

Use drawers without handles

To maximize minimalist styling and achieve even more fluid aesthetics, consider installing handleless drawers. This will maintain the sense of linearity and make the kitchen more discreet from the front.

If you need them, install simple handles, of a type that allows quick access to the inside of the drawer but is not so visible. There are many options on the market so you don’t need to spend a fortune on them.

Change the style with the help of an island

Installing an island in your linear kitchen is a little out of the way. After all, the objective of this type of kitchen is that the entire gastronomic process is carried out on just one wall.

However, if you have a lot of space available, this can be an interesting option, especially in an open-concept kitchen.

As certain recipes may require more space, an island can help a lot by adding extra workspace for cooking. Try to  keep the concept linear so that it fits perfectly.

Keep in mind the distribution of elements

When arranging kitchen accessories, you should not prioritize aesthetics over functionality. Both should be in line with a minimalist, linear style, but they should also be functional and allow for fluid cooking.

Also, you must be careful with certain combinations. For example, never place the stove near the refrigerator. The contrast of hot and cold is not good for either device.

Linear kitchens solve functional problems

In addition to the above tips, which are fundamental to creating a linear kitchen, you should also keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep a minimum distance of 50 centimeters between each kitchen accessory.
• If you are going to install a hood, choose between a small one or a built-in one.
• Distribute things based on how you usually cook.
• Don’t skimp on expenses if you think a change will make a difference.

• Try to match the style of the kitchen (colors, shapes and design) with other places in the house.
• Consider having a folding table or stool for support.

Professional advice on how to make the most of your space or what type of countertop to choose can make a big difference. So don’t be afraid to look for an expert in linear kitchens.