Kitchen surfaces guide: what to consider and how to choose
The design of a kitchen is primarily conveyed through the overall appearance of the space. Surfaces are the most visually striking element: they immediately capture attention and help establish a clear identity for the living environment. Thinking of the kitchen as a puzzle helps to understand how each piece, from floor to ceiling, plays a fundamental role in achieving harmonious design.
To obtain a balanced result, it is essential to carefully evaluate materials, finishes, and colors in order to create a consistent dialogue among the different elements. This approach allows for the creation of a design that reflects the taste and personality of those who inhabit the space daily.
Below, you’ll find an overview of the main kitchen surfaces and the key aspects to consider when selecting each one, so you can achieve a contemporary kitchen that fully meets your expectations.
Table of contents
Cabinet doors and front panels
Cabinet doors are the most visible surface in the kitchen and cover the widest area of its structure. They are part of the kitchen's front panels, which include all the external panels that compose the visible facade of the furniture.
Drawers, deep drawers, fixed panels, and island or peninsula coverings, along with the main cabinet doors, must all contribute to a consistent stylistic and chromatic vision that clearly defines the kitchen's aesthetic identity. Coordinating materials and finishes ensures a harmonious and elegant effect, making every component part of a unified visual concept.
Appliances
Appliances are essential for the kitchen's functionality and complete its facade. Leaving them exposed can enhance the modern and technological appeal of the room.
On the other hand, choosing built-in appliances concealed behind cabinet doors or tall units helps achieve a clean visual composition. This solution is especially suitable for minimalist environments, where the simplicity of surfaces is the central aesthetic focus.
The worktop
While cabinet doors make the first impression, the worktop leaves the most lasting one. It is the kitchen's operational center, constantly used and therefore expected to offer durability, easy maintenance, and refined aesthetics.
The material chosen for the countertop greatly affects the overall perception of the kitchen. Natural stone conveys solidity and luxury, while high-quality laminate offers practicality without compromising on contemporary elegance. Options like quartz, sintered stone, marble, and various laminates provide technical solutions to suit different functional and stylistic needs.
The backsplash
The backsplash is as functional as it is decorative, capable of radically transforming the look of the kitchen. The first step is to consider how it visually interacts with the other surfaces, especially the worktop. A well-thought-out match between backsplash, cabinet fronts, and countertop provides a daily sense of living in a space tailored to your habits.
At the same time, the backsplash can act as a standalone design piece. It can either blend with a neutral, minimalist appearance or stand out with bold textures and vibrant colors. From ceramic to stainless steel to tile, the options vary in both practicality and creative freedom, enabling diverse interpretations of interior design.
Walls
Kitchen walls offer an extraordinary opportunity to define the environment’s style and atmosphere. They are a canvas for personal expression, ranging from minimalist subtlety to bold, refined decoration.
It's essential to select wall coverings and colors that can withstand daily wear without compromising on aesthetic appeal. Washable paints or water-resistant wallpapers are excellent solutions for maintaining a fresh and charming look over time.
Great care should be taken in coordinating wall colors and finishes with other surfaces, enhancing the overall design and creating a space that is cohesive, welcoming, and aligned with personal taste.
Tiles
Today’s tiles are both traditional and modern, and require careful planning to achieve the desired visual effect. Their ability to evoke kitchens of the past while embodying a contemporary flair makes them adaptable to various styles and needs.
Used on kitchen walls, tiles contribute to creating a refined and modern ambiance with their distinctive appearance. They also help highlight other surfaces, ensuring an aesthetic result that is both elegant and unique.
Kitchen colors
Color is one of the most powerful tools in kitchen design, capable of influencing mood, space perception, and daily experience. Every hue conveys distinct feelings and atmospheres, contributing to the room’s overall character.
Being able to harmonize kitchen colors thoughtfully and deliberately helps create a space that feels well composed. Neutral tones like white, grey, or beige offer elegance and enhance the sense of spaciousness, while bolder shades like blue, green, or warmer tones such as terracotta and soft red lend personality and warmth.
Additional surfaces: from floor to ceiling
In addition to the main surfaces, seemingly secondary elements such as flooring, baseboards, toe kicks, and ceilings play a crucial role in the kitchen’s overall aesthetic and functionality. Each of these surfaces must be carefully designed.
The floor and ceiling are the vertical boundaries that frame the living space. Due to their vast surface area, they significantly influence how the space is perceived. Materials like porcelain stoneware, natural stone, or parquet define a precise palette that must be coordinated with kitchen cabinetry surfaces. For instance, a white ceiling visually expands the space, while dark wood creates a more intimate and sophisticated ambiance. The color choice for both surfaces should reflect and enhance the kitchen’s stylistic identity.
Feet, toe kicks, baseboards, and suspended bases, while often considered minor elements, are important for defining the room’s visual boundaries and completing the overall design. A dropped ceiling also provides the opportunity to integrate elegant and discreet lighting solutions, further enhancing the space.
Conclusion: designing the kitchen’s look
The kitchen is a system of interrelated surfaces that harmonize to form a functional and visually appealing space. One that reflects the personality and daily needs of its users. From the worktop to the cabinet doors, from the backsplash to the minor details like baseboards and toe kicks, every decision contributes to the room’s unique identity.
Attention and awareness in selecting materials, colors, and finishes not only elevate the visual appeal but also enrich the everyday experience by addressing practical needs and aesthetic desires.
Berloni supports you throughout this journey with thoughtful and transparent dialogue. Our designers are available to help you realize your vision. Book an appointment at one of our Ateliers to develop your personalized kitchen project.
Explore the Berloni Catalogue and find out how to create your kitchen.
