Those who love functionality, refinement and conviviality choose an English style kitchen

Furnishing from the world, an increasingly popular choice

More and more often, in a cosmopolitan world that has redefined the perception of borders, people are choosing to furnish their homes according to styles characteristic of other countries, because they recognise themselves in the values they bring, or simply because it has a stylistic signature that they appreciate: think, for example, of the spread of serene and calming oriental interior design or of the welcoming Nordic trends. The English style kitchen is ideal for those who love a space that combines comfort, functionality and sophistication.

Old or modern, the English style kitchen is functional and refined

For centuries, England has furnished with grace and refinement. Over time, the atmospheres of palaces, elegant yet austere and full of elaborate furniture and details, have given way to greater functionality and general simplification, while maintaining an elegant and welcoming design. The same applies to kitchens, which are practical, functional and perfectly able to combine modernity and tradition, in both the old England and more modern versions.

From the sink to the stove, what can’t be missed in English style kitchen

For those who want to maintain tradition, inspired by an English country style, there are certain pieces of furniture that cannot be missing from an English style kitchen that is inspired by the interior design in vogue a few decades ago: first and foremost, the ceramic sink, with a very carefully designed tapware, and the stove. The sink, which goes by the name of belfast sink, is extremely convenient because its large size, depth and square or rectangular shape is often combined with an overflow hole, which prevents water from overflowing while washing dishes.

It is a must-have even in modern versions! Fundamental in the old days were stoves, which followed classical lines and allowed for cooking at low temperatures in particular. Today they are purely decorative, but providing them in one’s English style kitchen means paying homage to tradition, adding that extra touch that can make all the difference in style. Another characteristic element are the hoods that are larger than the standard ones (by the way, always useful).

The English kitchen is convivial and comfortable

English kitchens often use an island, which can be used as a worktop or dining space and which lends itself well to conviviality, as mentioned one of the features to look for. Those who want to draw from tradition will choose furniture that tends to be solid, yet practical, while those who want a more modern version of an English style kitchen will opt for simple, clean lines that can at the same time maintain a reference to tradition and a vague retro look.

Do not forget the search for functionality in every element, which must be comfortable and practical. The prevailing material, as is often the case with country styles, is wood, which can be, in a more antique style, solid and dark-coloured, left natural, or lighter and painted in lighter colours. Appliances, chosen with efficiency in mind, are integrated into the design to maintain a clean and simple look.

From the exposed utensils to the mesh, the details that make an English style kitchen unique

The colour palette echoes the naturalness of fabrics and are soft and natural, such as beige, cream or pastel colours, while grey is often discarded because in some shades it can remind one of English rain.

As far as materials are concerned, wood has been mentioned, but, in line with country interior design, marble is also widely used, especially for worktops. Items such as pots and pans and plates in turn become design complements and are displayed in large sideboards or cupboards with glass doors, also designed to allow the contents to be seen. Particular stylistic importance is assumed in the English style kitchen by the taps, with sinuous shapes, and by the handles and knobs, in steel and brass, to create a contrast with the colours of the rest of the furniture and thus become a distinctive element.

Il Piccolo, second generation family-run carpentry shop, opens its showroom in Lugano. With over 50 years of experience, Il Piccolo brings with it a wealth of technical and design knowledge of the highest level, thanks to the many interiors designed and furnished all over the world. In addition, Il Piccolo represents the most prestigious brands of furniture worldwide. Il Piccolo designs, manufactures and sells the best of interior design made in Italy, following the customer from design to implementation, delivery and installation of the work, integrating the process with a precise and professional service. CONTACT US