Creating a kitchen that’s as unique as it is functional is no easy task. Function should always be the priority when it comes to kitchen design, but no one wants to waste time using a kitchen that feels like it was designed for someone else. Your kitchen should be all about you!
Luckily, Bosch appliances have you covered on both counts. With a design philosophy that prioritizes both premium quality and perfect form, Bosch is hard to beat when it comes to kitchen design and function. But how can you pull together your kitchen into a look that’s both stylish and individual, and how can Bosch help you along the way?
If you’re struggling to create that perfect kitchen, check out our guide to balancing aesthetics with functionality, and bringing your own unique touch to your kitchen’s style – with a little help from Bosch.
Know the Rules...
Choosing a style that speaks to you should be the first step of planning your kitchen aesthetic. Different styles have different standards, so if you’re interested in a particular look, do your research into what elements you’ll need to incorporate.
A Traditional-style kitchen will likely require cream or beige walls paired with darker woods, and cabinetry with more ornate detail work. Contemporary styles, on the other hand, will typically include more blacks and whites, with sleek cabinetry and hidden, paneled appliances.
Other styles – like Scandinavian, Transitional, Mid-Century Modern, and more – all have their own standards that you’ll need to know in order to pull the look together. Things like what color cabinets you want, what appliance finish you should consider, and the type of lighting you’ll need will all depend on the style you choose, so be sure to read up on the rules of each.
...And When to Break Them
Once you’ve got a unifying style in mind for your kitchen, you can start looking for places to add your own personal touches. What’s the fun in a cookie cutter kitchen you can find in any magazine? Your kitchen should be thoughtful and classy, but it should also be you. Don’t be afraid to break a few style rules along the way.
Try including multiple types of metal in your kitchen. A bright copper sink combined with dark, rustic cabinet hardware gives a farmhouse-style kitchen a unique touch, and drawer pulls that compliment – but don’t quite match – cabinet handles can add some visual variety. You can even try combining appliance finishes! These days, a stainless-steel Bosch dishwasher paired with a silky slate fridge and a colorful statement range wouldn’t be at all out of place in the same kitchen.
Other details, like mixing and matching different chairs within your chosen color palette and swapping out traditional tile backsplash for durable wallpaper in your favorite patterns can bring excitement and movement into your kitchen. You should still keep some basic design standards in mind (paying attention to proportions and complementary colors can pull together just about any stylistic choices) but breaking some rules can be the difference between a dull, drab kitchen, and a kitchen that’s totally you.
Be Bold...
Appliances are a great way to go bold with your kitchen design. In addition to more traditional stainless steel finishes, Bosch also offers appliances in bold black stainless to make any kitchen stand apart from the rest. Black fits in with any kitchen décor style and the matte sheen gives your space a pop of drama. The best part? Bosch’s black stainless is fingerprint resistant, so nothing can bring your style down!
Many built-in Bosch appliances can also be installed “proud” style. That means the edges of a built-in oven or microwave stand out from the wall rather than fitting flush against it. This style, combined with the sleek design of Bosch appliances, gives your walls a bold, textured look that can mesh with classic or contemporary styles.
When it comes to other décor, be your own curator! Collect art, sculptures, antiques – anything that sets your space apart. With open shelving, you can display favorite family mementos. Pops of color in the form of accent walls, throw rugs, or patterned floor tiles can help you show off your personality and make the space feel like your own.
...Or Blend In
If you prefer to let your stunning home speak for itself, you can let appliances and cabinetry melt right into the background. Bosch’s flush installation and custom paneling let your appliances blend right in with the rest of your kitchen. Ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers from Bosch fit with your cabinetry so smoothly it’ll look like they grew right out of the wall.
Bosch refrigerators also come in panel-ready models, so your fridge can match perfectly with the rest of your kitchen. Whether you’ve opted for earthy bamboo, smooth high-gloss, or cabinets painted your favorite shades, you can have your fridge custom covered in the cabinetry of your choice.
Instead of making your kitchen bold and eye-catching, you can use your kitchen to complement the parts of your home you already love. Using symmetry and subtle designs, your kitchen can direct the eye toward the focal point of the room, whether it’s a gorgeous view, a stunning appliance, or a favorite work of art.
Make it Functional...
In your quest for perfect form, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice function. Bosch appliances let you design your kitchen so that it works for your individual needs. Flexible fridge configurations let you scale up or down your fridge space, depending on how much you cook. You can combine fridge columns to create a unit up to 60 inches wide! That’s a lot of chilling out.
Other appliances can also be designed based on your needs. If you’re big on baking, you might want to invest in a double (or even quadruple) wall oven setup. If you do lots of work on the cooktop, a powerful vent hood is going to be your best friend. Even though every kitchen typically has these appliances, planning a space that accommodates your unique cooking needs adds a special something to your design. After all, what’s more “you” than a kitchen perfectly tailored to how you actually use it?
...But Make it Yours
The most important part of any home design project is making the space your own. Anyone can copy and paste the latest trends, but only you can make a space that speaks to your unique tastes.
Go crazy with the details – tea towels embroidered with your family’s initials, polka dotted mugs displayed proudly on shelves, and paintings of your great-great grandmother’s hometown can all find a home in your new space. Don’t be afraid to make your kitchen personal – it’s yours, after all!
Bosch Home Connect also lets you run your kitchen based on your personal needs. With connected appliances, you can program your kitchen to automatically brew your favorite coffee, default to your cooking preferences, and even remember your most-used dishwasher cycles. Your kitchen is your castle, so let your appliances treat you like royalty!
And don’t forget, you can always come to Don’s for help with your big redesign. Our appliance experts can help you pick out the perfect Bosch appliances to take your kitchen from bleak to unique! Your kitchen should always be designed your way, so come down to our store and learn how you can make your new kitchen totally yours, with the help of appliances made for your life.