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Incorporating glass into your kitchen design

Architects and designers are all focused on maximising the amount of light within buildings. From carefully considered colour choices, ergonomic furniture designs and the combination of materials used, creating the feeling of space is key.

Colour trends are forever changing, and furniture is a very personal choice, however, there is one material that is used consistently in its various forms to help create a more light-filled space: ‘glass’. Glass naturally plays a big part in the design of a new kitchen, and even more so when it is part of a new build/remodel.

In this blog we explore some of the most popular ways to incorporate glass into your kitchen:

Glass windows & doors

There are endless amounts of choice when it comes to windows and doors, with the various styles affecting how much and where the natural light enters the room. As well as bi-folding doors, roof lanterns have become a popular choice with homeowners who are building or remodelling kitchen dining rooms. The lanterns are often positioned above the island or dining table.

kitchen with open doors, blue island, and dining nook showcasing a design for broken plan livingDefining areas in open plan

Whilst open plan living is popular, it does have its disadvantages, such as lack of privacy and the amplification of sounds. To help resolve these issues many homeowners have started to explore ways of separating areas, whilst maintaining the feel of one large space. This concept is referred to as ‘broken plan’.

Diagram showcasing Hermie sliding door design by Crittall Windows for kitchen pantry

Above is an example of an innervison sliding door in our Shoreditch kitchen pantry from Crittall Windows. This style of door can also be used to separate a kitchen from dining or living from cooking, to maintain the feeling of openness but also provide privacy and reduces noise.

Glass splashbacks and panelling

Glass splashbacks have been around for decades in their various forms. More recently special finishes are proving popular, such as the antique effect glass on the mantel wall in this Davonport Tillingham kitchen. As well as reflecting the light in the room, it is a practical and easy surface to clean.

White Kitchen with blue cabinets, glass display doors, wall art, wooden table, and a basket of apples

Mirrored glass can also add a touch of luxe to your kitchen, especially when combined with subtle lighting.

Davonport signature-style pantry with wooden drawers and shelves, stocked with glassware and beverages

In our Davonport signature-style pantry mirrored internals with LED backlights provide a gentle glow when the doors are opened, emulating a cocktail bar in a five-star city hotel.

Blue cabinet with fluted glass doors, next to a decorated wooden fireplace and a lantern on tiled floor

Fluted glass

Fluted glass is an ideal material for kitchen cabinets as Its vertical grooves help to provide a level of privacy and they create a prism effect that refracts light and makes alluring colour patterns.

Green Davonport Holkham dresser unit with ribbed glass doors and brass handles

We especially like the way that it has been used in this Davonport Holkham dresser unit, for a contemporary-classic style.

Green glazed kitchen cabinets next to a fireplace with decorative tiles

Classic glazed cabinets

Classic glazed cabinets are the easiest way to accentuate the light in your kitchen, making the space feel brighter and more spacious. However, unlike bevelled glass it is completely see-through, so you need to be prepared that all will be on show.

kitchen with blue cabinets, glass display doors, red and white wall art

TIP: If you choose a cabinet style with a more detailed frame, you can break up the glazing which will help to create a little more privacy.

kitchen with sleek, gray cabinetry, induction hob and stainless steel appliances

Glass surfaces

Induction hobs are functional and when not in use they help to create the illusion of more space, especially when positioned on an island. In the Tillingham kitchen above you can see how the Wolf hob reflects the light and how well it blends in with the rest of the worksurface for a sleek, clutter free feel.

kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a glass-topped island, with beige stools

A glass bar can also be a stylish addition to any kitchen island. Not only is it visually interesting, but it also provides a nice spot for serving pre-dinner drinks whilst the chef makes any last-minute food prep.

As you can see, glass really is a brilliant material for helping to enhance natural daylight and create a sense of space. If you like any of the designs that you have seen in this blog or would like to explore your own ideas for incorporating glass into your new kitchen project, please contact us to arrange a design consultation with one of our expert designers.

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