There are always high demands placed on the kitchen interior. It should be universal, functional, not easily soiled, and not expensive. Every family member uses the kitchen to one degree or another, so its design should appeal to everyone. Therefore, the question arises: which style is better to choose? The best option for arranging a kitchen interior is a high-tech style. This direction meets all the above requirements, is very relevant, and is suitable for apartments of different sizes. More information about how to arrange a high-tech kitchen yourself is described in this publication.
Characteristic features of high-tech make the style catchy and recognizable
Rules for designing a modern high-tech kitchen
The high-tech style direction is universal. It's hard to find a person who doesn't like this style. It is diplomatic, simple, suitable for tiny studio apartments, multi-room apartments, private houses.
The specificity of this high-tech interior style is the rational use of space and furniture.
When choosing this direction, you need to take into account several unspoken rules.
- The design should take into account all the principles of minimalism. Don’t go overboard with accessories or come up with something extraordinary. Furniture and decoration should be simple. You need to adhere to strict geometry.
- The color scheme must be neutral. Pastel colors are a priority. However, there is no ban on bright colors. They can be used as a contrast, in small quantities.
- A modern high-tech kitchen is impossible without the use of materials such as plastic, glass, artificial (natural) stone, and metal.
- Lots of appliances, fittings, kitchen utensils. Modern technologies make the cooking process easier and faster. High-tech style suggests not to ignore this opportunity. Any technological equipment fits perfectly into its concept.
- The interior of the kitchen, kitchen, living room, and dining room should have accent lighting. It can be mounted in the ceiling or furniture.
Glossy or mirror surfaces are welcome in furniture, wall and ceiling decoration
Important! The kitchen should not stand out very much from the overall concept of the house or apartment. If a modern style has been chosen, then the other rooms should have a design that matches it. High tech is “friends” with loft, minimalism, modernism, and eco-style.
In a high-tech interior, there is often a contrasting, eye-catching combination of colors
Curtains
The design of curtains in a high-tech interior is the simplest, most discreet and laconic: the window design should not be conspicuous.
The main thing when choosing curtains is their functionality. No draperies, lambrequins or tiebacks. Inconspicuous roller blinds or horizontal blinds (aluminum, plastic and wood) are best suited.
The severity of high-tech in a kitchen-studio combined with a living room will be softened by laconic Roman blinds, straight curtains, thread curtains or a smooth tulle veil.
Give preference to smooth, plain fabrics without a pattern that do not give lush folds: linen, artificial silk, modern mixed fabrics with protective Teflon impregnation. Colors - to match the walls, floors or kitchen facades: white, black, grey, beige, metallic.
Advantages and disadvantages of high-tech in interior design
| Advantages | Flaws |
| 1. Most building materials, finishing materials, and furniture are distinguished by high strength, durability, resistance to moisture, and high temperature. This type of repair will last a long time. | 1. Lack of color variety. To many people, this design seems “cold”, even uncomfortable. |
| 2. Functionality and ease of use come first. In such a kitchen you can quickly prepare lunch and dinner even for a large family. | 2. High sensitivity to cleanliness. Garbage and crumbs will always be noticeable against the background of light decoration and furniture. |
| 3. Minimum accessories, no unnecessary elements. This makes daily cleaning much easier. | |
| 4. High ergonomics. Most apartments cannot boast of spacious kitchens. Small space is not a problem for this style direction. |
Work surfaces should always be clear when not being used for cooking. Food, appliances and cleaning products are all put away in closed cabinets
High-tech color scheme
If you look at the photo examples, it becomes clear that high-tech kitchens do not have a wide variety of colors. This feature has many advantages, but also many disadvantages. Due to the limited palette, many people may find kitchen design too office-like. The advantage of a small, light color palette is its versatility. It is the ideal background for any furniture or equipment. Another plus is the timeless finish. Light shades never go out of style. They can be occasionally refreshed with bright accessories and decor.
Dominant colors – white, silver, black and shades of any metal
All shades of dark colors are suitable as accents.
In the modern style direction, gray, metallic, white, milky, cream, luminescent shades are used. Other light colors can be used in minimal quantities, just to complement. Too bright, dark colors are practically not used. Only with the great desire of the owners of the house can they be used in detail. For example, install a stylish lamp with a bright lampshade. Rarely is a bright color used to decorate one of the walls.
If desired, high-tech can be made softer by diluting the cold interior with warm shades
Furniture, textiles in high-tech style
Such a room should not have a lot of furniture or bulky objects. Typically, a set of furniture includes an ergonomic set, a dining table (bar counter), and chairs. This is quite enough to accommodate kitchen utensils, equipment, and accessories. The set should have a simple shape, a glossy facade. Decorative finishes are not allowed on cabinets. Particular attention should be paid to the countertop. The ideal option would be a countertop made of artificial, natural stone. It will last a long time and fits perfectly into the overall design.
Modern and original solutions for kitchen furniture are appropriate in high-tech, for example, an island on glass legs
The dining table can be classic wooden if the room is spacious. For a small kitchen it is better to buy a glass table with metal elements. It looks visually more compact. An excellent solution would be to buy a bar counter. Chairs for sitting can be plastic, metal, leather. Kitchen textiles must be chosen in a discreet design and color. It is advisable to give preference to natural fabrics. They absorb water well and can withstand machine washing.
Note! The presence of single decorative elements will not harm the high-tech. You can balance the coldness of such an interior with the help of an interesting carpet. It can be placed near the dining table. The pattern on the carpet and its colors should be restrained.
Curtains for a high-tech kitchen should be simple and functional. These requirements are best met by blinds, roller blinds and Japanese models.
Description
High-tech appeared at the end of the 20th century and was immediately loved by connoisseurs of functionality. Following minimalism and postmodernism, high-tech abandoned traditional forms, lines, decor, and classic materials. Features of the style will help create an irresistible interior.
| Total minimalism | In such a design, only strict and clear lines and transitions, the simplest geometric shapes and conciseness will survive. Circle, rectangle and square are the basis of the entire kitchen. All distances are adjusted to the millimeter and are made with maximum functionality. |
| Replacing natural textures with modern ones | The transition to plastic, polycarbonate, and glass arose for a reason - such surfaces are much easier to care for than natural materials. They are temperature resistant and are not afraid of aggressive household chemicals. Another bias towards functionality. |
| Ergonomics | Can functionality and ergonomics go down different paths? Not at all. The correct location of the headset and equipment will make the cooking process as fast and convenient as possible. There are also requirements for appearance: if the appliances are not built-in, they must be combined with the style of the kitchen and not bring a feeling of clutter into it. |
| Multifunctional technology | High-tech technology is not just technology, but a whole decor. It should be combined with the interior, so most often they give preference to chrome surfaces and finishes for them. The technique should not be simple; it is advisable to use multifunctional models. A stylish oven or a fashionable coffee maker is an excellent replacement for decor in the form of ruffles and figurines. |
| Cool colors | Metal perfectly reflects the essence of high-tech. Aluminum, nickel, chrome and even bronze are suitable. If you want to brighten up such a strict interior, you can use several bright contrasting colors - this will make the kitchen more comfortable and “lived-in.” |
Kitchen set for a small kitchen
Most often, high-tech style is chosen for small rooms. In such situations, more stringent requirements are put forward for the headset. It should be: roomy, functional, compact. When choosing a set for a small kitchen, consider the following useful recommendations:
- Pay attention to corner kits. In a small room it is necessary to use all available space to the maximum. Corner furniture is the best solution.
- Don't be afraid of glossy, glass, mirror surfaces. Such surfaces make the room visually more spacious.
- Make a set according to an individual project. In this case, the filling of the cabinets will be agreed upon with the customer. This will make it possible to abandon unnecessary branches.
- The upper shelves can be open. This solution will ideally solve the problem of a low ceiling. The open hanging shelves are spacious and do not look bulky.
The style does not tolerate clutter of furniture and things; the space should remain as free as possible through the rational use of furniture
The ideal high-tech set has solid plain facades with a laminated finish or imitation wood and metal
Choice of shades
If you are decorating a small room and want to make it bright and light, choose a white palette. This versatile shade can be combined with any accent if desired.
White gloss is especially popular: such furniture will reflect glare when the lighting is turned on, which will visually expand the interior even more.
Pleasant and soft shades include beige, milky, and light gray. It will not be difficult to choose such materials for kitchen furniture; moreover, they will harmonize with any appliance.
Darker colors are best combined with lighter materials. For example, you can match a dark gray high-tech kitchen with yellow inserts. Light beige goes well with brown.
A very popular option is a black and white kitchen with an alternating light and dark palette.
If you decide to add dynamics to the interior - and have chosen rich accents, use them in doses. Let it be a small panel, lighting, chairs or, for example, a vase with a modern design.
You can diversify the color scheme with inserts made of decorative materials, for example, artificial stone or types of wood with a rich palette.
Another fashion trend is the use of metal in decoration. These can be chrome legs or holders, metal lamps, facades stylized to match this material. Modern appliances with a steel design would fit perfectly into such a kitchen.
If there is a free wall in the interior of a high-tech kitchen, it will be possible to use large-format photo wallpaper. But it’s better to stick with an option with just a couple of shades, so that the riot of colors doesn’t spoil the laconic decor.
The best ideas for the design and decoration of a modern kitchen in the Japanese style - a large selection of ready-made interiors and options for arranging kitchens in the Japanese style.
For a selection of photos with country style kitchen options, see this article.
Household kitchen appliances, plumbing fixtures
Looking at the photo of a high-tech kitchen, it becomes clear that appliances and plumbing play an important role in the overall environment. It is in this style direction that they are an important part of the design. All technical devices must be the same color and style. It is advisable to buy devices from one manufacturer. Then there will be no problems when selecting household appliances.
Touch tabletop - high-tech simply loves such technical innovations
There should be a lot of equipment. Washing machine, oven, food processor, kettle, hob, coffee maker, mixer - all this will decorate the modern design and make daily life easier. Preference should be given to built-in technology with touch controls. The surface of the devices must be metal or glass. Their design can be very original.
It is better to build in all large household appliances. This applies to the refrigerator, oven and washing machine/dishwasher
The highlight of the interior can be a volumetric hood. Glass models of hoods with a slightly flattened shape are in fashion. It is better to buy a granite sink. It will be perfectly complemented by a sensor mixer.
Floor and ceiling in high-tech style
The easiest way is to decide on the ceiling. It is left pure white, or made stretchy, multi-level. Spot lighting can be mounted on the ceiling. The ceiling is rarely highlighted in color. They play on texture and levels.
The surface of the ceiling must be perfectly flat, so the best finishing option would be a matte PVC sheet
For finishing the floor, you can choose one of the following materials:
- Natural parquet. Light parquet made from natural wood will last a long time. It is environmentally friendly, but expensive.
- Wood laminate. A more affordable alternative to natural wood. Laminate flooring for the kitchen should be durable and smooth. The most appropriate color is gray. It is better to use dark laminate in other living rooms.
- Linoleum. Option for budget renovation. It is not the norm for high-tech style. If laminate is chosen, you should give preference to the simplest possible pattern and light color.
- Porcelain tiles, tiles. These are the most optimal materials for finishing the floor in the kitchen. They are durable and practical.
Wood-look laminate flooring in a white kitchen with a panoramic window
Ceramic floor in a contrasting kitchen with a functional peninsula
Furnishing the work area
Today, many are faced with difficulties associated with decorating a kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building. If you are forced to look for good options for a small kitchen, check out several fashionable solutions that are suitable for high-tech and will save space:
- a linear kitchen with an upper and lower level set in a single row along a longer wall. This option allows you to move freely around the room while cooking;
- corner furniture that uses two adjacent walls. The opposite corner is freed up for large equipment or a dining table. The photo shows the design of a corner kitchen in black and white;
- kitchen with a small island that replaces the dining table. This option is especially appropriate in small studios, where the kitchen goes into the living area.
By the way, an island in high-tech kitchens can be used not only as a table. It will play the role of a bar counter, a place for cooking or a full-fledged sink if the necessary communications are built inside. And sometimes this is where the hob is placed.
Having decided on the type of furniture for the work area, you can move on to the issues of its decorative design. It is desirable that the color of the set be similar to the color of the finishing materials on the walls. Such a kitchen will not look bulky.
It is better not to use glass or mirror inserts on facades. If you don't want all your furniture to look the same, decorate individual shelves with frosted glass doors that completely mask what's inside.
If you don’t expect to spend a lot of money on such a kitchen, opt for high-tech style chipboard or MDF, which has a longer service life.
Enameled, plastic or acrylic finishing will allow the facades to acquire an attractive glossy sheen.
Advice: another suitable option is a special PVC film, but it should be handled with care, since there is a risk that over time due to steam and moisture it will lose its original appearance and move away from the base material.
Many modern kitchens are decorated with furniture with metal facades and countertops. If you are attracted by the design of a stainless steel set, choose options with a special coating that prevents fingerprints from appearing on the surface.
Countertops must be reliable and strong enough. Use a material that will not show knife scratches or be damaged by moisture. A budget option is chipboard with a moisture-resistant coating. You can design countertops from different materials to look like stone, concrete, metal and even glass.
Think about options with “smart” fittings: it will be convenient to use lifting or sliding doors, rotating storage systems, all kinds of dividers and drawers that open by pressing the surface.
The lower facades, like the upper ones, can be made suspended: let them visually float above the floor. Light up the vacant part and your kitchen will look even more impressive.
Furniture with radius fronts is also popular: if there is space, a set with smoothed corners will become the main and most successful accent in the room.
Be sure to check out the options for modern built-in appliances. Touch modes, LED screens, and backlighting when modes are activated will transform the kitchen. It is desirable that household appliances be multifunctional.
An excellent option is a built-in oven with microwave and grill functions. Place it at arm's length to make cooking easier.
The sink in modern kitchens is chosen among steel and granite models. Moreover, today there are quite a lot of options for technological mixers (pull-out, touch and others).
Pay maximum attention to the selection of the hood. You shouldn’t hide it in furniture: it’s better to look for an attractive dimensional model that will also play a decorative role. For example, an inclined flat hood will decorate a set against the wall, while a cylindrical hood will be suitable for an island counter.
Tip: today a high-tech model of a hood that extends from the countertop is popular. When you're not cooking, you can hide it inside.
If there is a window in the work area, it is best to hang neutral-colored blinds here. They will not interfere with cooking, since they do not take up much space, will allow you to regulate the level of lighting and will be in harmony with the high-tech interior design.
How to originally decorate a white kitchen in a modern style: beautiful design examples, design features of modern kitchen spaces.
Read about the basic principles of art deco kitchen design here.
You can see a selection of photos with small kitchens in a classic style in the article at:
Walls and apron
The walls in a high-tech kitchen should not attract too much attention. It is allowed to use bright finishes on only one of the walls. For example, an apron near the work surface can be bright. Glass splashbacks are very popular today. They effectively protect the wall surface from dirt, fully meet high-tech requirements, and last a long time. If desired, you can decorate the apron with light-colored mosaics. Mosaic is a fairly expensive material. However, a beautiful mosaic will become a real decoration of the design!
An apron made of tempered glass is fashionable, practical and, most importantly, in the spirit of high-tech style
“Real” brick wall in a high-tech kitchen with loft elements
The walls of a high-tech kitchen can be decorated with paint, wallpaper, concrete panels, and photo wallpaper. Photo wallpaper is usually used in the dining area. They shouldn't be very bright. Simple wallpaper for walls should be of high quality and have a neutral shade.
Important! When you decide to paint the walls in the kitchen, pay attention to the choice of building material. The paint must be environmentally friendly, safe, washable, resistant to humidity and high temperatures.
The most win-win option for wall decoration in a high-tech kitchen is painting in some neutral color.
Finishing
Ceiling
With the design of the ceiling, you don’t have to be fancy: level it and paint it with white paint.
Stretch and suspended ceilings are the most common options for finishing a high-tech ceiling. You can build in spotlights and organize LED lighting. Minus - be prepared to sacrifice 4-5 centimeters of height.
When choosing a stretch ceiling, give preference to PVC film rather than fabric. The glossy surface reflects light better and gives the space additional volume.
Unlike other interior styles, two-level ceiling structures, slots and niches for built-in lighting will fit well into high-tech. In a studio kitchen combined with a living room, such a ceiling masks communications and zones the space.
Walls
Make the wall design as neutral as possible. The surface is smooth, even, monochromatic. The color scheme is all shades of white, beige, gray.
The accent wall can be made dark: this will give the kitchen depth. 3D panels made of MDF, gypsum, and polyurethane look impressive.
When decorating the walls, use water-based paint and decorative plaster to resemble concrete and stone.
Finishing materials with a slight pearlescent sheen will visually make a small kitchen larger and a poorly lit kitchen a little lighter.
If you glue wallpaper, choose plain or paintable wallpaper. Vinyl coatings with a light texture are a budget replacement for decorative plaster.
Floor
The best choice is porcelain tiles with a matte surface and ceramic tiles imitating stone, concrete or metal.
The self-leveling floor with its smoothness and glossy shine will also perfectly fit into the high-tech style.
The moisture-resistant laminate looks like stone and tile. Take a closer look at this finish if you want to make the same floor in the kitchen and living room.
To soften the manufacturability of hi-tech design, lay a parquet board or a good laminate on the floor. Wood-look porcelain tiles can also be safely placed in the work area next to the kitchen unit.
Apron
The design of the apron in high-tech kitchens is strict and minimalistic: no rails with shelves or small kitchen utensils.
An apron made of tempered glass looks great - transparent or painted in a neutral color from the palette of your interior.
The most practical option is ceramic tiles: smooth, textured, embossed, mosaic-like.
An inexpensive solution is to decorate the wall with a panel made of MDF and plastic: it can imitate wood, stone and concrete.
A metal mosaic or stainless steel panel will add stylish brutality to a technological interior.
A “concrete” apron made of decorative plaster, the so-called “Art concrete”, would also be appropriate.
Lighting and decor in a high-tech kitchen
High tech welcomes the abundance of artificial lighting. Don't limit yourself to just one lamp on the ceiling. The lighting should be spot-light. It can be built into a multi-level ceiling structure. Often small lamps are built into furniture. This is a convenient solution. Separately, it is worth highlighting the dining area. Above the dining table you can hang a chic lamp with a contrasting lampshade, for example black.
High-tech often uses spotlights, built-in lighting for furniture and decorative elements
With the help of the correct placement of lamps, you can divide the kitchen into functional zones
A high-tech kitchen can be decorated with original dishes. Bright plates of unusual shapes, metal pans, and a glass teapot will look very stylish. The floor can be decorated with a small rug with a minimalist design.
An example of successfully decorating a snow-white kitchen with just one wooden object, taken from the eco-style that is popular these days
Plumbing
Plumbing is a full-fledged element in high-tech. Therefore, it is worth choosing ultra-modern faucet models in light colors.
The sink should be built into the countertop and have a square or rectangular shape. The material can be dark artificial stone or high quality stainless steel.
All washing equipment should be hidden in drawers or cabinets. There should be no sponges, towels, etc. on the surface of the sink.
Interior elements and other accessories in high-tech style
A high-tech kitchen should not be empty. Everything is good in moderation. You can use decor, but in limited quantities. It should not stray from the general stylistic direction.
In a high-tech style interior there are very few small details, and the objects are quite large, with a predominance of clear straight forms
The main lighting spectrum is cold or neutral
The kitchen can be decorated with several thematic figurines made of glass and metal. A modern large clock will look good on the wall. Curtains can also be a decoration. For this design, it is better to choose roller blinds or Roman blinds. They are functional and fully comply with high-tech principles.
Color palette
The color scheme of the style is dominated by neutral colors: white, gray, black, beige, brown and their many shades.
The interior of a high-tech kitchen is usually monochromatic or based on a dark/light contrast. Use bright colors as accents and in very measured doses.
To avoid a boring, sterile and dull design, use different textures. Combine matte and glossy coatings, glass, textiles, stone, wood and materials with a 3D effect (wall panels, photo wallpaper, furniture facades).
