Italian kitchen design : Inspiration from Italy

Do you want some Italian style in your kitchen? Think slick and sleek looks, with integrated appliances and streamlined design.

With its focus on quality, it's no surprise that Italian style sets the trends in kitchen design. Sleek, simple and streamlined – they're characteristics that epitomise Italian kitchen style. With a beautiful blend of function and aesthetics, it's no surprise that Italian design sets the trends in kitchen design.

"Italians have always been at the forefront of kitchen design," says Jonathan Fitzpatrick, owner of Cubopac Kitchens. "Every two years, the Milan 'Eurocucina' show sets kitchen trends around the world."

Kitchen cupboards and benches

Wafer-thin benchtops with under-bevel edges, cupboards designed to look like they're floating in space and deliberate 'voids' under cabinets are hallmarks of cutting-edge Italian design. "The latest looks are minimal and chic," says Jonathan. "Circular island benchtops with rotating cupboards and round cabinets are other new offerings."

Modular kitchens

Contrary to Australia, where most kitchens are custom built, Italian kitchens are modular. "The designs are in proportion, with no desire to fill in empty space," Jonathan explains. "Italian kitchens are packed up and taken along when people move house. Even the gas cooktops are removed and offer 'quick connect' features."

Because Italian flat-pack kitchens are designed to be moved, they are easy to install, so it's no surprise they are becoming popular in Australia. "You can have a quality Italian kitchen complete with soft-closing drawers," Jonathan says. They're the latest way to DIY Italian style without the dizzying Euro price tag.

Appliances and rangehoods

To enhance the sleek look, sculptured rangehoods and integrated appliances such as fridges are incorporated into Italian kitchen design. Handle-less doors and matching appliances are another common feature.

In materials, you're likely to see lots of wood veneer or timber-look laminate. "Two-tone kitchens are popular in Italian style," Jonathan says. "You might see the tall cupboards in veneer and the base cupboards in white."

If you're concerned that an Italian-style kitchen won't suit a classic or traditional home, think again. "This is an example where old and new can look great together," Jonathan enthuses. "Italian kitchens look especially good in old terrace houses."

To incorporate some Italian design elements in your kitchen, find a designer in your area: