Every December, we poll the interior designers on our contact list about all the trends they think will be big in the coming year, from the exterior upgrades they expect to see more of to the kitchen cabinet color they think will be big. But there is another way to predict the future: look at what the Danes are doing.
In the last few months alone we have seen a serious increase in extremely minimalist kitchens with hardware-free drawers and dovetail details from Denmark. Cabinet makers like HeimWood, Dahl & Wulf, and Garde Hvalsøe, as well as design firms like Martine Lie Interior Concepts, have embraced this look, apparently because it offers elegant, functional storage without compromising on character. It may take a few years for this trend to reach the US, but we are prepared for the day it arrives. Here's what these kitchens are all about.
More drawers mean more storage space
Let's start with the most tempting feature: drawers. We've heard time and time again from designers that drawers simply provide a lot more storage space than cabinets because they don't waste vertical space. In fact, they're so much more efficient that if you go with lower drawers, you may not have to worry about installing upper cabinets, and this major omission automatically makes a kitchen feel cleaner and larger.
Limited hardware lowers your budget (and your stress levels)
Riding without a handle also has many advantages. First of all, it eliminates the hassle of selecting (and paying for!) buttons, at least for control panels that don't cover any devices. HeimWood notes on its website that there is about an inch of space between each drawer, making them easy to open without handles while keeping your pots, pans, and plates hidden.
The interlocking adds just the right amount of charm
Not only are dovetail joints some of the strongest in carpentry (the wood seams are precisely cut to fit together), but the visible markings are also a symbol of the level of craftsmanship that went into your millwork. The edges provide enough texture and character that you don't have to bother painting them.
With simple cabinets you can also let your creativity run wild in other areas
If you choose streamlined wood cabinets, you can remove almost any countertop material or backsplash. Exhibition A: Anne-Marie Buemann's kitchen, designed by Garde Hvalsøe (top left). The managing partner of OEO Studio chose the brand's Lykke kitchen model. The lightly oiled oak goes perfectly with the red tiled back wall. We discovered great countertop stones in shades of green and black in Dahl & Wulf projects.
They look right next to traditional cabinets
Good news: You don't have to give up your love of shaker fronts and appliance garages to take advantage of this trend. Martine Lie Interior Concepts shows how the minimalist drawers are perfect for a coffee bar. We love the idea of leaving your morning workspace open, but if you don't want to be faced with your espresso machine 24/7, pocket doors are your best friend.