Is it possible to master two kitchen trends with just one design element? Well, it is, with Eva Longoria. The actress' brown cabinets may already be turning heads, showcasing the hue that designers are predicting as a major trend for 2024, but color aside, the cabinet handles (or, more accurately, the lack of them) pay homage to yet another design movement.
Handle-less cabinets like those seen in Longoria's space aren't a new phenomenon, but they've become increasingly popular among people who want to create the ultimate minimalist kitchen look. It's something that's also seen a surge among designers and celebrities. While your choice of color (and finish) for your kitchen cabinets has a big impact on the overall look, your choice of handles can be more powerful than you might expect, with handle-less alternatives always being considered the best option.
“One of the biggest trends this year is combining different cabinet styles and finishes in one design, and handle-less cabinets are perfect for this trend. The streamlined effect removes excess visual stimuli, increases the impact of contrasting colours, and draws the focus to the cabinet itself rather than leading to a cluttered, overwhelming design,” comments Dawn Filkins, head of creative at Smile Kitchens.
When designing a minimalist kitchen, it might seem natural to stick to muted colours like white or cream for your kitchen cabinets to brighten the space and make it feel less oppressive. But as Filkins explains, opting for a handle-less design allows you to experiment with muted hues without sacrificing the minimalist aesthetic.
“Handle-free designs and open-plan living work well together, creating the perfect opportunity to play with dark colors. The light and airy effect of an open-plan design enhances and complements the drama of darker cabinetry, furniture, and accessories,” explains Filkins. While Longoria chose muted brown tones, the lack of handles and the right lighting could make for an even darker look.
“Incorporating effective lighting into these areas can really add to the effect. Indirect lighting is a great way to set the mood in a room, making it feel sociable and warm, even if you have deep cabinets,” says Filkins.
(Image courtesy of Kitty Lee Architecture)
Finally, while space doesn't seem to be an issue in Longoria's home, Filkins explains that handle-less cabinets are perfect for small kitchens where you want to save every inch.
“By eliminating wasted handle space, (this option) is ideal for small kitchens, as homeowners no longer have to navigate through awkward drawer knobs or worry about bumping into handles. (This option) also gives them the flexibility to customize each cabinet space to fit their personal storage needs.”
Cabinets aside, you could follow Longoria's example and build a similar cocktail-making set, perfect for entertaining friends in and out of the kitchen.
Show off your cocktail-making skills as Eva Longoria with this beautiful gold bar set that will complement any warm, neutral kitchen décor. Cheers!