The Zen of Metal and Glass Kitchen Cabinet Doors
"Normally we don't so much look at things as overlook them," says American Zen Buddhist Alan Watts. How does that apply to kitchen design? Well, you spend hours in your kitchen every week. You start most every day there. Why not make your kitchen a room worth noticing? The following pointers can help you create a Zen-inspired kitchen.
Going Zen in Your Kitchen
- Show Warmth: The spare simplicity of an Asian-themed kitchen design can leave you feeling cold. Richly hued wood kitchen cabinets with glass cabinet doors can help introduce the necessary warmth for a relaxing space.
- Remain Neutral: Essentially, a Zen-inspired room should exude peace and tranquility. Choose your colors accordingly, drawing heavily from the neutral palette.
- Get In Harmony: Create balance and harmony in your kitchen by bringing opposites together. Have light kitchen cabinets paired with dark floors and metal or glass kitchen cabinet doors. Use contrasting round and square shapes to stimulate.
- Lighten Up: Zen design calls for filtered light. To achieve this in your kitchen, add frosted glass cabinet doors and windows or simply hang soft sheers. Hang mirrors, include chrome, or install metal kitchen cabinets to supply the Zen element of reflection.
- Keep It Simple: Limit the amount of pattern you include in your kitchen design. Go for smooth surfaces and plain textiles such as glass or metal. To avoid visual noise, leave the walls relatively bare.
- Go Natural: Introduce natural materials from Asia like bamboo. Look for bamboo cutting boards and shades. Include bamboo in the panels of your kitchen cabinet doors. Let a live sprig flourish on a windowsill.
- Put Everything In Its Place: A cluttered space evokes a sense of busyness, so have your kitchen well organized. Select kitchen cabinets carefully to include drawer organizers and a variety of shelving. Your mind should feel at rest in your new Zen kitchen.
You can start each day in your own private spiritual refuge by applying a few principles of Zen design. Now that's almost as good as a hot cup of Joe.
