Minimalist kitchen style is evident in every detail, from the furniture arrangement to the overall design. It has a set of clear rules that anyone can follow. The main task of furniture in a minimalist style is to create an interior that emphasizes order and convenience. The kitchen set must be simple, with no room for anything unnecessary.
There's no doubt about it: certain styles of kitchen designs are almost automatically associated with minimalism because of the general similarity and shared principles. Japandi kitchen design is one such style. It's not new to the kitchen renovation market, but interest in it continues to grow.
If we're talking about a visually similar style but with a zest, Slim Shaker kitchen cabinets stand out and set the design tone for the entire kitchen. This style may seem traditional, but it adjusts to current trends and is an excellent choice for those who want a modern look.
In this article, we will talk about the features of Japanese kitchen and Slim Shaker kitchen cabinets, highlighting their similarities and differences. We will also discuss the advantages of a minimalist style and why it will remain a prominent design trend for the foreseeable future.
Japandi Kitchen
Japandi style kitchen continues to be the design trend that integrates smoothly and effortlessly into modern kitchen designs. It never fails to attract attention because it combines all the essentials that customers are looking for minimalism, naturalness, and practicality.
The very name "Japandi" speaks of its origin. It is a harmonious symbiosis of Japanese and Scandinavian design trends. The style is based on two concepts: the ancient Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which values simplicity and leisureliness, and the Scandinavian practice of Hugge, which combines comfort, coziness, and well-being.
Japandi interior kitchen design combines the modern lines of Scandinavian design with the functional elegance of Japanese aesthetics. This style focuses heavily on simplicity, creating a calm and warm environment with a minimalist layout. Additionally, the Japanese and Scandinavian love of nature, natural materials, and textures is brought into this style. In fact, it is almost a perfect interior.
Slim Shaker Kitchen
This style is close to minimalist with the advantage of modern aesthetics, but it is the style of the kitchen cabinet fronts that defines it. The doors retain the traditional frame-and-panel shaker design, but have a slimmer profile, creating a more refined and modern look. To emphasize the elegant look, kitchen cabinets can have integrated handles or simple hardware that doesn't detract from the clean lines.
In addition to looking stylish, slim shaker cabinets are practical and functional. They offer ample storage space and can also be paired with built-in appliances, which is common in minimalist kitchen designs.
Japandi Style Fronts vs Slim Shaker Fronts
Since both styles belong to modern and minimalist kitchen designs, it is not surprising that you can find similar elements in them.
Given that kitchen style is defined by the fronts of the kitchen cabinets, we will examine the similarities and differences between the Japandi style fronts and the Slim Shaker style fronts.
Design Similarities
If we talk about the similarity between Japandi cabinet fronts and Slim Shaker cabinets, it’s worth noting that both constructions use wood veneer. It is made by gluing a thin layer of natural wood onto an MDF core. Thanks to its structure, the veneer is not subject to the changes that solid wood can undergo. Using veneer is also environmentally friendly, as it involves cutting off only a thin layer of wood, thus using a minimal amount of wood overall.
The wood veneer also has the advantage of giving kitchen cabinets a natural wood look. This is a benefit compared to engineered wood, due to the authentic look of the veneer.
Cabinet fronts in both styles can be finished in natural wood tones or various other colors. While this might not always adhere to the strictest conventional style standards, it allows for experimentation, making cabinets look vibrant and diverse.
Both Japandi and Slim Shaker cabinets can be equipped with a push-to-open system as the door mechanism. However, if the customer prefers handles, another option is available. In this case, L-shaped handles made of solid wood can be created and attached to the cabinet fronts. The top of the frame will serve as the handle, while the sides and bottom of the frame will remain as part of the cabinet drawers.
Design Differences
Both Japandi-style cabinet fronts and Slim Shaker fronts are made from wood veneer. These recessed fronts can be crafted from various wood veneers, offering a wide range of color options. The first difference is that Japandi cabinets are entirely made of veneer, from the fronts to the boxes.
Slim Shaker cabinets feature veneer for the fronts and engineered wood for the cabinet boxes, resulting in a stylish blend of veneer and other wood materials.
Japandi kitchen cabinets are designed without traditional frames. Instead, what might seem like a frame is actually part of the cabinet box, with the cabinet fronts set deeper. In contrast, Slim Shaker cabinets have a frame made of solid wood slats attached to the edges of the cabinet front.
Japandi kitchen cabinets are generally more expensive because they use high-quality wood veneer for both the cabinet fronts and boxes, while Slim Shaker cabinets offer a more cost-effective solution with a range of finish options.
Benefits of Minimalist Kitchen Design
So why are both Japandi kitchen and Slim Shaker style so closely associated with minimalist kitchen design? Both styles emphasize a sophisticated aesthetic with clean, even lines on the cabinet fronts, allowing for a handle-free look. The combination of clean lines and uncluttered spaces creates an elegant look in the kitchen. Beyond their visual appeal, minimalist kitchens are practical and easy to maintain too. The efficient design of these cabinets ensures that every space is used effectively with the help of well-organized storage solutions.
In minimalist kitchen designs, the key principle is to prioritize quality over quantity. Investing in high-quality materials ensures that your kitchen will be durable and stand the test of time. That’s why in a modern Japandi kitchen it’s crucial to choose the right wood material.
Moreover, minimalist kitchens are adaptable and can be updated to reflect different styles or preferences with minor changes. This flexibility, combined with their inherent sophistication and practicality, is what makes them a timeless design choice.
What to choose between Japandi Style and Slim Shaker Style?
When choosing between Japandi style kitchen and the Slim Shaker style kitchen, there is no definitive right or wrong answer. Both styles offer distinct advantages, each with unique features, and both fit well into modern minimalist designs.
So, how do you make a choice? Start by considering which visual design appeals to you more. For instance, think about which cabinet frames you find more attractive. If technical performance is important, consider the materials used in each style’s construction. If both styles are comparable in quality, consider which one fits your budget better.
Both Japandi kitchen and Slim Shaker cabinets are in line with current European kitchen trends, so each deserves careful consideration.
Conclusion
Each kitchen style is defined by its grace and presentation, which is why customers are drawn to both the Japandi kitchen and Slim Shaker kitchen. Since cabinets are the first feature people notice when they walk into a kitchen, a significant amount of effort goes into their design and layout.
With custom-made cabinets, you can choose from a variety of shapes, colors, and coatings. Select what you like, and Corner will offer you professional support and guidance every step of the way.
