The Edit | Soft kitchens

Comforting and welcoming, the soft kitchen signature aesthetic typically features a clean palette paired with heritage details and organic textures, and is a look both designers and homeowners are embracing to bring a timeless, tranquil feel to the heart of the home.

Like the quiet luxury trend we’ve seen in previous years, soft kitchens feature the finest materials and finishes to channel an understated interior. This design leans more toward a living room or snug, where a lived-in feel invites instant relaxation.

With projects by designers including Jean Stoffer, Isla James, and more, explore the idyllic beauty of the soft kitchen aesthetic and be inspired to recreate it within your own kitchen.

Striking a balance between polished and practical, the appeal of a soft kitchen interior centres on multi-space living, with many designs incorporating cosy seating corners to settle in at any time of day. Opt for a subtle two-tone look by mixing materials in complementary tones to create distinct zones within a space, such as a pantry cupboard or a relaxed dining area.

Cultivating a feeling of unassuming luxury, dress neutral kitchens with elegant oak, brass and marble to create a harmonious look and feel. Dressed with banquette seating, arch details, open shelving and more, the design embodies the softness of the aesthetic through nonchalant textures and fluid shapes.

Notably versatile, the soft kitchen aesthetic suits both traditional and contemporary decor equally. In modern homes, the look is warm and minimalist, with woven accents and linear details leading the design. An appreciation for natural craftsmanship, such as these rattan-backed chairs, and the addition of earthy elements, like seasonal florals and foliage, help to effortlessly soften a less-is-more space.

Whilst lighter woods, pale neutrals, and off-whites like Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Cloud Dancer, all bring a light, airy quality to the soft kitchen aesthetic, don’t be afraid to experiment with deeper tones of taupe and brown to create a cocooning, warm feeling in kitchen cabinetry.

To instantly add soft character to your kitchen, begin with window dressings, throw cushions, or a rug. Not only will fabrics and upholstery naturally bring a softer finish, but they’ll also add movement throughout the space, another key feature of the aesthetic. The same applies to objects and hardware details; simply opt for organic forms and sculptural pieces to decorate a soft kitchen interior.

For more soft kitchen inspiration, find us on Pinterest.