Kate Beckinsale's 'invisible' kitchen blends modern and classic design to perfection

(Image credit: Getty Images / Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / Contributor)

The modern classic look is appealing because it is easy and comforting. Easy because nothing is too perfect, so signs of life don’t spoil the aesthetic, which is what can happen with a super-slick, modern kitchen. Easy also because, in the right setting, it has a quality that won’t date. So, if you invest in a well-made version, it should last for as long as you need it to. It is comforting because it feels reassuringly familiar.

As well as being a modern classic, actor Kate Beckinsale's kitchen also takes inspiration from one of the most talked-about kitchen trends of the moment; the invisible kitchen.

The streamlined kitchen aesthetic has been around for a while, but invisible kitchens take this one step further, with the aim to conceal as much of your kitchenware as possible to create a sleek and streamlined, ‘barely there’ finish. Wonderfully discreet, this kitchen style is all about hiding away the conventional parts of a cook and prep space to let the fabulous parts shine.

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The sleek hidden kitchen trend isn’t exclusive to contemporary homes. The panel wood kitchen cabinets in Kate Beckinsale's kitchen were designed to introduce a warm and grounding feel and mimic the colors found in nature – making them conducive to rural properties, too.

Combining timber with modern materials and sleek surfaces is a fantastic way to play with the modern classic trend in kitchens. Taking timber in a contemporary direction requires a considered approach to avoid missing out on wood’s natural beauty. The traditional hues and craftsmanship of timber cabinetry have been deftly brought up to date with the introduction of contemporary lines and detailing.

‘Wood cabinet doors with minimal ornamentation offer a subtle way to disguise the more utilitarian parts of a kitchen, where fridges can be integrated and pantries hidden behind tall units. With open- and broken-plan living so embedded in modern life, this discreet way of approaching kitchen design is becoming widely popular,’ says Oana Sandu, lead designer, at Blakes London.

These spaces remain as functional and practical as a conventional kitchen – but with one key exception – they are more discreet, and minimal and are perfect for small kitchens, or ultra-modern homes.

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Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, bringing years of interiors experience across the US and UK. She has worked with leading publications, blending expertise in PR, marketing, social media, commercial strategy, and e-commerce. Jennifer has covered every corner of the home – curating projects from top interior designers, sourcing celebrity properties, reviewing appliances, and delivering timely news. Now, she channels her digital skills into shaping the world’s leading interiors website.