Single-family homes in the Philippines are typically small. As such, its kitchens are often adjoined by the dining area, making the entire space cramped. It commonly results in limited storage and counter space.
Image by Jonathan Valencia
And instead of an island, most Filipino-style kitchens have a peninsula, the counter that extends from the side of the kitchen. Many homeowners use their peninsula as a bar. However, such is considered an outdated style now, with the island proving more functional for every homemaker. Indeed, an island gives you ample counter and storage space, even if your kitchen isn’t a big one.
But tearing down a peninsula in exchange for an island is costly. First off, not all Filipino-style kitchens allow for it, especially if the center of the space acts as the dining room. Hence, it’s more practical to splurge for an existing island than for a new one. But of course, you may disregard that drawback if you have a bigger space and a bigger budget.
Still, splurging isn’t always necessary to improve your Filipino-style kitchen. You can modernize the space with inexpensive decor, new appliances, and upgraded storage instead. So without further ado, steal some affordable ideas from these chic Filipino kitchen designs:
1. Minimalist Kitchen
A minimalist design is particularly appealing in a small kitchen because the simple details can create the illusion of a larger space. Plus, a monochromatic color palette, usually neutral tones, emit a cleaner vibe.
To make your kitchen look minimalist, get rid of the old cabinet pulls. You can change its mechanism to a push-to-open type, or install new pulls that run the width or height of the cabinet door instead. It will result in a more seamless finish.
Store as much of your countertop appliances in cabinets as you can. If possible, only display two to three essential appliances, such as the fridge, oven, and microwave. A stand mixer is also nice to show off, but not if your counters are already crowded. If your budget permits it, invest in built-in appliances to free up more counter space.
Consider organizing your spices and pantry items too. It will inspire you more to maintain the minimalist design. Buy new containers for your spices, snacks, and other dry food items to make them sightly at all times. Stock up on dish racks to keep your tableware organized too. And most importantly, don’t forget to hide your cleaning supplies.
2. New Bar Stools
New chairs can make a big difference in your dull kitchen. Hence, before resorting to a full-scale remodel, see if a set of new bar stools can fix the problem first. Since they can act as your kitchen’s focal point, replacing them with modern styles may do the trick in updating your whole kitchen.
Steer clear of shiny and bulky bar stools. They scratch easily and can look too flashy in a simple kitchen. Narrow your options to wood, steel bar, or industrial-style ones instead. They’re sturdier and more timeless.
4. White Kitchen
Another common problem in a typical Filipino kitchen is the lack of brightness. So if your space is small and you’ve still got cherry or black cabinets, repaint them white and see the difference it’ll make. Even without natural light, a white kitchen is well-lit and functional, provided, of course, that you install adequate light fixtures in it.
5. Stylish Backsplash
A timeless backsplash style can also deliver a drastic change in your dated kitchen. If the classic subway tile is beyond your budget, consider high-quality stick-on tiles. They’re available in many appealing styles, from minimalist to industrial.
A backsplash, especially a light-colored one, is also an effective hack for brightening a gloomy kitchen. They also add visual interest, so if a white kitchen looks too flat for you, adorn it with backsplashes.
6. DIY Decorations
Since beautiful home decor tends to be pricey, go easy on your pockets by using some of your existing china any other kitchenware as decor. Wine glasses that you rarely use can act as accent pieces. Wine bottles can do the same, too. Even food items, such as a spice, dip, or salad dressing collection. If you have any of those in the same brand, their pretty packaging can adorn your kitchen’s open shelving or bare counters.
For example, if your specialty is kare-kare and you love experimenting with delicious sweet and spicy flavored bagoong, show off your bagoong collection to express your love for cooking the dish. Such details will add more personality to your kitchen, and even reflect your personality a bit.
After all, Filipino families enjoy bonding over home-cooked dishes. To them, dishes can symbolize a legacy, or remind them of precious moments in their childhood. So make your Filipino-style kitchen highlight your love for food and family, not just the trends.
