The refined gloss invariably attracts attention with its texture, shimmering brilliance and rich shades, which is why it has gained great demand in the design of stylish kitchen interiors. Supporters of non-trivial solutions in the decor have long been using glossy surfaces to finish kitchen facades, thereby creating a spectacular and expensive environment in the room.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantage of gloss comes down to creating opportunities for the implementation of the most interesting design solutions, thanks to which you can create a truly unique interior that makes the kitchen a favorite place for all households.
The secret to gloss success lies in its exceptional decorative and operational features.
- Due to the special coating structure, gloss has the ability to reflect light rays, thereby the kitchen space is visually expanded and filled with light. Such solutions are popular in both large and small apartments.
- Gloss harmoniously fits into most styles, and a wide color palette will satisfy the most demanding customers and choose for them such material that will harmoniously combine with the overall color concept of the room.
- Surfaces are easy to use, they can be cleaned with the most simple and affordable means.
- Glossy details retain their color for a long time, do not fade and do not lose their saturation over time.
- Facades from such materials are environmentally friendly, do not emit harmful and toxic substances during operation. Moreover, a layer of plastic can protect family members from formaldehyde vapor, which is often released by particleboard.
- Glossy facades are elegant and have a festive look. The material looks very aesthetically pleasing, so be sure - you are guaranteed a good mood and a good appetite!
At the same time, do not forget about the shortcomings. Be prepared for the fact that any stains, splashes, handprints and other dirt will be immediately noticeable on a glossy finish.
Such panels require regular cleaning, otherwise the overall perception of the kitchen will be untidy.
For in order not to engage in round-the-clock washing of the glossy surface, give preference to a non-uniform coating, and models with texture interspersed with silver and gold shades. It should be noted that the gloss does not have great strength, any dents and scratches will entail the need to replace all parts.
Comparison with a matte kitchen
To begin with, we’ll understand how glossy surfaces are better than matte ones.
It should be noted that for many decades matte facades remained the only option availabletherefore hostesses did not have to choose. Today, gloss is popular, however, each type of coating has its pros and cons.
So, matte facades are more practical than glossy. If small children live in your house, then they will surely leave handprints on all surfaces that will be in their access area - in this case, the use of matte facades will be more justified.
Alternatively, you can combine the matte bottom and glossy top of the modules.
It’s easier to take care of a matte kitchen - it needs to be cleaned much less often. But this cannot be said about the gloss - there are streaks on it, any dirt immediately catches your eye, so you need to wipe the coating several times a day with a damp cloth. In addition, glossy facades can be scratched. Spoiling dull surfaces is much more difficult.
But the gloss looks more spectacular - thanks to the reflective ability, such surfaces visually expand the room of the kitchen and make it brighter. The decorative properties of such a coating are very high - glossy facades will become a luxurious option that gives even the dullest objects a winning look.
Thus, on the side of matte coatings - quality factor, on the side of gloss - aesthetics and luxury. The choice is yours.
Materials of manufacture
Most often, in the manufacture of glossy modular facades, MDF with a film coating is used. The main distinguishing feature of the material is the ability to create absolutely any designStarting from a single-color gloss to the use of photo-printing technique according to your sketch.
An alternative to MDF are plastic facades. Usually they are made of furniture plates, then laminated. It is the laminate that gives them a glossy shine. Such kitchen modules are easy to care for, they are not afraid of moisture, they are not afraid of scratches and temperature fluctuations.
In recent years, glass modules have often been used to make glossy kitchens. Such facades have a very expensive look. For production, not ordinary, but tempered glass is used. It is characterized by strength, durability, is not afraid of cleaning and light damage.
Such furniture should be quite expensive, but it will serve faithfully for many years without losing its original gloss.
Type of facades
When choosing a glossy furniture, be sure to ask the seller what material the facades of the modules are finished with, since the degree of gloss, as well as wear resistance, durability, and the final cost of the headset depend on them in many ways.
Acrylic is the most durable type of glossy finish. It is distinguished by practicality, durability and environmental safety. Acrylic plastic has the ability to withstand elevated temperatures, it does not deform under the influence of steam and water, does not fade with time, and it shines more than all other types of glossy coatings. At the same time, acrylic surfaces can only be deaf, decorating with panels or milling is not possible, so most often designers recommend buying furniture with glass inserts in an aluminum frame.
This solution looks very harmonious, but at the same time and at times increases the cost of the kitchen module.
HPL plastic is a material that is better known as high pressure laminate. This coating has a thickness of 0.3-2 mm, is highly resistant to wear and tear, but shines less acrylic. For those who want to get a moderate sheen of surfaces in their kitchen, this choice will be optimal. Headsets made using this type of coating are for the low and middle price segments.
Glossy surface is often obtained by varnishing.And in this case, you can get almost any shade, as well as interesting textures, for example, mother of pearl, chameleon and metallic. Surfaces coated with varnish and enamel are durable, they are not afraid of UV rays, moisture, steam and temperature fluctuations, coatings do not absorb dirt and grease, and are scratch resistant. Unlike acrylic, lacquered facades are paneled and milled.
Typically, such modules are the most expensive.
PVC film shines less than all other coatings, accordingly, and it costs much cheaper, therefore, furniture made with its use is classified as a budget category. Such a coating is easy to scratch, under the influence of high temperatures it begins to melt, and from the steam swells and exfoliates.
Color schemes
A tinted interior solution is one of the most difficult issues. The selected color should best meet all your expectations from the interior, so it is important to take into account all the initial data: the level of illumination of the kitchen, the availability of free space, the color scheme of the walls, ceiling and floor in the room.
White gloss in the kitchen will be distinguished by lightness, light and lightness. Headsets made in this color look pretty elegant, harmoniously combined with any other tones. White gloss is good for small spaces, as it contributes to the visual expansion of the kitchen and better lighting due to the reflection of light rays.
If the black matte surface looks dull and dull, then the glossy, on the contrary, is considered an extravagant option that truly impresses with its chic and luxury. Contrary to popular belief, the use of black gloss does not obscure the kitchen, as it has the ability to reflect light. When choosing such a solution, try not to go too far with the dark. Usually it is combined with a light background, steel and golden shades. The best option is the design of the kitchen in black and white, while the smaller the space, the greater should be the dominance of white. This technique allows you to add space and fresh air to the room.
If black shades are made basic, then the attention of the guests will be focused on the mystery and mystical mystery of the room.
Red allows you to make any kitchen more vibrant and beautiful. At the same time, with saturated tones it is better to be careful, as they quickly begin to annoy. To avoid this, it is desirable to combine red gloss with beige, gray and other calm tones.
Green in tandem with a glossy effect has the ability to illuminate the space and fill it with harmony.The green color palette has many shades that are combined among themselves, because the room can always be decorated in green, using its different tones.
Using beige gloss is considered a universal solution. Light atmosphere will bring notes of warmth and coziness to the room; in such a kitchen it will be nice to meet with family and friends and arrange family gatherings. You can combine a beige palette with any color. Color is often used in tandem with gray, as well as black and red.
The kitchen in the yellow palette invariably provokes the most positive reaction. This playful option will be the right choice for kitchens facing the north side, as it fills the space with light.
Although they do not need to overload the kitchen, it is best to use it together with white, brown and red shades.
Violet color scheme allows you to make the room elegant and noble. Lilac shades are not annoying, since they are considered quite muffled, but it is still desirable to combine this tone with white or any other neutral color.
For which styles is it suitable?
Glossy kitchens look spectacular in a wide variety of styles.
- High tech - This is an ultra-modern direction, which is perfectly emphasized by gloss. The style is high-tech, prefers an abundance of glass, chrome and all kinds of equipment, so you need to use graphite, black and white coatings.
- Minimalism - in this case, it is important to prevent any unnecessary elements, here the concise geometry of lines and symmetry are welcome. The technique is usually built-in. This style is distinguished by functionality. Gray, black, white-blue and yellow glossy surfaces are most often used here.
- Modern - This style is a symbiosis of classic and hi-tech, it is characterized by a combination of traditional design and modern technology. Here glossy elements can be made in different shades, the use of glass surfaces and metal elements is allowed.
Care Tips
Glossy surfaces in the apartment require constant care, otherwise the kitchen quickly takes an unaesthetic look. For cleaning use soft wipes and the simplest means (soap solution, shampoo, shower gel or window cleaner). The use of aggressive compounds is unacceptable, since in this case the color may “float”. Do not use abrasive powders - they can scratch the surface.
Once a week, it is advisable to polish the surface using special pastes - they can be purchased at any hardware store.
In order for your glossy facades to maintain their perfect appearance for as long as possible, it is important to maintain dryness in the room, to avoid mechanical shock and contact with sharp objects.
About the glossy kitchen in the interior, see the video below.