A kitchen with a peninsula: the perfect balance between spaces and styles

A kitchen with a peninsula: the perfect balance between spaces and styles

A kitchen with a peninsula becomes the focal point of the open-space living area overlooking Val Seriana. With its L-shaped layout, it interacts with the living area through the marble-effect peninsula and with the entrance through double-sided furniture that creates a transition zone.

Kitchen with a peninsula in matte white lacquered MDF with a stoneware countertop

The layout of the kitchen with a peninsula: volumes of varying heights combine functionality with a dynamic aesthetic.

Although designed as an open space, the sequence of volumes with varying heights creates distinct areas, each with its own function. The arrangement of taller columns virtually defines a separate space while still interacting with the adjacent area through shared furnishings.

Entryway unit with an open compartment in gold leaf and an internal hanging section

The most immediate example is the entryway area. A filtering element is created by the kitchen’s double-sided columns: the first serves as a coat rack with shelves, while the second is divided into two compartments. The upper section features an open niche covered in gold leaf, standing out for its ability to reflect light from the large front windows and its refined aesthetic.
This element showcases attention to detail—from the shadow gap that visually separates it from the rest of the unit, to the glass shelves, and the double-depth back panel that houses integrated LED lighting, creating a subtle visual detachment.

Horizontal hanging detail of the entryway unit
Detail of the open compartment covered in gold leaf with a black shadow gap and glass shelf
Entryway unit with open doors in matte white lacquer and an open compartment in gold leaf
Entryway unit closed in matte white lacquer with an open compartment in gold leaf
Entryway area, front view of the double-sided divider unit

On the opposite side, the double-sided use of the columns serves the kitchen with a full-height pantry compartment. The column layout continues on the adjacent side, housing the oven column (traditional and microwave) and a freestanding double-door refrigerator. The black aesthetic line creates both a chromatic and material contrast.
Encasing these elements are doors with internal shelves and a drawer beneath the ovens, which includes an additional internal drawer for extra storage.

Double-sided entryway unit pantry with a closed lacquered door
Pantry entryway unit double sided interior shelves

The kitchen layout continues with base cabinets distributed along two sides of the space, parallel to the wall units. Connecting these elements is the marble-effect stoneware countertop with a matching backsplash.

In the corner, an undermount sink is positioned, flanked on one side by the dishwasher and on the other by a set of three service drawers. The peninsula is equipped with a cooking area featuring an induction cooktop with an integrated hood, beneath which drawers are arranged for accessories. Doors with internal shelves and front pull-out units ensure maximum optimization of this kitchen with a peninsula.

Kitchen with a peninsula, marble-effect stoneware countertop, lacquered doors, and Lacobel wall units
Drawers under the oven column
pull-out-corner-basket-lacquered-doors
front-pull-out-condiment-rack

The peninsula area becomes the key point of connection and interaction with the living space. This is achieved through a service column with a reduced depth, featuring height-adjustable internal shelves accessible from the outer side.
The peninsula is equipped with a snack counter, shaped at the structural base below. It serves both as a workspace and as a spot for quick breakfasts and meals, ensuring functionality and flexibility while maintaining a sleek and elegant aesthetic.

Kitchen with a peninsula, cooktop, and integrated hood

From the stoneware countertop to the lacquered doors: elegant materials

The choice of materials and colors for this kitchen with a peninsula aligns with the overall aesthetic, where modern elegance meets French-inspired details. This is evident in the gold accents, used sparingly for select highlights. Among these are the open compartment in the entryway, the recessed spotlights in the ceiling, and the pendant lights above the peninsula. Another refined touch is the oak parquet flooring, laid in a French herringbone pattern exclusively in the living area.

Complementing these elements, the kitchen stands out for its neutral tones and brightness. The tall unit and base doors are made of matte white lacquered MDF, while the horizontally oriented wall units feature a white Lacobel finish, echoing the glossy surface of the stoneware countertop. The under-cabinet LED lighting not only enhances functionality during food preparation but also accentuates the kitchen’s horizontal design.
The Calacatta Macchia Vecchia marble-effect stoneware from Ariostea lends grace to the countertop, particularly in the peninsula area. Here, the slim 12mm thickness emphasizes a deliberate lightness, in harmony with the apartment’s overall design.

Thin stoneware kitchen countertop
Kitchen with a peninsula, marble-effect stoneware snack counter in Macchia Vecchia
White kitchen with a peninsula and stoneware countertop

This kitchen with a peninsula is not just a functional element within the home but becomes the focal point of a dialogue between spaces, materials, and design details. Thanks to its configuration, it successfully balances practicality and aesthetics, seamlessly integrating into the living area while maintaining its own identity.

The choice of materials, finishes, and attention to detail give it a refined and contemporary character, striking the perfect balance between elegance and functionality.
Other examples of kitchens with a peninsula: one where shades of gray meet wood, another seamlessly integrated into a tavern-style setting with a bold and youthful character, and one nestled among the gray tones of an attic with charming antique accents.

Kitchen Countertops: A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Materials

Kitchen Countertops: A Complete Guide to the Most Popular Materials

Kitchen countertops: the materials available on the market offer a wide range of possibilities, each with unique characteristics. That’s why choosing the right kitchen worktop can often be a challenging decision. From solid wood, laminates, and HPL to stainless steel, quartz, granite, marble, and the latest ceramic materials, the options are nearly endless. In this article, we will focus on two highly popular categories: marble, natural stones, and quartz, alongside ceramic materials, exploring their features, advantages, and limitations.

Natural Materials: Marble and Stones

Marble

Marble is undoubtedly one of the most elegant and prestigious materials for a kitchen countertop. Its beauty lies in the uniqueness of each slab: no two are alike, thanks to the veins, striations, and unique transparencies that add depth and a three-dimensional quality to the surface. These details often result from natural elements crystallized over thousands of years. A perfect example is Panda White marble, with its golden veins standing out against a dark background, ideal for bringing brightness to a modern kitchen design.

entrance furniture
details panda white marble

Marble slabs are typically available in thicknesses of 1.2, 2, or 3 cm. Their use can involve arrangements in “book-matched” patterns, creating a mirrored effect that is particularly striking when used on walls. Alternatively, the veins can be aligned to follow the functional surface of the countertop, emphasizing the material’s natural beauty.

elegant apartment Milan

The cutting process must be carefully planned to ensure that openings for sinks or cooktops do not compromise the most striking parts of the slab.

In recent years, dark or heavily veined marble has gained significant popularity. A notable example is polished Negresco marble, which pairs beautifully with metallic kitchens, creating an effect of unparalleled elegance.

kitchen

Natural Stones

In addition to marble, other natural stones like travertine and lava stone can also be used for kitchen countertops. Travertine, a beige sedimentary limestone, has been renowned since Roman times for its distinctive striated appearance. Lava stone, such as Basaltina, offers deep gray tones and a textured, tactile surface that adds character to the kitchen design.

Both materials are naturally porous but can be treated with transparent fillers to enhance resistance against oils and flours, which might otherwise seep into the material’s natural crevices. This treatment preserves their beauty while improving their practicality for everyday kitchen use.

modern kitchen front
kitchen details

Maintenance of Natural Materials

Marble and natural stones require careful maintenance. Their porosity makes them vulnerable to staining from acidic substances such as tomato, lemon, or wine. To preserve their beauty, it is essential to use neutral cleaning products and regularly treat the surface with appropriate sealants or protective treatments.

lateral wasabi kitchen

A Place to Admire Them in Person

Marmomac, held annually in Verona (considered the second home of marble after Carrara), is the premier event for marble and natural stone enthusiasts. This exhibition showcases unique slabs from around the world, offering a chance to explore the diversity and beauty of these materials. Below is an example of Travertine and green Amazonite.

amazzonite
travertine

Ceramic Materials and Quartz Agglomerates: Innovation and Practicality

Quartz Agglomerates

Quartz agglomerates are among the most versatile and sought-after options for kitchen countertops. Composed of approximately 95% natural quartz and 5% resins, this material combines the aesthetics of natural stones with the performance of technical materials. Its surface is completely smooth and non-porous, making these countertops particularly hygienic and resistant to liquid absorption and staining.

Thanks to quartz’s high hardness, these surfaces offer exceptional resistance to abrasion and scratches, making them ideal for everyday kitchen use. In recent years, quartz agglomerates have regained popularity due to their dynamic finishes, such as the “terrazzo finish,” which mimics the effect of small stones embedded in a neutral base for a fresh, contemporary look. Below are some examples from Stone Italiana’s collection.

terrazzo stone

Maintenance of Quartz Agglomerates

Despite their excellent performance, quartz agglomerates can be sensitive to high temperatures. Direct contact with hot pots or pans just off the stove may cause stains or cracks due to resin overheating. To protect the surface, it’s advisable to use trivets or other precautions.

Maintaining quartz countertops is straightforward, requiring only neutral cleaning products. Their non-porous surface makes cleaning easy and prevents bacterial buildup, ensuring a highly hygienic kitchen environment.

stone nero brillant
stone nero brillant

Ceramic Materials

Ceramic materials represent a modern and highly functional solution for kitchen countertops. Made from a blend of mineral powders, glass, ceramics, and quartz, these materials are compacted and baked at high temperatures, ensuring exceptional durability.

These materials are available in neutral textures or with finishes that mimic marble, wood, concrete, and even oxidized metal. Continuous research has led to highly realistic effects, such as marble veins or metal oxidation, making these products highly sought after for elegant and contemporary kitchens.

Dekton from the Cosentino group, is one of the most appreciated ceramic materials, not only for its aesthetics but also for the brand’s eco-sustainability efforts, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. Other brands like Neolith and Atlas offer top-quality solutions, while Lapitec, a compound made entirely of mineral stones and free from silicones, stands out for its innovation with Lapitec Chef, an induction cooktop integrated directly beneath the countertop.

One technical aspect to consider is the veining: in ceramic materials, the veins are not continuous through the entire thickness but are limited to the top surface. To address this, 45° joints are often used to create visual continuity along the edges.

The only ceramic material currently offering a true-through vein effect is Silestone, an agglomerate of quartz and crystalline silica.

elegant kitchen in Calacatta
details top

Maintenance of Ceramic Materials

Ceramic materials are virtually indestructible. These materials are characterized by high resistance to scratches and stains, thanks to their low porosity and the absence of resins. They are highly resistant to thermal shock and, most notably, to heat, making them capable of withstanding contact with pots and pans just removed from the stove. Additionally, they are antibacterial, preventing the formation of germs and microbes. They are also extremely resistant to chemical agents and UV rays, which can often cause color alterations in materials over time.

lapitec kitchen

Where to Discover Ceramic Materials

Cersaie in Bologna, held annually in September, is the international exhibition for ceramic tiles and architecture. It is the perfect place to discover the latest trends and most innovative solutions in the sector. Below, you can see a ceramic version of the popular marble from last year, created by Atlas. The texture definition is highly realistic, but the main difference is noticeable in the transparency. On the left, an original Patagonia slab by Antolini, backlit to emphasize its beauty, while on the right, Atlas’ reproduction, Gala Marvel, captures the high-resolution photograph of a Patagonia slab with remarkable detail.

patagonia antolini
Kitchen countertops: Patagonia.

Conclusion

The choice between natural materials and ceramic materials depends on personal needs and the desired style for the kitchen. Marble and natural stones offer a unique and timeless charm, thanks to their authenticity and irreplaceable beauty, but they require more careful maintenance in daily use. Ceramic materials, on the other hand, represent a modern and highly functional solution, offering durability and practicality without sacrificing elegance. With their realistic finishes and a wide range of textures available, they fit into any context, from contemporary designs to more traditional ones.

If you want to delve deeper into the materials used in the design world, don’t miss this article on furniture materials: a complete guide to MDF, veneer, solid wood, and melamine-faced panels!

Vintage Reflections: A Journey into the Interior Design of an Apartment in Milan

Vintage Reflections: A Journey into the Interior Design of an Apartment in Milan

In the bustling heart of Milan, architect Lorenzo Visioli has breathed life into an apartment that seamlessly blends vintage charm with modernity through the skillful use of refined materials and details. Let’s explore how the soft reflections and captivating mirrors play a central role in this unique space that we’ve had the pleasure to furnish.

 Reflections, mirrors and roundness

ENTRANCE

The entrance warmly welcomes guests with a floor covered in light gray mortar, illuminating a relatively narrow corridor. A service cabinet entirely clad in mirrors on one side visually expands this confined space, creating an effect of spaciousness and brightness. Inside the cabinet, shelves and hanging space add functionality without compromising style. 

Here’s another example of a mirror-clad cabinet welcoming at the entrance.

mobile entrance open closed
 handle detail

KITCHEN CORNER

The kitchen, the heart of the home, embodies the fusion of style and functionality. Structured in a niche divided into two parts, with an equipped base and a frontal island, it stands out for the absence of conventional wall cabinets. In their place, vintage lamps in the style of “The Great Gatsby” illuminate the polished steel worktop, creating suggestive reflections that interact with the surrounding elements. The kitchen base, in a dark and clean tone, features concealed handles.

kitchen with island
kitchen zoom

A touch of originality is introduced by the niche beside the window, transformed into an open bar with crystal shelves hosting selected spirits. The presence of undulated glass, now a major trend, on each side reflects bottles and liquids, adding a touch of color. Internal LED lights make this element even more captivating when switched on.

open bar niche and window
niche open bar
 wavy glass detail reflections

FUNCTIONAL STORAGE

A key element of functionality and discretion is the integrated storage in the bathroom, where a washer and dryer find their place alongside all necessary household tools. Two tall, lacquered doors, matching the wall color, fold onto themselves, creating a visual effect that imparts continuity and harmony to the surrounding environment. This approach not only optimizes the available space but also adds a touch of sophistication to the overall design, thanks to slim handles and meticulous finishes.

 functional storage room
 handle detail

LIVING AREA

A delicate arch connects the entrance to the living and kitchen areas, introducing a sense of softness while emphasizing the importance of access. The flooring transitions from industrial mortar to vintage parquet, laid in three different patterns to enliven the pace. Refined details, such as reflections playing on materials and shapes, contribute to creating a dynamic and enveloping ambiance.

Here’s another example where reflective materials play a significant role in the project.

arch living area entrance
parquet detail

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, this vintage-inspired project distinguishes itself through the reflections generated by carefully chosen materials. Each element, from the luminous mirrors to the reflective surfaces, contributes to amplifying the spatial sense and creating a unique dynamism. A perfect blend of past and present, transforming living into an exquisite and timeless experience.

A Minimal Kitchen to optimize the living area

A Minimal Kitchen to optimize the living area

To optimize the available space, in a small two-room apartment in Milan, we have created this minimal, discreet, bright and elegant kitchen.

Minimal white Kitchen

ALL LIVING ROOM

As we wrote in this article dedicated to the Kitchen Snack Table, in contemporary kitchens the living area and the kitchen increasingly merge into a single open space.
There are no more partitions even at the entrance to the apartments, the door opens and everything we can have in a Living area is revealed in front of us.
So the kitchen, dining area and living room become a single room, just like in this article dedicated to a functional kitchen.
To give harmony to this triptych, the kitchen must therefore lose its “operative” spirit by hiding ladles, pots and groceries and becoming a more discreet element, which is revealed only when necessary.
Much more storage space and doors closed from view, while maintaining everything needed to cook, serve and enjoy food.

minimal kitchen lateral
minimal kitchen lateral

​PHYSIOMY OF A MINIMAL KITCHEN

This kitchen, designed by Artecasa studio, optimize the most of the available space.
It develops in the niche of the side wall at the entrance with an equipped part and a front island that acts as an additional storage space and snack table for quick meals.
What can therefore be seen from the entrance are two horizontal gray stone floors, which develop parallel.

gray minimal kitchen countertops

In the equipped part in the niche there are all the appliances needed in a minimal kitchen: a refrigerator column, a dishwasher with a two-bowl sink, a hob with an oven and a tall microwave.
In the island, lots of storage space, drawers for cutlery, pots and crockery and the top that extends towards the living area becoming a snack top to accommodate at least 3 diners.

details drawers
The atmosphere is convivial, and the lights are skilfully designed to amplify this feeling of intimacy and warmth.
Three ceiling lights descend punctually on the Kitchen Snack Table, the backlit wall units remain at the service of the kitchen while a track with adjustable spotlights illuminates the relaxation area.
The colors are light and glow in the light from the large windows at the back of the room.
minimal kitchen lateral

On the ground a natural oak parquet that matches well with the gray veined stone chosen for the countertops and the back of the kitchen and the light-colored furniture.
Here another minimal Milanese kitchen with similar combinations.

The Kitchen Snack Table as an evolution of contemporary Cookery

The Kitchen Snack Table as an evolution of contemporary Cookery

The Kitchen Snack Table has become increasingly common in contemporary cookery, representing an informal and multipurpose space. In addition to making the environment more convivial, it helps create a new hybrid connection between the kitchen and the living area.

A NEW WAY OF USING THE KITCHEN
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF KITCHEN SNACK TABLE
• INTEGRATED TO THE PENINSULA
• INTEGRATED INTO THE ISLAND
• IN SUPPORT
• SLIDING
THE KITCHEN SNACK TABLE IN CONCLUSION

 

A NEW WAY OF USING THE KITCHEN

In the last decade, the kitchen has consolidated its focal role within the domestic environment. Thanks to the multitude of television programs with starred chefs, the pleasure of cooking has been rediscovered, bringing the excellence of the Italian culinary tradition back into force. By virtue of this, more and more attention are paid to the functionality of the kitchen: storage, preparation, cooking and tasting become fundamental points in the act of cooking, each with its own needs and requirements.

Kitchens have evolved over time, marrying the idea of ​​open spaces in recent years, blending into the living area. By breaking down the canonical subdivision into closed environments, the sense of openness has also contributed to modifying the conformation of the kitchens. These have become more and more protagonists both in their island and peninsula arrangement, in which they accompany the conformation of the architectural structure. From this point of view, the kitchen snack table plays a fundamental role in the new vision of the living area, acting as a functional element of conviviality and a trait d’union between the two different areas.

By Kitchen Snack Table we mean any type of extension of the kitchen worktop, whether it is coplanar or overlapping the latter. Being a hybrid element of both the kitchen and the dining area, it allows the tasting of quick lunches and snacks without having to sit down at the dining table. At the same time, it remains at the service of a work surface during the preparation of meals.

Made in the same material as the top or in contrast with it with a different material, it is characterized by a sophisticated design. Dimensions and locations vary according to the structure of the kitchen and the importance one wishes to give to the element itself.

wasabi peninsula kitchen

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF KITCHEN SNACK TABLE

INTEGRATED TO THE PENINSULA

In the peninsula kitchen, the Snack Table has the same height as the worktop which is usually around 90cm and differs from the dining table which is 20cm lower. It is therefore necessary to use high or adjustable stools for a small number of diners, given the limited usable space.

In these examples of peninsula kitchens, the Snack Table is designed in the same material as the top to give a sense of visual continuity.

In this peninsula kitchen, the marble top stands out for its veins and elegance, becoming the undisputed protagonist of the environment. As such, it harmoniously embraces the development of the kitchen, declining towards the ground and restoring a sense of visual closure. In the second case, the worktop leaps towards the living area, supported by an anthracite gray painted iron structure with a linear aesthetic. The sense of openness created by this supporting structure allows maximum usability of this element.

lateral wasabi kitchen
peninsula gray snack table


INTEGRATED INTO THE ISLAND

Born as a replica of an actual bar counter, it is in front of or to the side of the operational part of the kitchen, which very often incorporates the hob or sink. Usually shallow, no more than 30cm, it takes advantage of a small space both for support and for tasting. It can be raised above the kitchen top and made in a different material to create an interesting visual contrast. Here are two examples with a wooden top combined with a stone-effect kitchen top.

In the island, the snack top can continue with the same material, providing only a useful support and workspace as in these two cases.

light island kitchen Snack Table
gray white kitchen island

IN SUPPORT

The snack top can also be released from the island or peninsula and become an independent space for supporting or consuming quick meals. A singular element inside the kitchen, as in this case, where it becomes an additional surface for completing the kitchen on the wall.

kitchen with extended Snack Table

A disturbing architectural element, such as a pillar in the center of the kitchen, can integrate harmoniously by becoming a support for an additional snack top in the kitchen, as in this case.

kitchen with lateral Snack Table


SLIDING

The Slide Snack Table is a sliding support capable of hiding part of the kitchen by closing it in a solid and defenseless monolith. This, thanks to a mechanical movement, changes its development by stretching the lid outwards and making it become an unconventional support surface.

In this example, the whole island is clad in the same material, a dark emperador marble. When at rest, the structure appears fixed, while when it becomes operational, it shows the hob and the underlying materials, i.e. steel and ceramic glass.

island marble kitchen


THE KITCHEN SNACK TABLE IN CONCLUSION

We have seen how the island or peninsula of a kitchen can have a natural continuation of a multifunctional surface by becoming a Snack Table. A small but useful work surface that is used during the day for breakfasts and snacks. Or a sort of counter for quick lunches but also a support surface for enjoying aperitifs with friends.

In fact, the ritual of meals has lost its formality over time, becoming a moment to be optimized within the sometimes-hectic day. Therefore the snack top has become a fundamental element in the design of a contemporary kitchen.