Designing Kitchens Inspired by International Flavors
From French country simplicity to Arabian-influenced Moroccan opulence, cultural influences weave an intricate tapestry of kitchen styles. Eco-friendly materials and waste-reducing designs combine for designs that celebrate diversity.
Wood accents bring warmth and visual interest to functional spaces. Designer Lindsey Coral Harper added cozy rustic elements, such as a double island topped with salvaged cypress for extra prep space.
1. Asian Flavors
Asian cuisine has quickly become one of the world’s favorite cuisines, both in restaurants and at home. This vast culinary region boasts exotic ingredients and innovative cooking techniques for an unparalleled flavor experience.
Food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly turning to Asian flavors to satisfy consumer demand for new experiences. Condiments like Achara (grated unripe papaya pickle), Gochujang (Spicy and Sweet Fermented Chili Paste), Sambal (Chili-based Sauce), Sriracha (Garlicky Umami Sauce) are popular additions that add an Asian flair to dishes.
These condiments offer a range of taste attributes, from sweetness and tartness to bitterness, saltiness and spiceiness. Furthermore, they’re well suited to working across various cultural cuisines and sweet and savory recipes alike – many are already well known among consumers due to restaurant menus introducing them!
Pandemic 2015 caused millions of Americans to change their cooking habits, increasing comfort with home meal preparation while simultaneously inspiring an urge to try new tastes and cuisines. Asian flavors, along with newly available soups, sauces and ready-to-eat meals has allowed even more consumers to create custom at-home fusion recipes at their own dining tables.
3. Mexican Flavors
Many international design styles can find a place in modern homes, from French country kitchens to Moroccan-influenced Arabian elegance. But which designs will most likely inspire a remodelling project? We surveyed several top designers from around the globe to reveal which international trends will become trendy kitchen design choices by 2025.
Cloves add a distinctive peppery-sweet flavor, often found in Mexican cuisine. Coriander seeds offer a warming and inviting fragrance, perfect for pairing with black beans and mild bread dishes.
Belgian designers Pieter Vanrenterghem, Thomas Meesschaert and Mathieu Luyens take an uncluttered approach to their kitchen designs, often employing wood features while prioritising high-end appliances.
4. Moroccan Flavors
Morocco was an integral stop along the ancient spice trade route, and its cuisine reflects this heritage. A blend of North African, Arabic, and Mediterranean flavors make for an unparalleled tasting experience that cannot easily be duplicated elsewhere. Spicy heat from ingredients like harissa — made with chilies and olive oil — adds depth to dishes while fresh herbs and spices such as cinnamon, cumin and sweet paprika become staples; cilantro, mint and parsley provide herbaceousness while salty preserved lemons and olives add balance while honey or dried apricots add sweetness enhancing dessert dishes!
Spice blends are at the core of many Moroccan cuisine, and their signature spice mix, Ras el Hanout, often contains over 12 individual spices such as cumin, nutmeg, cinnamon, cardamom cloves and ginger as well as coriander and turmeric to provide earthy notes to their recipes.
From hearty tagines to Couscous Royale with its colorful array of meats, Moroccan cuisine is sure to please every palate. Experience its vast gastronomy by wandering through Marrakech’s mazelike bazaars or ancient streets hawking handmade goods; or if that isn’t an option for you, cooking up Moroccan flavors at home will still bring its tastes.