A kitchen’s appearance is shaped by more than just its cabinets and worktops. Subtle finishing touches, such as pelmets and cornicing, elevate the design, concealing gaps and lighting while adding elegance.
Understanding these features can help homeowners decide how to enhance their space when installing or upgrading with options like replacement kitchen cabinet doors. Replacement Kitchen Cabinet Doors can instantly transform your kitchen, but for a truly refreshed look, it’s also important to consider finishing elements like pelmets and cornices.
What are Kitchen Pelmets and Cornices?
Pelmets and cornices are decorative mouldings fitted to wall-mounted cabinets. A cornice is installed along the top edge of the units, acting as a crown that hides uneven gaps or lighting fixtures while blending cabinets seamlessly into the wall.
In contrast, a pelmet runs along the underside of the cabinets, covering shadows or under-cabinet lighting, making the lower edge look polished and neat. Both details contribute significantly to the overall quality and finish of a kitchen design.
Styles of Kitchen Pelmets and Cornices
There are various styles to suit any kitchen aesthetic. The universal cornice design is versatile, with squared, clean lines suited to minimalist kitchens. This type can often be used as both a cornice and pelmet, creating continuity.
Tangent styles add a gentle curve or subtle angle, bridging modern and traditional tastes with understated elegance. Classic cornices, meanwhile, bring intricate detail and decorative grooves, perfect for farmhouse or period kitchens where a more ornate look is desired.
Similarly, pelmets mirror these styles. A universal pelmet complements universal cornices with its simplicity, while tangent pelmets add depth with moulded edges, working well with more traditional themes. Selecting a style that matches both the kitchen’s theme and the homeowner’s taste ensures a cohesive and attractive finish.
Thoughtful design choices enhance both the appearance and practicality of the space, as seen in the growing trend of incorporating hidden lighting behind these decorative mouldings.
Pelmets and cornicing may seem minor additions, but their ability to conceal imperfections and enhance lighting while providing an elegant finish makes them key to achieving a well-designed kitchen.
