FX-produced Hulu mega-hit The Bear has become beloved television show that has captivated audiences not only with its heartwarming storyline but also with its beautifully crafted interior design. Their simple wood-filled dining room calls to a sleek but inviting space that exude warmth and character. And their renovated kitchen gives viewers an inside look at the sleek efficiency of a high-end professional set-up.
It's not just tv magic, you too can take a few notes from the design team and incorporate it into your own personal style and kitchen planning.
Optimize the Layout
Assess your kitchen layout and aim for a functional, low-trafficked working triangle floor plan between the stove, refrigerator, and sink. This classic design principle ensures that these key work areas minimize unnecessary movement and kitchen congestion while cooking.
Maximize Accessible Storage
Designate storage areas within arm's reach of your primary work area. Keep your most used pots and pans with their matching lids easily accessible. Use a utensil jar for your favorite spatula, wooden spoons, tongs, and tweezers (if that's your thing). Consider pull-out shelves, drawer organizers, and vertical dividers for organization. Tall cabinets or shelving units maximize vertical space to store kitchenware that isn't used daily.
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Pay Attention to Appliance Placement
Place appliances strategically to streamline your workflow. For example, position the dishwasher next to the sink for easy loading and unloading, and place the microwave near the refrigerator for quick access to ingredients. Just like Carmy emphasized while overthinking the floor plan of the kitchen in The Bear, you should be able to time your movements throughout your space for efficiency and effectiveness.
Install Task Lighting
Install brighter task lighting above key work areas such as the stove, sink, and countertop for cooking and food preparation. Under-cabinet lighting is also a great way to brighten work surfaces and enhance visibility. Ensure that each lighting fixture is positioned to minimize shadows and glare.
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Choose Durable, Easy-to-Clean Surfaces
Choose durable and low-maintenance countertop materials such as granite, quartz, or stainless steel. These smooth, non-porous materials as countertops, backsplashes, and flooring are resistant to stains, scratches, and heat damage and can be wiped clean with ease.
Include Efficient Ventilation
Install a high-quality range hood or ventilation system to remove cooking odors, grease, and moisture from your kitchen. This improves air quality and maintains a comfortable cooking environment.
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Workflow Zones
Divide your kitchen into distinct work zones based on specific tasks. One spot for your cutting board to do your chopping. A space to line up your mise-en-place next to the stove. A spot to pile dirty dishes and a different spot to stack clean ones (do you clean as you go? Game-changer.) Organizing even very small kitchens this way allows for smoother transitions between tasks and increases overall efficiency.
Wood Accents, Obviously
Incorporate natural wood elements into your kitchen design to achieve the cozy and inviting atmosphere seen in the show's dining room. Consider butcher block cutting boards, floating shelves, or a reclaimed wood kitchen island.
A few products we like:
Opt for Open Shelving
Consider installing open shelving instead of traditional upper cabinets to create a sense of openness and airiness in your kitchen. Emulate the practical charm of The Bear by installing open shelves instead of upper cabinets. Open shelving allows for easy access to frequently used items and lets you display your favorite kitchenware, ceramics, glassware, and cookbooks to add personality to the space.
Use Reflective Surfaces
Incorporate reflective surfaces such as mirrored backsplashes or glossy kitchen counters to bounce light around the room and create the illusion of additional space.
“As far as kitchen trends go, sleek, skinny appliances with dark interiors and exteriors. More specialty finishes in kitchens, including a personal favorite - copper," says Caleb Anderson of Drake/Anderson in the 2024 Home and Design Trendspotting Report.
Invest in Function and Form
Cooking tools do wear out, and when you replace them, give some more thought to style and ergonomics as well as how well they perform. These higher-end items can often be found in a kitchen supply store and are designed to last longer so the upfront investment is worth it.
A few products we like:
- Unicorn Magnum Pepper Mill 6" Black
- All-Clad Pans ("good-good pans")
- KUHN RIKON, Original Swiss Peeler
Add Visual Depth
There are a variety of elements that create visual depth and perspective in a kitchen. Textured materials and layered lighting can add visual interest and dimension to the space, making it feel more spacious. While organic materials like stone backsplash, brick accent walls, and natural wood floors warm the atmosphere.
Be Selective With Your Decor
The Bear might steer towards neutral colors and minimalist design trends but don't be afraid to show off your touch of style. Whether it's rustic elements, 1970s design styles, floral prints, or something fancier, such as in the taste of Michel Smith Boyd who remarked to the 2024 NKBA Design Council, “I fell in love with a leather-wrapped refrigerator." (And who could blame him?)
Create a Cozy Seating Area
Add upholstered pieces of furniture to your kitchen for a touch of charm. Comfortable seating makes the space feel inviting. Upgrade your counter-side stools or add a restaurant-style kitchen table to create a social space as you do dinner prep.
