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Kitchen with handle or handleless

A modern kitchen with green cabinets and decor, designed by Nolte Kitchen.

Style question with function

When it comes to planning your own kitchen, one of the central design decisions is the question: with handle or handleless? Both variants have their own charms – both visually and functionally. In this article, we illuminate the differences, advantages, and styles, and also introduce MatrixArt, the handleless Nolte kitchen, in more detail.

The handleless kitchen – puristic, elegant, contemporary

Handleless kitchens are today a synonym for modern kitchen design. Clear lines, calm fronts, and an especially tidy look create an elegant atmosphere. At Nolte Kitchens, the handleless solution is called MatrixArt – and it has a lot to offer.

A modern kitchen with white and gold elements, designed by Nolte Kitchen.
The handleless front gives the SOFT LACK in caramel and white soft matt a purist appearance.

What is MatrixArt?

MatrixArt is the design-oriented, handleless Nolte kitchen. Instead of visible handles, a MatrixArt kitchen features integrated handle strips, which are available in various finishes – for example, in stainless steel look, black, or bronze – and all handle strips can be equipped with LED lighting. This creates a flush, harmonious appearance that perfectly matches open, modern living concepts.

An elegant kitchen with dark cabinets and a modern countertop. Nolte Kitchens.
The handle marks in manganese bronze indirectly set accents on this LUGNAO LACK in soft matt black.
A modern kitchen with a wooden countertop and light cabinets by Nolte Kitchen.
In Lava, the MatrixArt grip marks integrate very harmoniously into this kitchen.
A modern kitchen counter with a wooden bowl and cooking utensils, Nolte Kitchens.
The illuminated, white grip traces look very harmonious with the also white front and countertop.

MatrixArt fits perfectly with

  • minimalist design fans
  • lovers of modern architecture
  • open plan kitchens
  • kitchen designs where aesthetics and ergonomics are the priority

Matrix+

The added possibilities

Thanks to Matrix+, our offering of three carcass heights 75, 80, and 90 cm, you can design your MatrixArt kitchen particularly flexibly. The carcass can be optimally adjusted to height and storage space requirements. In combination with different plinth heights and countertops, this results in an individually tailored kitchen concept that is both ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing.

A modern kitchen with an island and light cabinets offers a stylish design by Nolte Kitchen.

Kitchens with handles – versatile, classic, full of character

Despite the trend towards handleless designs, kitchens with handles are still in demand – and for good reason. Handles are not only functional, but they can also be a defining design element.
 

A modern kitchen with drawers and built-in appliances by Nolte Kitchen.

Modern kitchens with handles

Modern kitchens with handles rely on simple, linear handle strips or angular metal handles. These perfectly complement matte fronts, concrete, or wood optics and create a robust, urban flair. Especially in combination with dark colors like anthracite, black or deep blue, a stylish look with an industrial touch emerges.

Country-style kitchens with handles

In contrast to the puristic, handleless design, the country house style thrives on playful details. Here, handles are often an essential part of the overall impression. Whether buttons in brass look, ceramic knobs or curved metal handles – they give the kitchen warmth, charm, and personality.

A green kitchen cabinet with a black handle, part of Nolte Kitchens.
Country house front in olive with black knob
Red wood-textured kitchen cabinets with modern handles in an elegant design by Nolte Kitchen.
LUGANO LACK in henna red with black metal handle
A kitchen cabinet door with a stylish handle and wooden drawers by Nolte Kitchen.
To TORINO LACK in Lava, the handle in Manganbronze fits perfectly

Typical of the country house style are

  • Front frame with panels
  • Pastel tones or cream colors
  • Countertops in wood or natural stone look 
A modern kitchen with red cabinets and a gray countertop. Nolte Kitchens.

Conclusion: What suits you?

Whether handleless or with handle – the choice depends on your personal style, your ergonomic preferences, and the planned room concept.

MatrixArt offers you the possibility to design a puristic and at the same time functional kitchen, which scores particularly well in modern living environments. Kitchens with handles, on the other hand, open up many stylistic possibilities – from urban-modern to classic-cozy.

Combine the best of both worlds! At Nolte, handleless cabinets and handled elements can merge together in a single design concept – for an individual kitchen with character.

More information

In our kitchen journal, you’ll find even more inspiration for planning and designing your dream kitchen.

A modern kitchen with light cabinets and a large window, stylishly presented by Nolte Kitchen.
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