Upgrading your Kitchen is always a good idea, not only because it improves the functionality and aspect of the space, allowing you to make the most of it, but also because it boosts your home’s value in case you want to put it on the market. And there’s nothing like giving your kitchen a modern makeover to help you enjoy all these perks.
The modern kitchen design has become quite popular in recent years, proving it has the potential to become a long-lasting trend, so you have all the reasons to embrace this style. But where do you start when designing a modern kitchen?
There’s certainly plenty of inspiration to be found online with tons of pictures of beautiful modern kitchens that ooze a contemporary vibe posted on social media. However, none of the posts teach you exactly what you need to do to achieve a similar result. And since kitchen remodels don’t come cheap, you’ll want to get things right the first time and avoid making costly mistakes.
As expected, there are different interpretations of the modern kitchen style, with each designer looking to bring their own unique approach to the projects they work on. This means there’s plenty of wiggle room to create a modern kitchen that also reflects your style and personality and suits your specific needs. However, there are certain features and characteristics that you might want to include in your kitchen to achieve that sought-after modern look.
Minimalistic design
One of the defining aspects of modern kitchens is the simple and elegant design. This style is all about embracing minimalism and the less is more approach to create an open and airy space that still feels warm and inviting. And how exactly can you achieve that? By removing unnecessary items and not crowding your kitchen with cluttered surfaces, intricate details, and unnecessary embellishments that tend to weigh the space.
Admittedly, it can be difficult to avoid mess and clutter since kitchens are the heart of the home and therefore the place where everyone gathers to cook, chat or have fun. But with the right storage and organisation solutions and minimal decorative elements, it’s possible to incorporate minimalism into your kitchen.
Clean and clear lines
Keeping in line with the minimalistic philosophy, modern kitchens are characterised by crips and clean lines and shapes. Design elements should flow naturally and give your kitchen an air of elegance in a subtle and understated manner.
So, when choosing your kitchen cabinets, which take up the most space in the room and are also the priciest components, make sure you steer clear from heavy traditional furnishings and opt for simple pieces with clean lines. As for the rest of the room, try to include smooth surfaces like steel and concrete and pay attention to the geometry of the space, making sure you include clean angles and shapes in your design.
Bold elements
A lot of people have this idea that all modern kitchens have to stick to the same colour palette and the same shapes and lines to create the perfect contemporary look. But just because modern kitchens prioritize minimalism and simplicity doesn’t mean they’re dull or lack personality. On the contrary, contemporary kitchens can be quite vibrant and even eccentric if that’s the look you prefer.
You can include bold elements and dramatic accents into the space, as long as you do it the right way. Feel free to paint surfaces in bright colours (but make sure you don’t go overboard with it) to add warmth to the room, use a contrasting hue for your backsplash, or install a prominent island to style your kitchen. But whatever you choose to do, try to stay away from pastels and busy patterns as they don’t fit into the modern design philosophy.
Neutral colour palette
If bold and dramatic design is not exactly your cup of tea, you can go for the classic modern kitchen look by keeping your colour palette in the neutral area. This will let the focus fall on the architecture of the kitchen and the structure of the elements included in its design.
The black and white palette is probably the most popular combination for modern kitchens and also the easiest one to pull off, but there are plenty of other hues you can combine and experiment with, from grey and teal to beige, cream, putty and more. And obviously, you can break the monotony with subtle pops of colour when choosing your kitchen accessories.
Natural materials
Modern kitchens and industrial-style kitchens are often conflated together, but even if they share many elements, the two design trends differ from one another. This means you can use all sorts of elements that don’t fall under the industrial design umbrella.
For example, the lack of minimal ornaments in modern kitchens can be balanced by the use of natural materials which will stand out even more and serve as decorations in this case. Think of wood beams, natural wood floors and even exposed brick walls. These features will help you create a warm and cosy ambience without disrupting the modern look of the kitchen.
Sleek appliances
Last but not least, you have to think about the appliances you’re going to use in your modern kitchen. Fortunately, most kitchen devices and equipment these days have a modern aesthetic, with clean and simple lines, so they’ll integrate seamlessly into a contemporary-style kitchen.
If you want to replace your kitchen appliances to better fit your design vision, try to opt for stainless steel appliances. Also, you might want to include industrial accents and features for your fixtures such as brushed nickel or chrome for sinks, faucets or hardware.
The modern kitchen design is as popular as it is practical, so don’t hesitate to give these tips a try if you want to give your kitchen a contemporary refresh.
