If it’s time to give your kitchen a makeover, the one question you’ll most likely be asking yourself is: Should I have a modern versus a traditional kitchen? How you approach the decision depends solely on your personal taste, but you must take into account the pros and cons of each style of kitchen before reaching a conclusion. If you prefer a sleek and sophisticated look, a modern kitchen is aesthetically pleasing yet super functional. However, don’t fall into the trap of buying new gadgets and making upgrades year after year just to keep your kitchen up-to-date with the trends.
Just like life, the kitchen design requires a fresh breath of air or a stroke of color. Attention to detail is of the essence: proportions must be carefully considered, the lines should be perfectly crisp, and there must be a perfect balance between light and dark. There are countless ways to execute the look of a modern kitchen – in other words, it’s a versatile design that makes it possible for you to infuse your personality and taste into the room. If you’re hoping to simplify your living and optimize the kitchen layout, here are some tried and true principles to create a modern look.
Take The Mess and Workings Out of The Kitchen
If you don’t want to drown in kitchen utensils or stare at piles and piles of stuff that just don’t belong there, you can avoid a clutter issue by creating a design plan for a low-maintenance kitchen. It should revolve around hygienic surfaces and hands-free elements. Your kitchen is a place to entertain and share special moments, and germs spread from surface to surface through indirect contact. To achieve a spotless kitchen, be willing to invest in quartz, laminate, marble and granite, stainless steel, and glass.
Countertops and backsplash surfaces must be non-porous so the liquids can’t penetrate the surface to cause stains and damage. Wood is a very popular material, but it requires ongoing maintenance to seal the surface. As far as the cabinetry is concerned, modern kitchens feature cabinets without embellishments on the doors or hardware because molding and raised panels collect grease and dirt, which are hard to remove. Open shelving is popular in today’s kitchens, but it can be challenging for those who aren’t used to maintaining them. Since they’re not enclosed, the shelves are prone to collecting dust. Glass doors can help reduce the amount of dusting while still displaying your eye-catching collections.
Stay Clear of Corners
Take note of corners when deciding where to place the kitchen cabinets and appliances. Whether you’re working with a professional or tackling the job on your own, the corner is one area where it’s easy to get stuck. Three inches each way on the corners will allow sufficient clearance for the drawers and knobs or pulls you use. You should keep the lesser-used appliances on top of shelves; it’s a good idea to keep them away from corners and ensure the doors don’t bump into each other when they’re open. Second chances aren’t an option.
Focus On Organic and Natural Finishes
Take advantage of organic and natural finishes such as burnished brass, rich wood, and natural stone.
- Burnished brass – Throughout the kitchen, a combination of knob, cup, and pull handles can be fitted to add subtle detailing. This mix of handle types blends in perfectly with modern appliances and fittings. Brass faucets have emerged as must-haves; they look beautiful in kitchens of any color.
- Rich wood – Embed your culinary space with rich wood. It should be easy to match with other things, but natural wood is distinctive, so use the same tone in the kitchen or tones that compliment and contrast. A central wooden island ensures an anchoring element between two doors. Also, it provides functional storage space.
- Natural stone – The kitchen floors will impress your guests, but did you know there are other ways to craft an elegant space with stone? For example, you can create a fireplace to add warmth and create a cozy atmosphere for relaxing and socializing. While it can add a traditional element to your culinary space, the fireplace can be modern, too.
Mood Changer: Think About the Lighting
Good lighting provides much-needed visibility and sets the mood and overall aesthetic of the kitchen. You can add chandeliers, light up the island, or decorate the walls with sconces to improve your way-too-dark kitchen. Commit to making one change at a time. If you want more light in the kitchen, try a table lamp – it provides task lighting, saves space, and is energy-efficient. A smaller lamp makes less of an impact, while a larger design creates contrast and adds interest. If you love the look and glow of candlesticks, why don’t you bring them into the kitchen? You can neutralize odors, especially if you’re having a dinner party.
Modern kitchens have plenty of natural light, so accentuate each corner of the space. White cabinets, countertops, and tiles have a brightening effect, reflecting the natural light rather than absorbing it. Consider painting the kitchen in a breezy hue like bright white or eggshell. Another way of increasing natural light is by installing mirrors or glass tiles. Not only do they help distribute light more evenly, but they also add a touch of elegance. Placing a mirrored backsplash behind the cooktop will help you keep an eye on the kids.
Final Remarks
If you’ve never done a complete kitchen renovation before, you probably don’t know it’s best not to skimp on high-quality cabinetry, which can help you achieve a functional and aesthetically pleasing space. Do your homework as far as appliances are concerned if you want to get years and years of trouble-free service. New technologies and innovations in the field are making products offering ease of accessibility and efficiency. A second microwave or refrigerator can spread the workload and keep hungry people out of your way.
Above all, eliminate wasted steps by thinking of your most frequent tasks. Time and energy are finite resources, so the things you need to complete a job must be close at hand. You can kick off morning fatigue and grogginess without much difficulty if your essentials are near the coffee machine.
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