Elegant, understated, and minimalist; that’s the profile of contemporary kitchen design. But what does it mean in practice? In this article, we’ll show you five key factors that make a modern kitchen.
Neutral Tones
At the intersection of classic elegance and contemporary design is a neutral colour palette. Think white, grey, brown, and black as the foundation hues of your kitchen.
That’s not to say that you should eliminate other colours entirely; far from it. A pop of sunshine – yellow, sky blue, or forest green – is the perfect complement to contemporary kitchen design. In fact, colourful accessories and fixtures – like an oversized clock, breakfast bar stools, and even plates and bowls – add personality to an otherwise neutral palette.
Clean Lines
Contemporary kitchen design draws heavily from an uncluttered Scandinavian aesthetic. A bold linear component and perfect symmetry take prominence. Surfaces are flat and square, with simple, minimal fittings.
Contrast it with the intricate wood carving and ornate fittings of more traditional and country styles. Decorations in a contemporary kitchen are understated and used sparsely. Instead, an almost utilitarian vibe is preferred.
However, that doesn’t mean a modern kitchen is cold and unfriendly. Rather, the simplicity of the room removes any complication; it’s a space to cook, eat, and hang out, with no awkward decorations to bump into!
Natural Light
Modern kitchens are awash with natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows and double or sliding doors bring warm brightness to a neutral aesthetic.
If you don’t have a wall of windows or doors straight out of a show house, don’t worry – most people are in the same situation! First and foremost, utilise the light you do have. Keep windows clear from excessive fabric or blinds – a rolling blind is best, as you can keep it completely out of the way during the day.
Next, invest in good-quality lighting. Opt for the middle portion of the Kelvin scale, from around 4,000 to 6,000 Kelvin, or bulbs in soft white, daylight, or crystal white. This will bring the illusion of daylight, even when it’s dark outside.
Hidden Storage
Contemporary kitchen design is often smart. The aesthetic calls for minimalism and clear surfaces, but where does all the stuff go?
The answer is well-designed storage. Not just your usual cabinets, either. Contemporary kitchens utilise every inch of space, with clever corner solutions and multi-purpose units, as well as drop-down and pop-up storage.
Think about where you can add some extra storage that’s neatly tucked away – on top of the fridge, under the sink, and above the breakfast bar are ideal positions.
Think Multipurpose
Your kitchen is never just a kitchen. It’s not just a place to cook; it’s where you bring the family together, catch up with friends, hold parties, and celebrate the holidays.
Include bar stools, benches, and chairs to your kitchen space, so visitors know they’re welcome to spend time. If you have the space, a dining table transforms the kitchen into a multipurpose space, but a breakfast bar does the job perfectly well. Finally, add a smart speaker to help you with recipes, and to get the party started when guests arrive!
Looking for contemporary kitchen design services? get in touch and speak to one of our friendly team who can help!
Elegant, understated, and minimalist; that’s the profile of contemporary kitchen design. But what does it mean in practice? In this article, we’ll show you five key factors that make a modern kitchen.
Neutral Tones
At the intersection of classic elegance and contemporary design is a neutral colour palette. Think white, grey, brown, and black as the foundation hues of your kitchen.
That’s not to say that you should eliminate other colours entirely; far from it. A pop of sunshine – yellow, sky blue, or forest green – is the perfect complement to contemporary kitchen design. In fact, colourful accessories and fixtures – like an oversized clock, breakfast bar stools, and even plates and bowls – add personality to an otherwise neutral palette.
Clean Lines
Contemporary kitchen design draws heavily from an uncluttered Scandinavian aesthetic. A bold linear component and perfect symmetry take prominence. Surfaces are flat and square, with simple, minimal fittings.
Contrast it with the intricate wood carving and ornate fittings of more traditional and country styles. Decorations in a contemporary kitchen are understated and used sparsely. Instead, an almost utilitarian vibe is preferred.
However, that doesn’t mean a modern kitchen is cold and unfriendly. Rather, the simplicity of the room removes any complication; it’s a space to cook, eat, and hang out, with no awkward decorations to bump into!
Natural Light
Modern kitchens are awash with natural light. Floor-to-ceiling windows and double or sliding doors bring warm brightness to a neutral aesthetic.
If you don’t have a wall of windows or doors straight out of a show house, don’t worry – most people are in the same situation! First and foremost, utilise the light you do have. Keep windows clear from excessive fabric or blinds – a rolling blind is best, as you can keep it completely out of the way during the day.
Next, invest in good-quality lighting. Opt for the middle portion of the Kelvin scale, from around 4,000 to 6,000 Kelvin, or bulbs in soft white, daylight, or crystal white. This will bring the illusion of daylight, even when it’s dark outside.
Hidden Storage
Contemporary kitchen design is often smart. The aesthetic calls for minimalism and clear surfaces, but where does all the stuff go?
The answer is well-designed storage. Not just your usual cabinets, either. Contemporary kitchens utilise every inch of space, with clever corner solutions and multi-purpose units, as well as drop-down and pop-up storage.
Think about where you can add some extra storage that’s neatly tucked away – on top of the fridge, under the sink, and above the breakfast bar are ideal positions.
Think Multipurpose
Your kitchen is never just a kitchen. It’s not just a place to cook; it’s where you bring the family together, catch up with friends, hold parties, and celebrate the holidays.
Include bar stools, benches, and chairs to your kitchen space, so visitors know they’re welcome to spend time. If you have the space, a dining table transforms the kitchen into a multipurpose space, but a breakfast bar does the job perfectly well. Finally, add a smart speaker to help you with recipes, and to get the party started when guests arrive!
Looking for contemporary kitchen design services? get in touch and speak to one of our friendly team who can help!
