Tips For Designing A Modern Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s no wonder that homeowners are constantly looking for ways to update and modernize their space. If you are planning a kitchen renovation, chances are you have thought about what design style you would like your new kitchen to emulate. Popular design styles include Farmhouse, Industrial, Cottage, Coastal, Mediterranean, and Modern. Some of these you may recognize. In addition to Farmhouse, Modern is a very popular design style in today’s homes. But what does it mean to have a modern kitchen design?
Contemporary Vs. Modern Kitchen Design
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they can mean different things. The word contemporary is defined as “marked by characteristics of the present period”. Contemporary design does not refer to a particular style, color, or time period. Whatever styles, colors, patterns are currently trending in today’s kitchen design would be considered “contemporary”.
Modern design, however, is rooted in a particular style, popular from the early to mid-twentieth century and inspired by Scandinavian and German designs. Modern kitchens are all about simple form & function. Crisp, clean lines, simple color palettes, minimalist features and wide-open spaces are all popular elements of a modern kitchen design. Since many of these features are also trending in today’s kitchens, a Modern kitchen design may also be considered Contemporary. When we say modern kitchen design, we are referring to sleek and contemporary.
Here is what Nicole in our Nashua, NH showroom advises her clients to consider when designing a modern kitchen:
Modern designs often have clean lines and very little detail. Cabinet doors and drawers are flat with minimal hardware. Finishes are often matte or gloss, light or dark. Contrasting colors or monochromatic. Horizontal wall cabinets are common, as well as metal and glass accents.
If you are looking for a truly Modern kitchen design, here are a few tips on how to achieve your desired look.
Emphasis on Clean, Horizontal Lines
When you hear a designer talk about modern kitchens, you may hear them use the term “clean lines” when referring to its appearance. But what are clean lines in a kitchen?
Open, Uncluttered Layout
Typically, modern kitchens have an open concept feel with tall ceilings, lots of natural light, and creative storage solutions that help minimize clutter on the countertops.
Driven by simplicity, modern kitchens tend to maximize functionality and storage within the cabinetry, to keep the exterior of the cabinets and countertops clean and organized.
Lack of Ornamentation
A staple of a true modern kitchen design is its complete lack of ornamentation. In many of today’s kitchen designs you may see detailed crown moldings, patterned tile, or decorative hardware. A modern kitchen, however, will be simple and sleek. The beauty of a modern kitchen will come from natural characteristics of the materials, such us wood grain or countertop detailing.
Modern Kitchen Cabinets
Also known as European-style or frameless, full-access cabinetry is constructed without a face-frame and is found in many of today’s modern kitchens. The lack of a face frame allows for greater space within the cabinet itself, as well as smaller gaps between each cabinet, making the “clean lines” look more pronounced.
In these cabinet drawings, you can see how many traditional, full overlay cabinets will feature a gap between the cabinet doors and drawers, and on the sides of the cabinet. While full-overlay cabinets can still be used in a modern kitchen design, the full-access construction allows for a simpler, cleaner look.
Slab or Slim Shaker Door Styles
Slab door styles are the most used cabinet doors found in a modern kitchen. A slab door style is exactly how it sounds – one flat panel without any contours or borders. They are simple, without any ornamentation, which follows the rules of modern design.
Cabinet manufacturers have also begun to make what we refer to as a “slim” shaker door style, which takes the popular shaker cabinet door found in many of today’s kitchens and gives it a modern twist.
Technology in the Modern Kitchen
Although today’s technology was not present during the modern design era, technology is a common theme in many of today’s modern kitchens. Device charging storage, motorized lift doors, smart appliances, retractable ventilation are among some of the popular upgrades available and can help keep your kitchen sleek and clutter-free. Talk with your expert kitchen designer to see what options may be right for your kitchen!
Design Your Modern Kitchen with Norfolk Kitchen & Bath
Fallen in love with modern design? Make your dream kitchen a reality at Norfolk Kitchen & Bath.
Norfolk Kitchen & Bath is New England’s largest family-owned kitchen showroom, with 6 locations offering free expert kitchen design, and custom remodeling services for all budgets. We have hundreds of cabinet style and finish combinations to choose from, including many styles of modern kitchen cabinets. Stop by one of our showrooms to browse or schedule your free design consultation online today to get started.