There’s no single feature that defines modern kitchen design. A wide variety of kitchens may fall into the modern design aesthetic, so some homeowners may be surprised to find that this is their preferred kitchen style. Modern design generally emphasizes clean lines and geometric shapes—it’s also a minimalist design scheme that is simple and functional.
Keys to Modern Kitchen Design
Many people seeking to remodel their kitchens want to incorporate a modern design that reflects the current sleekness of today’s world. Contemporary designs offer freshness to the kitchen which happens to be one of the most heavily used rooms in homes today. Besides providing a fresh atmosphere, modern kitchens also utilize clean lines and build on a style that is uncluttered and minimal in its decorations.
Spotlight on Modern Kitchen Design
An Understated Aesthetic
Modern design strips away a lot of clutter and noise from any space, focusing on the most essential functions of that space. In the kitchen, that means that a hallmark of modern design is bare countertops, ample storage, and minimal frills in your décor. Low, horizontal furnishings with clean lines and a celebration of natural light (including a lack of window coverings) also embody the modern aesthetic.
Main Components of a Contemporary Kitchen
Planning and renovating a kitchen into a modern design uses numerous features. The following are the most important components.
- Metal
Modern kitchen designs incorporate a lot of metal, particularly stainless steel. Appliances contribute to the modern look with their highly polished stainless steel surfaces. Of course, other metals can also be used like copper which will give your modern kitchen design a bit more of a country presence. Therefore, when planning your kitchen makeover, select ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc with shiny metal surfaces.
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Wood
Wood is also used in contemporary kitchen designs. Darker woods offer more warmth that helps to offset the cold, hardness of your metal appliances while lighter woods offer a less intrusive feel to the atmosphere. Apply wood in modern kitchens through cabinetry, countertops, and flooring.
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Stone
Stone, particularly granite or marble, commonly accents modern kitchens. Stone has a cool, modern appeal set off by crisp, clean lines as well as being cool to the touch and long lasting. Modern kitchens normally use stone for the countertops.
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Glass
Glass provides the sparkle in modern kitchens. Add glass features to your kitchen renovation through lighting fixtures, table or island tops, shelving units, or by refacing your kitchen cabinets with glass doors. You can also use glass accent items like vases, teapots, or pitchers.
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Lighting
Contemporary kitchens also depend on the right type of lighting to create their particular form of attractiveness. Modern kitchen designs normally used recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting and track lighting with metal tracks and housings to create the proper modern mood.
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Color
Color is another grand aspect of creating the right modern kitchen design mood. Keep in mind that ‘cool’ colors like silver, green, blue, gray, black, and white should dominate contemporary kitchen renovations. Adding a small splash of bright color with flowers, containers, or fruit baskets creates a nice effect. However, the majority of the room’s color will be provided by permanent cool shades.
Unique Use of Materials
In a modern kitchen, you may see the use of unexpected materials. For example, polished concrete, metal countertops, and exposed ceilings may be features of your modern kitchen. Structural elements with an industrial feel are often juxtaposed with hints of nature, such as large, uncovered windows or potted plants within the space. The key with modern design isn’t emphasizing luxury but rather emphasizing quality and craftsmanship—materials don’t necessarily need to be the finest or most expensive, but they should be well crafted.
Exploring Modern Cabinetry: Styles and Trends for Your Tucson Kitchen
Is it time to improve your kitchen with new cabinets? If you just moved in or want to try a new style, you can spruce up your kitchen with modern cabinetry.
Take a look at some modern cabinetry styles and trends to consider for your Tucson kitchen:
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Glass Doors
Most kitchen cabinets have solid doors that hide whatever they contain. Today’s homeowners are more interested in seeing what is in each cabinet without having to dig too deep—that is why glass doors are becoming so popular! Glass cabinet doors add style to the kitchen and can save you time when cooking family meals.
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No Doors
If you like the look of glass doors, you might also enjoy the modern trend of kitchen cabinets with no doors at all. This style keeps your kitchen shelving as open as possible, letting you easily see and reach what you need. Cabinets without doors also give you more options for creativity, such as placing fabric covers or sliding devices in front of the open spaces.
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Bold Colors
Your kitchen does not have to be neutral to be stylish! Many of today’s homeowners are showing off their modern design preferences paired with bold and striking colors. Show off your funky personality by choosing a vibrant color such as yellow, green, or purple for your kitchen cabinetry.
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Appliances Disguised as Cabinets
Cabinets can cover more than just food and cooking tools; they can also cover your kitchen appliances! If you prefer the look of cabinets to the look of your refrigerator or dishwasher, consider disguising these appliances behind cabinet doors.
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Combining Styles
Are you having a hard time choosing your favorite modern trend or style to use for your new kitchen? You can mix and match your favorite styles to create your dream kitchen design! Pick design elements from different styles to make a kitchen that reflects your personality.
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Intentional Use of Color
It’s a common misconception that modern design utilizes only dark, drab color palettes, primarily in black, white, and gray. However, color is still at home in modern kitchens. It’s just used more intentionally and artfully. For example, splashes of color in your backsplash or island sitting stools can warm your space and offer a fun and playful touch to the room.
Additional Modern Kitchen Design Tips
Take a good, long look at your kitchen layout and make notes on how you can incorporate the above items into it so that they accentuate your modern kitchen look. For example, you can make backsplashes from either metal or tile. A popular backsplash decoration trend is to create a mosaic using small, shiny tiles that provide an eye-catching luster and pattern. Accessories play an important role in highlighting your modern kitchen as long as they maintain a minimalist appearance.
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen? Contact Southwest Kitchen & Bath Today!
If you want help designing your perfect modern kitchen, the Tucson cabinets experts at Southwest Kitchen offer 15 years of experience in both kitchen design and manufacturing quality kitchen cabinetry. The expert designers at Southwest Kitchen will assist you with designing your contemporary kitchen and then turn it into a reality.
Tucson homeowners can find new kitchen cabinets and more from Southwest Kitchen & Bath! If you are interested in giving your kitchen a new style or resurfacing your cabinets, give us a call today at (520) 531-9187.