Kitchen & Bathroom Design Blog

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Boasting minimalist cabinetry, neutral color palettes, and metallic accents, contemporary kitchens have a subtle charm that never goes out of style. Not only do they blend aspects of modern with other styles such as industrial and traditional, but also allow for a pop of color here and there, whether in the furniture, a bowl of fruit, or a vase of fresh flowers. Read on to see the main points of creating a modern kitchen for homeowners all around the world, from Australia to Canada.

Choose materials wisely

When it comes to countertops all materials have their set of pros and cons. Take time to consider the way you use the kitchen, as well as your cooking style. For example, a busy cook who makes lots of sauces, a quartz countertop is a better choice than marble, as it resists staining, while the latter is porous and will etch when oils and acids are spilled. If you love chopping vegetables, why not choose an eclectic wood countertop on which you can chop?

Make kitchen island the focus

Monolithic kitchen islands have become a staple of modern kitchen showrooms, and not without a reason. First, they can be used for everything from food preparation to storage and cleaning. Also, there's hardly a better way to showcase strong, durable materials such as concrete than with a long, rectangular shape. If you find it too clinical, you don't have to go all-concrete. An oak veneer panel can give it a bit more relaxed look.

White and steel

Stainless steel and white appliances can be your best allies in the transition to a modern look. Since they balance nicely with warm wood tones, many designers around the globe, from Australia to Africa, are preferring those to black appliances, which were all the rage just several years ago. The list of white and steel details that a contemporary kitchen can accommodate is endless, but there's a line where details become clutter – both in a physical and visual sense. Store gadgets in sleek containers or drawers, and stick to the 60-30-10 rule for colors. 

Strike gold

While stainless steel is a modern kitchen staple, there’s been a lot of buzz about edgy, high-shine look off mirrored islands. Gold mirrored surfaces can bring a splash of glamour to the playful elements of the kitchen design, such as the single pendant lights, swirls of pink marble, and cobalt blue loft railing.

Start from scratch

Most designers have a number of ideas for renovating your kitchen, but some of them prefer the alternative. Instead of spicing up the kitchen, they recommend a different method and tell their clients to demolish this space and rebuild it from scratch. This is a solution that’s quite popular in places like Australia, and it can go a really long way if you look into it. This is an approach you can repeat in other parts of your home, from your living room to your bedroom, and it’s sometimes better than introducing cosmetic changes that don’t really make much sense. However, this isn’t something you can do on your own, which is why the aforementioned Aussie homeowners might ask experienced home builders in Sydney for help. These people know everything there is to know about knocking down a part of your home and rebuilding it again, so be sure to look into this idea ASAP.

Match style to function

Stainless steel countertops are highly versatile elements that are widely used in commercial kitchens. They are easy to clean, retaining their quality over the years and years of use. In a modern home kitchen, a stainless steel countertop can make the whole area sparkle with a timeless chic. Another benefit of stainless steel is that you don't have to bother with paint color choices. There are no worries with neutrals, whites, or colors when it comes to stainless steel.

For small spaces too

If you’re stuck with a small kitchen, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a sleek and trendy design. In small spaces, attention to detail is everything, so to create a contemporary kitchen design, think about incorporating the design of your sink, kitchen table, and chairs, even your accessories and fitted furniture. Don't avoid color, as bright splashes can prevent a small modern kitchen from looking like a storage area.

Warm it up

Smooth and seamless transition from surface to surface can create a soothing visual flow, with warm chocolate tones of natural stone surfaces bring warmth to an otherwise monochromatic and moody setup. With little natural light, the whole arrangement embraces the available space and adds to a unique intimate atmosphere.

Make bold choices

Although modern designs are pretty streamlined, there's always room for experimentation for those who aren't afraid to give their kitchen a personal stamp. In contemporary kitchens, lighting provides an excellent opportunity to play with design and scale. If you dislike the expected classic pendant light over the island, consider a pair of long narrow cylindrical pendants offset to reduce the formality of the kitchen.

With just a few decorative accessories and wise material choices, you can bring your kitchen up to 2019. Most of the kitchen designs and concepts listed here seamlessly blend function and style to create a space that is both sleek and inviting.