By Kelly Richardson
Hip-Home Columnist
Sleek. Livable. In-the-now. For today's urban modernista, the contemporary kitchen must meet all of these requirements and more. Because so much time is spent in the kitchen, it has become the heart of the home. Modern kitchens must consider aesthetics, functionality, organization, and flexibility if they are to serve as the defining space of the contemporary home. It's a monumental task to say the least--but an inspiring project to tackle. Here are some of the popular moves to make:
- Clean Lines. From cabinetry to drawers, tables to accessories--today's modern kitchen features clean, bold lines that are simple yet eye-catching. Borrowing from Asian styles, the focus removes much of the aesthetic clutter that can distract from solid craftsmanship and quality materials. Plus, clean lines are easier to accessorize with other key kitchen add-ons. Keep in mind that curves still have their place--custom carvings in cabinetry and drawers add that personal touch that many homeowners and designers crave. But minimalist design is all the rage, and less really is more when it comes to kitchen design.
- Space-centric Arrangements. Nothing says contemporary kitchen design like vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan. First, raised ceilings encourage an expanse of light from such accoutrements as roof windows and hanging fixtures. HGTV designers emphasize the power of natural and subtle lighting to draw out the finer aspects of the kitchen without being too overbearing. With respect to floor plans, opening up the kitchen encourages movement and avoids clutter. More space invites company to gather--one of the primary functions of the kitchen area.
- Color Palettes. There's a great deal of wiggle room in this area that allows you to be expressive. Recent trends are moving in the direction of darker shades and earthy tones. This nod to ecology hints at bringing the outdoors in--a popular choice for homeowners that appreciate a blurring of these environments. However, modernists that still cling to classical kitchen ideas can have the best of both worlds by selecting light colors and accenting them with darker detailing--think tiles and hardwood flooring.
- Striking Appliances. The days of the pearl white refrigerator and dishwasher have given way to new experiments in appliance design. Silvers, blacks and maroons give a brooding personality to the modern kitchen that homeowners love. Other appliances that deserve to get in on the action include wine storage units, beverage centers, ovens, sealed burner range tops, and warming drawers.
The take-away thoughts are that modern kitchen design ideas take chances and avoid the ordinary at every turn. This is your opportunity to create bold looks, setting the tone for the rest of your home.
|
|
Printable
Version
E-Mail
to a Friend
