Having an up-to-date, stylish kitchen is something many homeowners wish for. A fresh, contemporary kitchen can make your house feel more inviting and increase its value.
Cabinetry Counts
Cabinets take up a ton of visual space in a kitchen, so giving them a chic overhaul can drastically modernize the entire room. Consider replacing those old scratched or outdated cabinet doors and drawers with new slab fronts in a fashionable wood tone like ash or walnut. Or go for a clean, crisp look with white or gray glossy lacquered surfaces.
Another budget-friendly option is re-facing, keeping the cabinet boxes but installing new door/drawer fronts and hardware. This lets you achieve an entirely new style at a lower cost than buying all new cabinets. Ditch those old knobs and pulls too, in favor of long sleek metal bar handles.
Countertop Centerpiece
Your countertops are the kitchen’s star, so choose them wisely. One super trendy pick is quartzite countertops made from one of the hardest natural stone materials. According to the people at Bedrock Quartz, these feature beautiful patterns reminiscent of high-end marble, but quartzite is more durable and stain resistant. The modern look of these counters works fabulously with contemporary cabinets.
Other sophisticated solid surface options include sleek granite, clean concrete, or high-tech quartz countertops in hues like grays, whites and black. Keep the look seamless by wrapping the counters up the backsplash, too.
Streamlined Sinks and Faucets
While older kitchens had super deep double sinks, today’s styles prefer broad, undermount single-bowl sinks for their minimalist appearance. Pick one in a durable material like stainless steel, copper, or composite granite. Then pair it with a super stylish faucet; matte black, brushed gold and copper finishes are all the rage.
One fun trend is integrating cutting boards or troughs directly into the countertop surrounding the sink for extra workspace. Just be sure to pick a sink and faucet combo that fits with the straight lines and simplified shapes preferred in contemporary design.
Brilliant Lighting
Good lighting can make a kitchen look amazing and function better too. Replace that old fluorescent ceiling box with multiple recessed can lights for perfect brightness. Under-cabinet LED strips add extra task lighting along the countertops.
Then add some decorative flair with unique pendants or a linear island fixture hanging above the kitchen’s focal point. Go for a mix of vintage-inspired Edison bulbs, glamorous globe shapes, or angular metalwork for an edgy vibe. Just keep colors simple in metallics, whites, blacks, or grays.
Flashy Floors
While hardwood was standard for ages, today’s kitchens call for something more modern and durable underfoot. Some top contemporary picks:
- Polished concrete floors in shades of gray for an urban, industrial polish.
- Large format tiles (12″x24″ or bigger) in sleek colors with minimal grout lines.
- Luxury vinyl plank flooring in realistic wood or stone looks but more durable.
- Cork for warmth and comfort with its trendy flecked visuals.
No matter which option you choose, extend the same flooring throughout adjoining spaces to create a seamless, expansive feel.
Efficient Appliances
Finally, finish the modern picture with some upscale stainless-steel appliances. Today’s models not only perform awesomely but look super sleek in their minimalist metal finishes. Integrate everything seamlessly behind cabinet paneling so that only the handles and controls show.
For a true chef’s kitchen, you may want to splurge on pro-style gas ranges and commercial-depth French door refrigerators. Add some Bluetooth-enabled smarts and energy efficiency for the ultimate in modern convenience and sustainability.
Conclusion
With some smart strategies and maybe a few signature investment pieces, it is totally possible to craft a magazine-worthy modern kitchen right in your own home. Let your personal style shine through in the finishes and accents you choose.
