Refresh Your Kitchen With These Contemporary Design Ideas
Is your kitchen looking a little dated? Are you yearning for a cleaner, more modern aesthetic? If so, a contemporary kitchen remodel could be the perfect refreshing change. Contemporary kitchens are all about sleek, minimalist design and understated elegance.
From layout to finishes, we'll also share inspiring design ideas to help you craft the contemporary kitchen of your dreams.
What Defines a Contemporary Kitchen?
So what exactly sets contemporary kitchens apart? Here are some of the hallmarks of this streamlined, modern style:
Aesthetics
Contemporary kitchen aesthetics focus on clean lines and minimal ornamentation. You won't find elaborate moldings or intricate carvings. Instead, the look is all about smooth, unadorned surfaces. These kitchens also feature a neutral, monochromatic color palette dominated by shades of black, white and gray.
Glossy, handle-free cabinets contribute to the pared-back look, as do sleek metal or stone countertops. Other contemporary finishes include concrete, tile or wood floors and recessed lighting to eliminate visual clutter.
Materials
The materials used in contemporary kitchens also impart a polished, urban feel. Stainless steel makes a perfect match for appliances and hardware. Other on-trend materials include:
- Glass: Glass backsplashes or cabinet doors lend transparency.
- Concrete: Concrete adds an edgy, industrial vibe on countertops or floors.
- Tile: Large format tiles create clean geometry.
- Quartz: As a sleek alternative to natural stone countertops.
- Marble: For a touch of elegance on islands or backsplashes.
Contemporary Kitchen Layouts
Let's explore some smart contemporary kitchen layouts to maximize your space and aesthetics.
Open Concept
Open concept kitchens seamlessly blend into adjacent living areas, creating an airy, spacious feel perfect for contemporary design. Removing walls between rooms allows natural light to pour in from windows throughout your home.
Entertaining is also a breeze in an open floorplan. Guests can mingle between the kitchen, dining and living areas while the chef remains connected to the conversation.
Galley
Galley kitchen layouts are an efficient footprint for small spaces. This style positions cabinets and countertops in two parallel rows, like galley ships. You can further optimize space by installing drawers rather than swinging cabinet doors.
Strategically placing a kitchen island in the center of the galley provides additional prep space in a contemporary style.
U-Shaped
A U-shaped kitchen layout arranges the workstations along three adjoining walls in a U formation. This smart layout provides an abundance of counter space and allows multiple cooks to collaborate effortlessly together.
U-shaped kitchens work particularly well with contemporary design given the emphasis on clean sightlines and seamless surfaces.
Key Contemporary Kitchen Features
Now let's explore some of the most important elements that help contemporary kitchens stand out.
Island
The kitchen island is a contemporary must-have. Islands provide extra seating and prep space in an aesthetically pleasing, sculptural way. Opt for clean-lined industrial stools rather than ornate options.
Islands also create visual interest when dividing open concept living spaces. For smaller kitchens, a wheeled cart-style island adds functionality.
Backsplash
Backsplashes make a major contemporary style statement. Consider a mosaic tile design with bold contrasting grout. Or create an industrial look with a full slab backsplash of slate, marble or soapstone.
Sinks and Fixtures
Undermount sinks keep lines smooth and uninterrupted on contemporary countertops. Pair your sink with matte black or brushed nickel hardware and a squared-off, architectural gooseneck faucet.
Cabinets
For a clean, minimalist look, opt for shaker-style cabinets without ornate trim or detailing. Handle-free cabinetry contributes to the seamless contemporary aesthetic.
Mixing open shelving with upper and lower cabinets adds modern appeal. Accent with mood lighting for drama.
Countertops
Durable quartz countertops bring rich color and pattern to contemporary kitchens. Marble makes a luxurious statement for those seeking a decadent look. Aggregate patterns create added visual interest.
Appliances
Stainless steel appliances align with the sleek, contemporary aesthetic. A matte finish helps conceal fingerprints. Built-in appliances like wall ovens can maximize space.
Contemporary Kitchen Finishing Touches
Finally, let's explore the vital finishing details that will help your contemporary kitchen design shine.
Lighting
Task lighting keeps contemporary kitchens bright and airy. Recessed ceiling lights eliminate visual clutter. Undercabinet fixtures provide task lighting for food prep areas.
Make a dramatic style statement by hanging bold pendant lights over a kitchen island. Opt for an industrial cage design aligned with the overall aesthetic.
Flooring
Concrete, wood or porcelain tile floors bring contemporary appeal as they are hardwearing and sleek. Large format tiles with minimal grout lines enhance the seamless look.
Area rugs in graphic black and white patterns can also anchor your space while adding pops of contrast.
Hardware
The right hardware brings the contemporary kitchen together. Matte black and brushed nickel finishes give fixtures a sophisticated, modern look. For handle-free cabinets, choose inconspicuous bar pulls for an ultra-clean silhouette.
Key Points
To recap, contemporary kitchens focus on:
- Clean lines and neutral elements for a minimalist look
- Open concept layouts to enhance visual spaciousness
- Islands, backsplashes and fixtures that finish the sleek style
Don't have the budget for a full renovation? You can still introduce contemporary flair to your existing kitchen with easy upgrades like:
- Removing ornamental trimwork and arches for clean lines
- Painting cabinets a glossy neutral like gray for an uncluttered look
- Swapping out traditional hardware for streamlined bar pulls
- Installing concrete-look porcelain tiles or wood flooring
- Adding a statement-making backsplash
The possibilities are truly endless when crafting your dream contemporary kitchen. Use the tips and ideas in this article to design a breathtaking, modern space perfect for both cooking and entertaining.