The kitchen is often the heart of every home. An exquisite kitchen design means breathtaking moments while making meals and creating memories. Modern kitchen designs are gradually taking shape since the mid-century.
This upcoming trend is essentially about minimalism, while at the same remaining posh and sleek. For most mid-century modern style kitchen designs, less is more. Optimal use of the right resources is enough to create an indistinguishable look and feel.
Modern kitchen designs have embraced the resourceful use of natural materials. Consequently, keeping up with the buzz on minimalist fascination. Below are helpful tips for creating or remodeling your modern kitchen
Minimal Ornamentation
As aforementioned, contemporary kitchen designs heavily invest in minimalism. Initially, traditional designs went ham on carvings and moldings. However, this new trend is the epitome of subtleness in matters regarding decoration and ornamentation.
The cabinetry in modern kitchens is usually flat, with a few sleek lines. The decoration is similarly simple but super elegant. Additionally, cabinet hardware is almost non-existent. If present, it primarily consists of standard tubes that go the entire length of the cabinetry.
Moreover, this design comes with pendant lights with very little or no decoration. Walls and floors are mainly plain, gracing the beauty of their material or bright hues.
Wide Walkways
The last thing you want in your kitchen is squeezing your way through a clustered, congested kitchen. Insufficient room to move around while working in there is a real bother.
The ultimate solution to this is designing a wide walkway. Professionals recommend at least 36-inch wide pathways throughout the kitchen.
For a one-cook kitchen, paths within the cooking area should be at least 2 inches. If you’re working with a two-cook set-up, a 48-inch configuration is a perfect fit. Designing a broad walkway requires proper sizing and location of the kitchen islands and peninsulas.
Direct the Traffic
Directing traffic in your kitchen can be quite a daunting task, especially when working with a small space. It’s even worse when living with babies. Toddlers are particularly quick to touch handles and knobs.
Coming up with a baby-friendly kitchen design entails setting a distinct path. Ensure that the cooktop is entirely out of reach for the kids. After all, it’s your primary responsibility to uphold the safety of everyone in your household.
Additionally, position the fridge at a natural access point for anyone working in the cooking or cleaning zone. Also, make sure that the sink stands strategically to prevent unnecessary spills and dampness.
Find the Proper Height for Your Microwave
Indeed, a microwave is among the essential kitchen appliances. Despite being user-friendly, the wrong positioning of the microwave will give you a dreadful experience. The proper height for setting a microwave solely depends on the primary user.
A below countertop position is the safest and most convenient option for a kid-friendly configuration. When working with adults, set your microwave height at 15 inches above the countertop level. Most importantly, ensure there’s sufficient working space when using any kitchen appliances.
Consider the Countertop
Your countertop is ideally your working space. Proper sizing and location of the countertop are crucial in creating a comfortable workspace.
A congested and insufficient workspace will build hindrances and issues, that are otherwise, evitable. Chefs who love cooking demand more countertop space than those who cook occasionally.
If your kitchen space is large enough, consider doubling up the countertop spaces. Two countertop heights come in handy, especially for baking and kid-friendly food preparation.
Plan adequate landing space on both ends of your cooktop and refrigerator. Typically, the landing space covers about 15 inches on the countertop sides.
Keep Clear Corners
While designing your kitchen, ensure your appliances remain away from corners. The cabinet doors require adequate space to swing freely without colliding into walls and doors.
For your cabinet doors to operate effectively, plan for sufficient space, especially within the corners. This space offers enough clearance between the doors and swing direction within your kitchen area. Position your appliances such that the doors don’t bash into each other if opened simultaneously.
Open Shelving
Cabinetry blocks are beneficial, but they come with uninviting blocks of drawers and doors. Due to their wooden nature, these blocks are massive.
Display shelving and glass door are more aesthetically appealing options, with exemplary elegance and sleekness. Creating shelves above your counter space leaves more room for your favorite appliances. Moreover, the open display allows you to showcase your exquisite pantry and beautiful kitchen accessories.
Lightwood is a perfect option for open shelves. With its crisp, high-quality appearance, it blends in naturally with glass doors and cabinets.
Bold Colors for Small Kitchens
Most modern kitchens have widely embraced white color since its plain and simple. But you don’t necessarily have to go for white walls. You could work your way with colors, depending on your intended theme.
However, dull hues shrink your space, making it seem smaller and dark. Bold colors bring in the much-needed vibrant touch of sophistication. Such hues include shades of lime green, pink, turquoise, or bright yellow.
You could also work with neutral earth-centered colors including, tan and blue. The secret is getting shades that blend, without overdoing or creating a busy look.
Avoid Wasted Steps
In your modern kitchen design, it’s vital to consider where you use your items. A shoddy design will have you wasting lots of time working around your kitchen. Much space also goes to waste.
For the maximum accessibility, position your items where you require them the most. Position the dishware near the dishwasher for convenient unloading.
Plastic wrappers and kitchen bags should be at one end of the countertop. Store breakfast bowls near the breakfast table or kitchen island, depending on your kitchen design.
Determine A Focal Point
Fancy countertop patterns, detailed tiles, and splashy floors may create a congested look. And busy appearances are rather unappealing and somewhat clumsy.
Identify a focal point within your kitchen, and primarily emphasize on that area. Complementing your focal point with subtle, eye-catching features brings in the desired beauty. Functionality and efficiency should be your critical factors while developing your kitchen.
There are no standards rules when it comes to designing your kitchen. It’s your home, so make sure to have fun modeling your contemporary kitchen.
