Elements of a Contemporary Kitchen
by Allison Beatty
To create a contemporary kitchen, all or most of the major elements of your kitchen design should adhere to that style. While many people create eclectic mixes of contemporary and traditional styling, that approach will not work if the goal is a true contemporary kitchen design.
Instead look for contemporary styles of the following elements:
- Kitchen cabinets
- Countertop
- Kitchen appliances
- Kitchen flooring
- Wall tile
- Cabinet hardware
Set the Tone with Kitchen Cabinets
The kitchen cabinet style you select will go a long way toward creating a contemporary kitchen design. When planning a cabinet refacing, look for cabinet doors and drawers with:
- Flat fronts and limited detailing
- No crown molding
- Sleek materials, such as laminate
Spice Up Kitchen Design With Modern Appliances
Nothing says contemporary like stainless steel appliances. Look for a sleek side-by-side refrigerator and commercial range to blend with your refaced cabinets. Also look for:
- Thin stainless steel appliance door handles
- Limited detailing on appliance doors and knobs
- Shiny stainless steel appliances -- not more subtle matte finishes
Contemporary Kitchen Countertop Styles
Many contemporary kitchen designs feature edgy countertop surfaces, such as:
Stainless steel counters to blend with stainless steel appliances. Carry the metal look on the backsplash for a dramatic look.
Concrete counters are a rough, hard surface that provides an urban look. Look for natural, honed concrete or a painted surface for an added touch.
Granite countertops are a perennial favorite in many kitchen designs. Try sharp black for a contemporary look.
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware: The Finishing Touch
The cabinet knobs and pulls you select should add the finishing touch to your contemporary kitchen design. Try adding styles that have minimal detailing and a sleek, edgy look. Among the options are stainless steel, thin pulls and crisp, round knobs in aluminum.
Allison E. Beatty is a syndicated real estate writer who has been writing home improvement columns for 15 years. Read more about kitchen design at http://www.kitchenandcabinets.com.