What’s cooking in today’s modern kitchen?
Interior design trends change over time and when remodeling your home, planning for function is important. Even if you think you may not stay in your home forever, having a layout that is functional will be of benefit to your lifestyle and appeal to prospective buyers.
When remodeling today’s modern kitchen, the rule “less is more” applies.
Kitchen design trends are ever changing — especially countertops, flooring and backsplashes. Cabinetry designs seem to not become outdated as often. Modern kitchens focus on clutter-free design, more order and fewer items on the countertops, more specific types of storage for items such as spices, and appliance “garages” for hiding small appliances.
To further capture the feel of modern design, stick with neutral colors such as white, black, cream or gray. Modern kitchens are sleek, smooth and polished; cabinet doors have no decorative features and cabinetry is clean and seamless. The addition of stainless-steel appliances screams modern and can make a kitchen feel cleaner, larger and brighter.
Today’s modern kitchen adds elements of natural materials such as wood, which helps to warm the space while keeping with the modern design feel.
In addition, there are many “green” eco-friendly product choices for modern kitchens including energy-efficient lighting, recycled wood, glass countertops and backsplashes, and concrete flooring.
The modern kitchen as shown in the photo was remodeled by Craftsmanship By John and designed by Kristen Cliburn and Janice Freeman. Walls were removed and the ceiling was raised and non-structural architectural beams were added for artistic effect.
The kitchen’s European-style cabinetry is sleek, clean and crisp. The upper cabinetry is applewood, which adds an element of warmth to the space. The kitchen’s functional layout provides multiple prep areas, and lots of storage including a small appliance garage and built-in wall spice racks.
Flooring is custom artisanal concrete and is eco-friendly, elegant and easy to maintain.
Breakfast nook tabletop is made of recyclable materials and resembles a work of art.
When planning a kitchen remodel in modern style, remember to plan for function first and add elements such as frameless cabinets, sleek and simple hardware, strong horizontal lines and a lack of ornamentation, allowing the natural beauty of the materials shining through.
Today’s modern kitchens are beautiful, sleek and multi-functional, making the best use of space by not only providing a place to prepare and cook food, but a place for gathering and entertaining.
This article was provided by a member of the Remodelers Council of the Greater Houston Builders Association. The Remodelers Council is dedicated to promoting professionalism and public awareness of the remodeling profession through education, certification and service to the Houston community. For information on this article, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsulting.net. To join the council or to find a professional remodeler in your area, visit www.ghba.org.