Open floor plans add space and flexibility to any kitchen design, making them an excellent option for contemporary homeowners. These plans allow for single-room cooking and entertaining, opening up the kitchen to additional living space and allowing for a large, steady flow of traffic throughout the home. The natural lines and materials used in this type of kitchen design ducks nicely into the surrounding décor, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment. The key to successful open kitchen plans is in choosing the right colors and materials. Hardwood, ceramic tile, solid surface countertops, and metals all play a part in your design’s big picture effect. By blending natural elements from surrounding rooms and other spaces, a home’s common areas can be visually connected to create one cohesive living space. Open Floor Plans
Open Floor Plans
Soft, organic lines convey a sense of movement and gracefulness to any kitchen design. Cabinets, furniture, and hardware designs reflect the current trend in modern spaces, avoiding hard edges and embracing more curvilinear forms. Soft and organic lines also refer to the overall shape of the kitchen space. Choosing curved corners and half-moon windows can bring a sense of delight to the kitchen. Surfaces should be gentle beveled and go for the understated romance of pure white, or light colors like soft blues and greens. Soft, Organic Lines
Soft, Organic Lines
The centerpiece of any modern kitchen is the kitchen island. Having ample counter space, shared cooking space, and seating options make the island a multi-purpose tool for food preparation and entertaining possibilities. Whether the island is freestanding or built in place, it should be spaced at least 18 inches out from any kitchen wall, hallways, and appliances, allowing enough room to navigate and work comfortably. While the island can be standard in size, choosing the correct materials and features around it -- such as seating, drawers, and utensil hooks -- will create a multi-functional host for parties and everyday use. Multi-purpose Kitchen Islands
Multi-purpose Kitchen Islands
Two-tone cabinetry is one of the most popular trends in kitchen design today. This modern fixture adds great contrast and visual texture to any kitchen by pairing two different colors or materials on the top and bottom cabinets or shelves. Most commonly seen in white and black, two-tone cabinetry has boomed in color and material trends in recent years, combining modern and traditional styles. Popular choices range from dark stained woods, mixed and matched colors (such as black and navy blue), lacquered cabinets and stark white walls. Two-tone Cabinetry
Two-tone Cabinetry
Light colored countertops and cabinets add a sleek and sophisticated look to any kitchen. Light hues make the kitchen look larger, while supple whites provide an inviting atmosphere. Countertop decisions can be the most difficult in a kitchen design, as there are many choices available. The best way to decide is to choose something that best suits your lifestyle. Options include cool and warm hues, quartz, marble, and solid surface materials. When deciding on cabinets, look for light woods (such as maple, oak, or ash), as they create a bright, clean space. Light Colored Countertops and Cabinets
Light Colored Countertops and Cabinets
High-quality natural materials add luxurious design elements to any kitchen. Magnificent stones like marble, onyx, and granite offer a timeless, more organic look, as well as a durable and lasting finish to any surface. Furniture can also make a statement. The natural elements create a modern yet classic atmosphere, perfect for entertainment. Metal furniture pieces have grown in popularity and can be seen in mirrors, china cabinets, and other showpieces. Additionally, sofas, tables, and chairs can be upholstered with shag or glossy leathers to create the ultimate luxury feel. High-Quality Natural Materials
High-Quality Natural Materials
The use of a heavy mix of metals can bring your kitchen design to the next level. Bronzes, copper, and stainless steel are popular choices, but mixing in brass and gold can also be eye-catching. Regardless of your style, these metal surfaces make great accents similar to tile, stone, and hardwood. For a modern kitchen, look for chromed surfaces and brushed finishes on appliances and hardware. Sleek pieces such as chrome refrigerator handles, towel rods, and pot holders provide a clean and classic look. Heavy Mix of Metals
Heavy Mix of Metals
Hidden storage solutions are great for de-cluttering the kitchen. An example of this is pull-out drawers which hide items such as pans, dishware, and silverware away from everyday view. This solution creates a modern, organized look, allowing those essential items to be easily accessible and within reach. Creative storage solutions are also necessary for making the most of wall space and keeping a tidy kitchen. For example, trolleys, pegboards, and shelves are great options for displaying and tidily storing items like cookbooks, spices, and utensils. Hidden Storage Solutions
Hidden Storage Solutions
Functionality has always been a key factor in kitchen design, but modern kitchen designs tend to put an increased focus on it. This includes making sure the kitchen has the latest in organizational design and equipment to make cooking easier and more efficient. For example, adding drawers to the cabinets and installing a pot filler and trash compactor are two common examples that make meal preparation easier. Other additions such as pull-out spice racks, hidden storage solutions, and efficient kitchen islands can help maximize the available space. Focus on Functionality
Focus on Functionality
Design trends for kitchens have been ever-changing over the years. From industrial to farmhouse, it all depends on personal preference and lifestyle. While there is no right or wrong way to design a kitchen, it's important to keep the following trends in mind for maximum efficiency and look. These trends include: open floor plans, soft organic lines, multi-purpose kitchen islands, two-tone cabinetry, light colored countertops and cabinets, high-quality natural materials, and hidden storage solutions. When combining multiple design elements, you can create a kitchen that expresses your personal style and meets all your functional needs. Primary Kitchen Design Tends
Primary Kitchen Design Tends
Styling the Kitchen For Optimal Functionality
As the heart of a home, kitchen design tends to be the most important decision a homeowner makes when wanting a redesigned living space. Every aspect of a kitchen needs to be considered to make sure it functions optimally, is aesthetically pleasing, and meets the family's needs. From choosing the right cabinets to selecting countertop materials and appliances, no detail should be overlooked in kitchen design.
Investing in Thoughtful Storage Solutions
When designing a kitchen, storage space should be at the forefront of your mind. Depending on the existing layout, designing cabinets that make the most of your cupboard and pantry space is essential to optimizing kitchen design. Investing in storage solutions such as slide-out shelves, lazy susans, and smart cabinetry accessories can help maximize your kitchen's storage capacity. Not to mention, utilizing wall space for shelving is an often forgotten but useful strategy to optimize kitchen design.
Considering What Appliances Need to Fit in the Kitchen
Another important factor to consider when redesigning a kitchen is the type and size of appliances that will need to fit. This includes everything from the fridge and microwave to toasters and coffee makers. Knowing the dimensions of these items will help you to properly measure and make space for them in the kitchen design.
Creating a Design Plan Before Buying Materials
It is important to create a design plan before purchasing materials. Failing to plan means potentially buying the wrong materials and countertops for the existing layout of the kitchen. Research materials and colors to ensure that the final product will fit the overall theme of the home. Once a budget and design concept have been determined, the homeowner should be confident when buying materials for the kitchen design.
