The contemporary kitchen is a fusion of professional catering style and the comforts of home. This is the antidote to clutter and the minimalist’s idea of heaven. According to Mervyn Kaufman (2009) (Author of the book “Contemporary Kitchen Style: The Essential Handbook for an Innovative Design”), a truly contemporary kitchen features up-to-date appliances, generous storage and a layout with subtly zoned areas for chopping and cutting, cooking and serving, and also for dining and cleanup, plus one unique ingredient: innovative style – sleek, smooth cabinets in soft wood tones, easily handled door and drawer pulls and the judicious use of steel and glass. It may seem impossible to maintain this chic, modern look. However, by keeping worktops free of clutter, with well-planned storage spaces, and exercising daily discipline, it can be easier than you think to achieve and maintain a contemporary-style kitchen.
At its most extreme, the look is cold and industrial, with steel, concrete, glass, and large no-frills appliances that mimic restaurant kitchens. However, in the same way that haute couture inspires high-street fashion, the extreme version of industrial chic is the inspiration for a more practical, comfortable and achievable home style. It is amazing to have a contemporary kitchen idea. Having said that, before making a contemporary-style kitchen it is advised to know about various elements of a contemporary kitchen.
10 Elements of a Contemporary Kitchen
The top ten elements of contemporary kitchens are given below.
01. Bring in Stainless Steel Appliances for a Contemporary Kitchen Look
They echo the professional catering style but are scaled down to a more realistic size. Worktops are made of granite, marble, or resin compounds, that look the part but are not as heavy or expensive as the real thing. Accessorise with stainless steel handles, utensils, light fittings, and sink units. Small details like stainless steel sockets and shelf supports will also make a big impact.
02. Contemporary Kitchen Designs Feature Pale Wooden Units
Plain, pale wood like beech or ash complements steel and this is where the homely look breaks ranks with industrial chic because wood is warm and organic. Keep the doors plain with steel handles, and avoid drawers above cupboards if you can. A set of drawers is more practical, and the look is more contemporary.
03. Contemporary Kitchen Flooring with Floating Wooden Strip
This is laid on top of the existing floor; what could be simpler? All that’s needed is a dry, level surface, a polystyrene sheet underlay, and enough laminated floorboards to fit the room. The boards come in a range of wood finishes, and the quality will be reflected in the price, which hopefully includes a free fitting.
To learn the pros and cons of laminate flooring, check out our blog
04. Frosted Glass in Modern Contemporary Kitchen
Frosted glass is cool. Use the reinforced version for glass shelves, supported by stainless steel brackets, as panels in doors; or design and make your frosted window with masking tape, templates, and etching spray.
05. Contemporary Kitchen Designs have Limited Colour Range
While choosing colours, think of pale and interesting ones. Bright white is too stark and reflective, but pale grey, off-white, duck-egg blue or light sea green will suit this look. For a subtle tonal effect, pick a colour and its immediate neighbours on the chart. Avoid strong contrasts and opt for harmony instead.
06. Slatted Blinds Look Perfect in Modern Contemporary Kitchen
Blinds provide the neatest window treatment, but only if they fit perfectly and work efficiently. Roller blinds are neat and offer great value, but the ideal window blind for this look is a slatted Venetian blind. Aluminium or light wood both look fabulous and you can adjust them in several ways to filter the incoming light.
07. No Clutter on Worktops Makes Perfect Contemporary Kitchen
A logical point to remember here is that the no-clutter rule must be strictly enforced if this look is to succeed! Real life is not a clutter-free zone, and the only way to achieve this is by being very organized, with enough storage and a place for everything. Lighten the look with a vase of freshly cut flowers or a row of herbs in matching pots.
08. Chrome Rails with Matching Utensils
Utensils don’t belong in drawers. They can be visible and easily accessible. The best way to arrange them is by hanging them on a fitted rail above the worktop. This type of rail with hooks can be bought in a range of lengths and styles.
09. Contemporary Kitchen Table and Matching Set of Chairs or Stools
The table is not the main attraction of a contemporary kitchen. A small round café-style table or a simple fold-away version is an excellent idea, especially in small spaces, and it avoids cluttering up the no-frills look. Chairs are now in fashion, and there are so many options and designs to choose from. Whether you opt for lightweight, cast aluminium chairs, smooth beech with chrome legs, or folding metal and polypropylene chairs in jelly colours, it is virtually impossible to get it wrong.
10. Recessed Downlights in Ceiling or Halogen Spotlights are must in Contemporary Kitchens
To see what you’re doing in the kitchen, a combination of efficient task lighting and ambient glow is required. It is advised to choose the perfect lighting. Recessed ceiling lights look great, but have limitations when it comes to using them. Better still, use strip lights fitted below the wall cupboards, or you could opt for a row of halogen spotlights angled to illuminate the work area.
Points to Remember Related to Contemporary Style Kitchen
- The best tables in a contemporary kitchen are simple foldaway or small, round café-style versions, which do not interfere with the clean lines
- Stainless steel appliances and granite or marble worktops bring a professional catering style into the home. Stainless steel handles, utensils, light fittings, and sink units add to the impact.
- Worktops are kept clutter-free in a contemporary kitchen. Hence, adequate storage space and planning a place for everything is essential.
Here’s a video to sum up all the points mentioned above:
On a concluding note, if you have a liking for the ‘no clutter’ minimalistic aesthetic, then opt for the above elements and lend a ‘contemporary’ hue to your mundane kitchen.
Now that you know the various elements of a contemporary kitchen, you must look at our blog on how to transform your kitchen into a country kitchen.
Charm and Comfort: Transform Your Kitchen with a Country Kitchen Makeover
Author Bio
Huta Raval – An English Literature and Journalism Topper, Huta Raval has graduated from the L D Arts College, Ahmedabad. Post serving for 23 years in the NBFC and Public Library Sectors her desire for ‘writing the unwritten’ brought her to the creative field of content writing. Her clientele comprises of NGOs, Blogging Platforms, Newspapers, Academic Institutions, et al.
