Contemporary style is usually associates with clean lines, no architectural
embellishments, moldings or decorations, cold colors and surfaces. Some people think about
contemporary style kitchen as uninviting and more industrial then homey look. But all of
that is a misconception. Even though, materials like stainless steel, chrome, glass, and granite
can have a cool feeling, but with loving soul and an eye for beauty you can create a warm and
inviting contemporary kitchen where everyone want to gather. To soften up sharp
a clean-line modern-contemporary
look integrate soft and warm colors in your kitchen design and
add natural materials like wood and stone. By the way, contemporary decor is not
a novelty. The roots of contemporary design go way back
in Victorian era. That is when, at the turn of the last century, progressive designers and architects took
the first steps
away from over-the-top ornamentation and architectural embellishments. They started experimenting
with simpler forms and natural materials. After that over the course of twentieth century a lot of different
modern movements appeared. Evolving and growing, experimenting with new materials these movements gradually brought us to
the
high-tech look that been popularized in the 1970s and 1980s.
Contemporary Kitchen Tendencies
Our days, contemporary decor
is much softer and family friendly and very popular in American homes
especially in the kitchen. Today's kitchen is not just a place for preparing food with reflective surfaces, hard edges,
and cutting-edge technology, it is a multi functional space for family
gatherings and different activities. Classical stark black and white palate for
contemporary kitchen during last two decades has been replaced with earthy hues and warmer shades of white.
Kitchen designers are taking a fresh approach to classical forms
and traditional materials, giving them a new life and implementing principals of
Green Design. In fact, updated with contemporary
elements versions of traditional kitchens with stainless steel appliances and polished granite countertops
are on "must have" list in most American homes. With advance technology
environmentally friendly natural materials used for kitchen finishes become much more durable and easy to
maintained.
Contemporary kitchen's are often designed with neutral or
monochromatic color scheme.
Do not be intimidated by color. In fact, the kitchen is a perfect place to add some
vivid colors, because most of the wall space is taken by the cabinets usually
there is not much of the wall space left exposed. The
kitchen cabinets
are the biggest investment for kitchen, so make them pop by
choosing colors that will act as a perfect background. Mellow wall colors will
make light kitchen cabinets blend-in, stronger more saturated colors will showcase
the cabinets. When selecting cabinets for your contemporary kitchen, pair a frameless door
with a wood finish. Laminate cabinetry is still compatible with this style, but
for an updated look, wood is it.
For cotemporary kitchen light woods like maple or birch in clear finish are
preferable.
Don't be afraid to mix several materials or finishes, such as wood and metal. Make a strong statement
by combining wood with various metals. Creative combinations of wood materials with
granite, stainless steel, pewter,
chrome, copper and brass on surfaces like cabinets, countertops, walls and floors will keep
the overall appearance of the kitchen sleek but not sterile. If you decided to
keep your walls neutral in color, you can bring them to life by application of glazed or textured finish.
Contemporary kitchens can feature lots of metal without appearing antiseptic
or cold. That's largely because designers balance the look by introducing
vibrant colors and other materials into the room, such as ceramic tile or wood.
Stainless steel used for a countertop, whether it is for the entire counter or
just a section of it, can look quite sophisticated, especially with a wood trim.
It's capacity to take high heat without scorching makes stainless steel countertops
extremely practical. Stainless still is suitable as a landing strip for pots and pans straight from the cook-top.
Water impervious quality makes stainless steel practical at the sink area as
well. On the negative side, stainless steel can be noisy to work on, and it will
show smudges.
Connecting your kitchen with outdoors and letting sunlight into the space will
pay-of big time. Large windows, skylights, and French doors that lead to outdoor
entertainment area not only add value to your home but connect you with nature,
magnifying your spiritual energy. Capturing sun's energy will can reduce our
heating bills as well (see
Green Design: Solar
Energy)
Furnishings for a contemporary kitchen tend to have a sleek architectural look,
too. In fact, much of what is considered classic contemporary furniture has been
designed by well-known twentieth-century architects. Chair and table legs are
typically straight, with no turnings or ornamentation. For a sophisticated look,
mix complementary materials; for example, pair a glass table with upholstered
chairs or a metal table with wood chairs. Display contemporary pottery on a
shelf or inside a glass cabinet.
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Related Products and Articles:
Incorporate into your contemporary kitchen elements of Arts and Crafts,
Art Deco style, or other designs
associated with the modern movements of the twentieth century; their clean, geometric lines
are quite compatible with this environment. This eclectic approach can result in a sophisticated look.
Art Deco Molding
Classical architectural elements like corbels,
crown molding and
baseboard contribute depth and
since of permanence to a contemporary kitchen.
Mission Island Legs will make a kitchen island look more significant and
stately important part of contemporary kitchen
With one switch, your kitchen can go from bright, efficient hub of activity to a softly lit setting...
kitchen lighting
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