Contemporary Kitchen Design

Kitchens are a focal point of any house. It’s where people congregate. As if they were drawn by a magnet, people always seem to end up in the cooking room. This is why contemporary kitchen design strives to make this room useful as well as beautiful. There are many ways to achieve this look with a new-built or if you are just renovating. Here are some key contemporary design ideas to help you optimize your area and make it look fashionably sleek as well:

* Open Space

This contemporary kitchen design concept is not new, but it is still the standard that architects and builders are using. The cooking area of the 50s and 60s was closed off. It was like a hidden away room that the mom would come in and out of through a swinging door with platters of food. Today, the area is more about creating a gathering space, a free flowing area that moves seamlessly from one room to the next.

* Storage

Contemporary kitchen design is raising everything-literally. Cabinets are getting taller to utilize that empty space between the cabinets and ceiling. This space usually becomes a catch-all for mix-matched decorative items.

Countertops are also getting higher for easier access. Actually, countertops are being designed at varying heights for optimal use. Deep pull out drawers, pull out shelves for cabinets and built-in wine racks and glass holders are also finding their way into the kitchnette. Efficiency is essential in a contemporary home so storage is an important aspect.

* Cabinets

Glass is being mixed in with solid cabinet doors to show off beautiful dishes and glasses. Or for just aesthetic purposes, the glass can be frosted or have patterns etched in them. Cabinet colors are still popular in lighter woods, but dark sophisticated cherry and walnut are also popular for more formal homes.

* Sleek Clean Lines

Contemporary kitchen design means that your cooking area is not full of ornate molding or intricate design. The lines of the cabinets are sleek and clean. Stainless steel appliances add to the clean look and definitely says contemporary.

* Contemporary Touches

Granite, marble and Corian countertops have been around a long time, but the latest in countertops is concrete. It gives a modern look to any counter and if it sounds odd to put concrete on the counter, don’t worry; it is polished to a beautiful finish. Track lighting also adds a contemporary touch to the kitchen and gives it some character and texture.

The point is, there are no real rules about contemporary designs. You can mix and match from all different styles depending on your personality and taste. This is, after all, your kitchen and you need to be happy and comfortable in it. As long as it makes sense and looks great, don’t be afraid to experiment with styles, materials and colors.

Show off your personality and make it a room that beckons people to it. When you look back through photos of parties and other gatherings, your beautiful kitchen will likely be the background for most of them!