5 Tips for Designing a Modern Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the most important areas of your home. This explains why kitchens through the ages continue to change and evolve. From the earliest signs of cooking found in the caves of South Africa to the modern smart kitchens of today, the kitchen has come a long way. And why wouldn't it? People continue to find better and newer ways to improve one of humanity's oldest traditions.Modern kitchens are one of today's most popular trends. Their sleek design fits well with the aesthetic of contemporary homes. But since the definition of modern is rather broad, people may find it hard to build their kitchens according to their style. Luckily, we've put together some tips for designing a modern-day kitchen.
1. Make use of technology
Technology has changed almost every aspect of our lives. From communication to entertainment, gadgets have changed what we do on a daily basis. And because of the importance that kitchens hold, these improvements have made their way to its various appliances and tools.
Now, the obvious thing to do to make your kitchen more technologically advanced is through the use of the multitude of smart kitchen appliances out on the market today. However, one drawback to this would be the exorbitant prices attached to these modern-day kitchen apparatuses.
Fortunately, there are smart appliances that you can get for your kitchen that won't break the bank. CNET highlights that the June Intelligent Oven, a smart countertop oven, can recognize the food you're cooking through the use of artificial intelligence and cameras. This way, you can cook your food the way you want each and every time. This countertop oven can help you achieve the restaurant consistency that you desire, all while keeping things within the budget.
2. Maximize Storage Space
Decluttering has been one of the major trends of the 2010s. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that the sudden fame of Marie Kondo of Tidying Up is partly to thank for this wave of cleanliness that has consumed the lives of homeowners across the world. Unsurprisingly, this has made its way to one of the potentially messiest places of the home.
Now, we understand that you can't get rid of everything in your kitchen that doesn't "spark joy" as there may be instances that you'll need these tools and appliances down the line. One thing you can do is make use of or install more storage spaces in your kitchen. By doing this, you give your kitchen the minimalist and clean look without sacrificing utility.
3. Choose the Right Appliances
When you can’t hide your appliances, the next best thing is to pick ones that you’d want to display! Whether it’s a fancy chopping board or stainless steel utensils, it’s all about matching their look to your modern kitchen.
Even something as simple as a rice cooker can add some flair to your counter. On We Know Rice's Facebook page, they reveal that new and luxurious designs for this humble tool are now available on the consumer market.
Opt for a dark stainless steel finish to give it that modern look. You can even double down and incorporate our earlier tips by choosing sleek smart appliances! Last year’s Berlin-based International IFA Electronics Exhibition featured a gorgeous smart fridge that can connect to your phone and help you plan your meals, all while looking like a piece of modern art that belongs in a museum.
4. Choose The Right Colors
And while the tips listed above have more to do with what you put into your kitchen, it's important to consider the overall aesthetics of the space. One way to do this is by being particular with the colors and overall palette of your kitchen, as a change of color can make a world of a difference when it comes to the overall look and vibe of the space.
Freshome highlights how going with gray for your kitchen's color scheme can help it achieve a clean and elegant look. Take note that you don't have to paint every surface of your kitchen gray. One good way of incorporating the color is by painting the cabinets and other small kitchen accessories a shade of medium to pale gray. If you need help overhauling your kitchen's color scheme, our services, that have managed to earn a place on the Inc 5000 list, can surely help you with these changes.
5. Find Inspiration
Lastly, one thing that you have to keep in mind is that the idea and concept of a modern kitchen aren't static. Design and technology are perpetually evolving so it would be wise to keep up with the newest trends, as to avoid being stuck with a singular definition of a modern kitchen.
One good way to do this would be by keeping track of other people's kitchens through the use of social media. Instagram is a great resource that you can tap into by exploring the "modern kitchen" hashtag. Through this, you can track trends in real-time and pick out looks that match your taste.
If you're thinking of doing major renovations to your kitchen, check out Litchfield Builder's article on common kitchen remodeling problems and setbacks!
About Micah Aranza
As a guest blogger for Litchfield Builders, Micah Aranza is a New York-based artist and interior designer who is passionate about minimalism. She loves to introduce simplicity to her clients, both as a design principle and as a lifestyle. When she's not upgrading a home, you'll find her in the yoga studio catching the sunset.