Month: January 2017

Minimalism

1. No handles on cabinets. Cabinets without handles add to the seamless designs that are currently being sought after. It seems like a simple detail but it can greatly alter the aesthetic of one’s kitchen.

2. Fully integrated appliances. As kitchen design evolves, it’s clear that appliances have a tendency to clash with the rest of the kitchen. Over the last few years this has been mitigated by creating refrigerators and dishwashers that look like cabinets. This dramatically improves the beauty of a kitchen.

Do you notice the fridge pictured below?…No?…Precisely.

Photo by Chang + Sylligardos Architects – Look for contemporary kitchen design inspiration

4. Tuxedo kitchen cabinets: This is commonly done by combining black and white cabinets, but it can be accomplished by choosing any combination of complimentary colors. Notice the kitchen in the image below, the blue upper cabinets and the brown lower cabinets compliment each other magnificently.

5. Mixed Finishes. Mixing hardwoods, mixing stones, and choosing appliances with complimentary finishes has been increasing in popularity. Notice in the image below the quartz on the island is completely different  than that of the countertop. The island has a surface comprised of semi precious stones mixed with quartz, while the counter is a nice quartz that pairs well with the backsplash.

Trends that are seeming to fade away.

1. Granite Countertops: These are still in use but they are no longer dominating the marketplace like they once were. Quartz countertops have overtaken granite as the popular choice due the facts that it is easier to maintain and has a wider variety of colors to choose from.
2. Interior Use of Concrete: It was once quite trendy for homeowners to use concrete as interior decor, particularly in things like islands. But that is seldom seen nowadays, however, it is still common to see in city lofts.

In the dictionary “Contemporary ” and “Modern” mean the same thing, but in design terminology they are very different. Today we’re gonna take a few moments to define the two terms as a designer would.

Modern design is a retro look that has a 60’s and 70’s feel to it. For this reason it’s also known as “Mid Century Modern.” It has simple, clean interiors, and employs earthy materials like leather, teak, linen, and wood. Some traits of the furniture used in this style include polished metal, molded plastic, and plywood. Furthermore, the furniture is open and raised up off the ground, which is more conducive for a fresh, open feeling. The walls are often white, which adds to the expansive  ambiance. Here’s an example of a mid century modern kitchen:

In the 60’s and 70’s the design depicted above would have been considered contemporary. Because contemporary means what is currently in style.

Today contemporary style is defined by clean lines with a casual atmosphere, open spaces, neutral colors, and elements inspired by nature. It strives to blend beauty with functionality.

Today’s trends also include large windows, unique shapes, and open floor plans. Some popular finishes today are gray oak, white lacquer, cedar, and stone. The finishing details and furniture are simple and use clean lines. Functionality, comfort, and sustainability are key factors in a contemporary home. Below are couple examples of contemporary kitchens.

Having said all this, lets remember that since the English definitions of contemporary and modern are so similar you’re technically not incorrect by using the two terms interchangeably. So if you search for “modern kitchens” you’ll find plenty of beautiful contemporary kitchens mixed in with some mid century moderns. But at least now we all know the difference.