It is possible to own a contemporary kitchen, and functionality doesn’t have to be sacrificed to get it. Modernists understand that the word “modern” goes hand-in-hand with “minimalism.” This can be quite the conundrum when designing any kitchen. Whether they are minimalist or otherwise, there are essential features that every kitchen must have. Some of them include cooking utensils, dishes, pan/pots, appliances, countertops, shelving, and cabinetry.
Needless to say, contemporary kitchen design should look like not very much is in the room, even though everything that you need is in there!
How to Minimize Features in Contemporary Kitchens
How can you go about developing minimal space for your contemporary kitchen? The secret lies in using streamlined variations of standard items while eliminating unnecessary ones.
Personalized Storage
As far as cabinetry is concerned, HSM uses innovative storage choices, optimizing the entire space. Once this is accomplished, a homeowner will have the ability to minimize the square footage of the cabinets by up to 25% or even 50% and still store whatever they need to.
Thin Slabs for Countertops
Keep your eyes open for thin slabs, particularly stainless steel or quartz options. Wooden countertops are also a great choice for a contemporary kitchen, particularly for homeowners who desire more texture or warmth.
Streamlined Cabinetry
Classy and sleek is what most homeowners look for when they want to a contemporary kitchen. This generally comes in the form of wooden veneers with a high-gloss feature, which replace cabinet knobs or pulls. Cabinet closers that are operated with the push of a button are also an option, as are linear handles or pull–cup handles, both of which preserve a minimalist appearance.
Low Cal Island
Kitchen islands happen to be very helpful, but they also have the potential to take up space. As such, contemporary kitchens most reduce the footprint an island leaves behind. Some ideas include the following:
- Portable islands – Sweden-influenced designs that are set on casters, which are lockable. You can access it when necessary, but it’s not around all the time.
- Pedestal islands – since the island is supported by a pedestal instead of a cabinetry base, you’ll gain airspace beneath the island. You also get a transparent site line that goes right through your kitchen, reducing the island’s aesthetic impact.
- Half-table/half-island – if space is available, your contemporary island can contain cabinetry on half of it. A slab extension can be used for tabletop socializing and seating.
- Dark over light – although metallic furnishings and white finishes are popular contemporary design options, darker kitchen islands generally fade much more than lighter ones do. For instance, the kitchen in the picture below is small, but it does have an island. It also maintains a contemporary look.
- Light over dark – another choice is to go with a light or white countertop surface and a darker island base. The base will fade away, while the island’s countertop will feature a “floating” look.
Furniture with a Low-Profile
If you have a kitchen that comes with an area for dining-in, or if it has an open flooring plan, keep your eye out for furniture with a low profile. This may come in the form of acrylic chairs and tables. Transparency provides a “hardly there” finish. Other options that offer essential features without hogging up excessive space include minimalist pedestal design tables, mid-century vibrant or metallic color shell chairs, slab benches, and low back stools.
Boxes and Baskets
Many stores sell functional or decorative racks, boxes, and storage choices that let you put things away without a whole shelving system or cabinet box. They have sparse accents and can conceal seldom-used housewares and kitchen tools.
Buy Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets From HSM
Are you interested in contemporary kitchen cabinets? HSM can provide you with a free consultation in your home. You will receive experienced design suggestions and recommendations to modernize the design of your contemporary kitchen cabinets.