Designing a modern kitchen is about blending functionality with style, creating a space that’s not just for cooking but also for living and entertaining. In the video above, This Old House host Kevin O’Connor, kitchen designer Martha Fay, general contractor Tom Silva, and plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey explore the key elements that make up a contemporary kitchen, from commercial-grade appliances to artisanal cabinetry.
Key Elements of a Modern Kitchen
Creating a modern kitchen involves carefully considering several key components that each contribute to the space’s functionality and style.
Backsplash Design
Glass tiles are a popular choice for modern kitchen backsplashes, which serve as decorative features while protecting surfaces from spills and splatters. Glass tiles provide a sleek, easy-to-clean surface and can add pops of color or texture to your space. Fay points out that arranging glass tiles in a subway pattern can evoke a classic 1920s feel while still looking contemporary.
Other popular backsplash materials include stainless steel, porcelain, and natural stone. You can add an extra dimension to your kitchen’s design and make a bold style statement by choosing an eye-catching backsplash material and design.
Commercial-Grade Appliances
High-performance appliances are a hallmark of modern kitchen design. These professional-grade tools offer superior cooking capabilities and a sleek, high-end look. In the video, Fay showcases a commercial-grade range top with features such as the following:
- A built-in griddle with an oil trap
- Insulated construction for safe installation against cabinetry
- Multiple burners for versatile cooking
Other popular commercial-grade appliances include double ovens, built-in coffee machines, and smart refrigeration units. These advanced tools can elevate your kitchen experience by enhancing your kitchen’s culinary capabilities and sophistication.
Countertop Materials
Modern kitchens often feature a mix of countertop materials, with each offering specific properties and visual appeal. Here are some countertop materials to consider:
- Marble: Marble is ideal for baking areas due to its cool surface.
- Natural stone: Consider using limestone, granite, or soapstone near your range for heat resistance.
- Wood: Wood adds warmth and a handcrafted feel to your kitchen.
These materials are popular for their durability and unique beauty. In addition to their functional benefits, they contribute to your kitchen’s visual richness. Whether you opt for sleek granite or rustic wood, you can create a balanced and stylish workspace that caters to your needs.
Cabinetry Trends in Modern Kitchens
Cabinetry plays a central role in a modern kitchen’s look and functionality. Today’s trends, which include furniture-style cabinets and mixed finishes, prioritize designs that combine practicality with artisanal craftsmanship.
Furniture-Style Cabinets
Modern kitchens often feature cabinetry that looks like freestanding furniture. This style adds character and a custom feel to the space. Key features include the following:
- Decorative elements like pegs and handwrought nails
- Floating panel doors that suggest traditional construction methods
- Inset doors and drawers for a flush, clean look
Furniture-style cabinets often feature open shelving, which allows you to display beautiful kitchenware or decorative items. This blend of closed and open storage adds visual interest and provides practical storage solutions.
Mixed Finishes
Combining painted and stained cabinets in the same kitchen is a popular trend. You can achieve a dynamic layered design and avoid monotony by mixing finishes. For example, you might see the following:
- A mix of light and dark finishes to create contrast and depth
- Hand-brushed painted cabinets for an artisanal look
- Rich wood stains that showcase the natural grain
Mixing finishes allows for greater personalization, giving your kitchen a unique and tailored appearance.
Innovative Sink and Faucet Designs for a Modern Kitchen
The sink area is getting a stylish upgrade in modern kitchens with a return to some classic designs. Here are some trends we’ve noticed:
Copper Sinks
Once considered outdated, copper sinks are making a comeback in modern kitchens. They offer a warm, rustic touch that contrasts beautifully with sleek, contemporary elements.
Copper is naturally antimicrobial and develops a beautiful patina over time, adding to its charm. You can also experiment with other materials, such as granite composite and fireclay, to create unique and highly functional sink areas.
Wall-Mounted Faucets
Pairing a copper sink with a wall-mounted faucet creates a striking focal point. This combination hearkens back to early indoor plumbing but retains a modern and chic feel.
Wall-mounted faucets offer practical benefits as well. They free up counter space and make cleaning the sink area easier. Available in various finishes and styles, wall-mounted faucets can complement any kitchen design, from traditional to ultra-modern.
Lighting in Modern Kitchens
Proper lighting in a modern kitchen serves both function and style. Here are some lighting options to consider:
Ambient Lighting
Softer overall lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere for gatherings and everyday living. Ambient lighting helps set the mood and ensures even illumination throughout your kitchen. Recessed ceiling lights, track lighting, and chandeliers are common choices for ambient lighting. You can create a cozy and inviting environment by strategically placing these fixtures.
Decorative Lighting
Statement light fixtures can serve as artistic focal points, adding personality to your space. Decorative lighting options include sculptural pendant lights, vintage-inspired lanterns, and ornate chandeliers. These fixtures act as your kitchen’s “jewelry,” providing eye-catching design elements that enhance the room’s character and charm.
Task Lighting
Focused lighting under cabinets or over work areas ensures thorough illumination for food preparation and cooking tasks. Task lighting options include LED striplights, puck lights, and adjustable pendant lights. These fixtures provide concentrated light where you need it most, reducing eye strain and improving visibility for detail-oriented tasks like chopping and measuring ingredients.
Flooring Options for Modern Kitchens
Flooring is a foundational element that significantly impacts a kitchen’s overall look and feel. Consider the following when thinking about flooring for your modern kitchen:
- Hardwood floors: Hardwood floors remain a popular choice for modern kitchens due to their warmth and timeless beauty. They are available in various species and finishes, allowing for customization to suit individual tastes. Engineered hardwood offers additional durability and resistance to moisture, making it a practical option for kitchens.
- Sustainable flooring: Eco-friendly flooring options, such as bamboo and cork, are gaining traction in modern kitchen design. Bamboo is highly renewable and provides a sleek, contemporary appearance. Cork is insulating, soft underfoot, and has antimicrobial properties, making it a comfortable and practical choice.
- Tile flooring: Tile flooring, including ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles, offers durability and easy maintenance. Tiles come in various styles, colors, and patterns, enabling you to achieve both classic and contemporary looks. Heated tile flooring is an option for added comfort, especially in cooler climates.
Smart Kitchen Technology To Elevate Your Modern Kitchen
The integration of smart technology is revolutionizing modern kitchen design. Here are some smart kitchen features you can incorporate:
- Smart appliances: Smart refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers offer remote control and monitoring via smartphone apps. Features like touchscreens, voice activation, and automated settings enhance convenience and efficiency by streamlining daily kitchen tasks.
- Smart faucets: Smart faucets with touchless operation and preset temperature controls add a high-tech touch to modern kitchens. These faucets help conserve water and improve hygiene by reducing the need to touch handles with dirty hands.
- Smart lighting: Smart lighting systems allow for customizable lighting schemes controlled by voice or app. Dimmable and color-changing options enable users to adjust the ambience according to the time of day or activity, improving both functionality and visual appeal.
