By Sunita Vellapally, Homify
How to use lighting in modern kitchen design
Lighting is an ally for adding warmth to a kitchen. In a room with a modern design, a mix of ambient lighting and spotlights work well, as the ambient lighting recreates the sense of daylight, whereas spotlights focus on the worktops to provide functional lighting when working. Another idea is to install lights within the kitchen cabinets to highlight accessories that bring color or style to the area.
How to introduce colour in modern kitchen design
When the modern design is followed in the home interiors, the kitchen should carry through the same style and colors. Shades such as grey and beige are popular choices for the modular kitchen, but that doesn’t mean that it should look plain and dull.An interesting contrast can be created by using different shades of the same color. In this kitchen, although darker colors are used in the under-counter cabinets, the lighter tone of the wall cabinets brings a lighter feel to the kitchen design. Aluminium and glass doors on some of the cabinets and contrasting white appliances enhance the sense of lightness, while subtle splashes of orange in the utensils create a delightful contrast that transforms the room from ordinary to eye-catching.
Using patterns and texture in modern kitchen design
The backsplash in the kitchen can be used as a blank canvas to create stunning features or contrasts to liven up the area. Dado tiles in a range of shades that don’t stray too far away from the beige palette add interesting visual texture to this kitchen design.
Creating contrast with appliances in a modular kitchen
An option for adding colors that contrast the base tone in the kitchen is to choose appliances in a different shade. In this kitchen, the dark grey refrigerator looks sophisticated and beautifully contrasts the beige-and-white theme throughout the room.
Adding warmth to the kitchen design with wood
Classic and country-style kitchens are known for their warmth because of the extensive use of wood, especially on the kitchen cabinets. The same ambiance can be replicated in a modular kitchen by opting for wood-toned laminates as the coating for the cabinets. The advantage of wood is that it pairs perfectly with almost any other neutral shade as well as black and white.
Designing storage in a modern kitchen
Like with other house interior design styles, storage is essential in a kitchen to keep the counters clutter-free. It is even more significant in a minimalist kitchen where less is more, and a crowded counter just won’t do! Designing the storage with a mix of closed and open storage is ideal.
The role of appliances in modern kitchen design
In a modern-style kitchen, the appliances have a dual role. Besides providing functionality and making the cook’s work easier, they bring a sleek look that enhances the sophistication of the room. In modular kitchens, built-in appliances are a better alternative as they save workspace and look stylish.
Eat-in spaces in a modern kitchen
The coziness of a kitchen gets a boost with the addition of a table or a counter for casual dining or for having a cup of tea and conversation with the chef when a meal is being prepared. Since modern kitchens are often integrated with open-plan social spaces, the layout can combine the dining area and the kitchen. In this design, an open counter serves the dual purpose of providing additional counter space for preparing meals besides presenting a snack bar for casual meals.
How to add warmth to an all-white kitchen?
White kitchens are always in style. The color is perfect for introducing freshness and lightness to any space, including a kitchen. However, too much white can make the room look bland. An interesting idea for creating contrast is to use wood-toned tiles for the backsplash to introduce a lovely natural feel to the ambiance.
Modern kitchen design – upgrade the stove
Earlier, we mentioned the role of appliances in a modern-style kitchen. A built-in hob and chimney are also essential elements in the design. Replacing the old countertop stove with a built-in hob will straight away bring a touch of modernity to the room. While the hob adds to the sleekness of the room, the hood is vital, especially in modern kitchens with an open plan as it sucks the aromas from dishes being prepared on the stove and flushes it out using a powerful motor. It keeps the smells from permeating throughout the house.
Enhancing natural elements
A key element in good house interior design is to showcase nature wherever it’s possible to do so. In a kitchen, the windows are an excellent option for connecting to the outdoors. Instead of restricting the view with countertop shelves, leaving the space free not only brings a lightness to the design but also refreshes the ambiance with a view of the outdoors. In most cases, professional interior designers position the sink along the window to optimize the natural light as well as to provide the cook with a wonderful view when washing up.Kitchen design is not a simple task as it requires careful planning of the space to optimize storage and work efficiency. Moreover, since it is one of the most used areas in the house – a place where the family congregates to chat with the cook or have casual meals – it’s essential that the design creates warmth and coziness that can be enjoyed by the family. Before consulting a professional, it’s useful to have a basic idea of a design that one likes. The best way to get ideas is by browsing through photographs of beautiful kitchens. On homify, we have hundreds of photographs of professionally designed modern kitchens.
