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With a strong focus on simplicity and efficiency, modern kitchens are designed to suit the needs of contemporary living. They do away with unnecessary elements and ornate details that dominate the aesthetic in other design styles and prioritise items and solutions that enhance the functionality of the space, making homeowners’ lives easier and the time spent in the kitchen more pleasant.
A kitchen that can work harder for you and help you save time and effort sounds like a great idea, especially if you’re always in a rush and can’t afford or don’t want to spend hours cooking, cleaning, or prepping meals. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen and turn it into a contemporary space where style meets convenience, you might be wondering what elements you need to incorporate to nail the modern kitchen design and enjoy all the perks it provides.
While modern kitchens can take on many forms as people have different views and interpretations of this design, certain components and features are common across all variations. So, let’s see what items and features are truly essential when building a modern kitchen.
Sleek and practical cabinets
Since cabinets take up the most space in a kitchen, they set the tone for the entire design. In keeping with modern design principles, contemporary kitchen units embrace a minimalistic aesthetic, with simple and clean lines that exude a sense of understated elegance. Their main purpose is to ensure ease of use and provide generous storage space for you to keep all your equipment and utensils perfectly organised, and maintain an airy and clutter-free appearance.
Handless cabinets with soft-close mechanisms, pull-out elements, and deep drawers create a sleek look while also being highly practical. If you want to achieve a modern look without replacing your cabinets, you can search for kitchen doors UK and only replace the fronts of your units. You might also want to look for units that incorporate clever storage and organisation solutions so you can easily access items and maximise space.
Cutting-edge appliances
Life in the kitchen revolves around the many appliances and tools this space hosts. Therefore, a modern kitchen wouldn’t be complete without high-tech appliances that can do the heavy lifting for you and streamline all sorts of tasks. A well-equipped kitchen can be a life saviour when you want to make daily chores less time-consuming or you plan to use the space for entertainment. It can also motivate you to cook more often and prepare healthier meals.
Consider investing in innovative appliances like smart refrigerators, self-cook ovens, induction cooktops, efficient dishwashers, performant food processors, and other similar items that can enhance your kitchen experience. If you’re worried that your kitchen might start to look a bit overly futuristic or cluttered as you continue to acquire high-tech essentials, remember you can opt for integrated appliances that blend seamlessly with your kitchen design. Even smaller items like kettles and toasters can be concealed behind cabinet doors, allowing you to keep your counters clear while also having everything you need within easy reach.
Smart technology
Smart home technology encompasses solutions specifically designed for the kitchen area. This includes features like touchless faucets, advanced lighting systems, and all sorts of appliances with built-in sensors that can be controlled remotely through mobile apps or voice assistants.
By integrating smart technology into your kitchen, you can monitor, manage, and even automate a variety of functions like temperature, light, or cooking time. For example, with a smart oven, you can set and adjust cooking modes and temperature for different dishes and monitor cooking from afar with a dedicated app. Similarly, smart refrigerators feature touch screens, sensors, and built-in cameras that let you see what’s inside the fridge, search for recipes, or create shopping lists. It’s all about using tech innovations to create a space that offers flexibility, convenience, and efficiency and responds to your specific needs.
Multifunctional island
The island is a staple feature of modern kitchens that brings the entire space together. However, in a contemporary design, kitchen islands don’t just serve as additional work surfaces but are much more versatile and fulfil several roles.
These units can incorporate storage cabinets, wine racks, cooktops, sinks and can even double as breakfast bars if the space allows. This doesn’t mean you need a kitchen island that combines all these elements together. You can customise your island to include only the features that you deem necessary, depending on how much room you have available and how you intend to use it.
Durable materials
With all the cooking, socialising, and entertaining that takes place in a kitchen, most of these spaces see quite a lot of action, which means they’re exposed to more wear and tear than other areas of your house. Modern kitchens are designed with durability and longevity in mind and, therefore, employ sturdy materials that can withstand intense usage and extend the lifespan of the most hardworking surfaces in this space.
So, if you want to maintain your kitchen in top condition for longer, using quartz or granite for your countertops and hardwood or engineered wood for your floors is a good idea. You should also look into water- and heat-resistant materials or easy-to-clean surfaces, as these can ensure resilience and easier maintenance.
Eco-friendly integrations
Modern kitchens can also be a great ally in helping you lead a more sustainable lifestyle and protecting the environment. You should take advantage of advanced technologies and innovative solutions to reduce waste and limit your carbon footprint.
These include energy-efficient appliances like dishwashers and induction cooktops, sustainable materials, or water-saving faucets that are friendlier to the environment. Your kitchen should also have a smart waste management system with multiple containers that allow you to keep waste out of sight so it doesn’t ruin the sleek aesthetic of the space and encourages you to recycle more.
By prioritising these design elements, you’ll be able to create a modern kitchen that not only looks amazing but also ensures added convenience and responds to your current needs.