Design Elements for a Modern Kitchen
Think minimalistic aesthetic for your kitchen design.
One of the trends that we see happening in modern kitchen designs for 2021 is the embrace of a more contemporary-leaning kitchen design. Gone are the days of homeowners searching for those ornate, overly traditional kitchens that have cabinetry profiles with large amounts of beveled edges and curves. Modern kitchen design trends see homeowners seeking a more light, bright, and clean style. This sleek, clutter-free, all-white or light-colored aesthetic trend is where contemporary kitchen design really shines. If you are in search of a modern kitchen design, think flat-front cabinetry, ultra-modern fixtures, high-end stone features, two-tone wood accents, and stylish tile.
Design Elements to Consider:
To begin, it is important to focus on the layout of the kitchen and the visual lines that are created in the cooking space. Traditional kitchens are typically sprawling and feature cabinetry profiles and countertop edge details with a lot more curves. To design a modern kitchen, we consider the layout of the cabinetry and how the design of the main cooking appliances and features (the range, refrigerator and sink) affects the feel and flow of the kitchen.
In a modern kitchen, our approach to the placement of built-in cabinetry is more about making the cooking experience as efficient as possible while still appearing sleek. In many cases a modern kitchen would comprise a galley-style where the flat-panel cabinets face each other to create one aisle that creates the work space for the chef in the home. An open-plan kitchen with stainless steel appliances and an eye-catching backsplash for a focal point is just one example of this.
In some cases, upper cabinets can be replaced with floating shelves or the cabinet doors replaced with a glass front to give the illusion of openness and spaciousness commonly found in contemporary kitchens. When considering the best types of surface materials for modern kitchens, we like to think about simplicity and ease of use. Cabinets typically have flat slab doors and drawers and might be finished in a wood like oak or walnut, or a high-gloss lacquer paint for a sleek feel.
For the countertops, we use materials like quartz, Dekton, or marble, and in some cases we might even use concrete or stainless steel. Quartz countertop options can run between $60 and $90 per sq. ft. and marble/Dekton options can run from $80 to $120 per sq. ft. A new trend in modern kitchen design is to use a porcelain material on the countertops and then bring that same material up the walls to create a really clean and seamless transition from horizontal to vertical application. While this option can be less costly than quartz or marble-top slabs (porcelain slabs cost about $800 – $1,000 each), the installation of this material can be the real cost driver, with installation costs running between $6,000 and $8,000, depending on the size of the kitchen.
Consider Lighting Placement and Access
When it comes to lighting, many modern kitchens that we design incorporate large amounts of natural light. Adding or expanding the size of windows can provide a great source of sunlight during the daylight hours. After natural lighting comes the artificial light which appears in modern designs in three layers. The first layer is atmospheric light fixtures which comes from pendant lights or flush-mounted ceiling lights. These lights illuminate the entire room, and the temperature of these lights helps to create a bright modern kitchen aesthetic.
The second layer is task lighting which includes under-cabinet lights or wall sconces that illuminate the prep area or kitchen island.
Finally, some state-of-the-art kitchen designs include lighting on the toe-kick of the base cabinets to create more visual impact.
No matter what your dream modern kitchen is, we have the skills to help you attain it.
Award-winning, Baton Rouge-based interior designer and content creator Arianne Bellizaire has been named a High Point Market Authority Style Spotter (2015), Perlick Ambassador of Cool (2017), Villeroy & Boch Color Challenge Winner (2017), Modenus Blog Tour invitee (2016 & 2019), and Modenus DesignHound (Spain and London 2016, Surfaces 2018). She was also selected as an Ambassador for NYDC 2020 What's New What's Next. Her work and expertise have been featured in Forbes, Rue Daily, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Business Of Home, and USA Today.
