Gone are the days when the kitchen was this tiny room, hidden somewhere at the back of the house, or separated from the main living areas, used solely for cooking meals and storing food and ingredients. People’s needs have changed, and with them the kitchen’s role, size, appearance, and even its placement within the house have also transformed.
Now the kitchen is regarded as the beating heart of a dwelling, a versatile room, much larger than the ones from the past, often connected with living areas in open-plan designs, that can serve many different purposes, shifting from meal prep area, to home office, study spot, or party venue, sometimes within the space of a single day.
Well, that’s how things are in theory, but we all know that reality doesn’t always coincide with it. Despite people’s evolving tastes and preferences and all the advancements in terms of design and trends, some kitchens have remained stuck in the past and are far from meeting the requirements of a modern household and the expectations of its residents.
If you’re familiar with this situation and would like to bring your kitchen to the present day, here’s a short but comprehensive list of factors and features you should focus on during renovation, so you can turn even the most outdated space into a contemporary hub that caters to your every need.
Go Minimal
While every interior design style has its own distinct character and appeal, if you’re going for a modern upgrade, you should probably opt for a minimalist look and get rid of any unnecessary items and elements that can make the room feel overcrowded and cluttered.
Minimalist kitchens lend themselves perfectly to a contemporary lifestyle as they combine style with functionality. Characterised by clean lines, streamlined cabinetry and sleek surfaces, uninterrupted by details and ornaments, they are designed to keep the space properly organised, facilitate movement and make the most of every square inch.
To achieve this look, start by choosing the right furniture. Providers such as kitchenwarehouseltd.com offer a wide range of kitchen styles, including modern units with handleless cabinets and push-to-open drawers, in neutral colours and matt finishes, which are ideal for creating the minimalist aesthetic.
If you don’t want to replace your entire kitchen furniture, you can simply install flat-panel or slab-style cabinet doors on your existing units. Complete the design with smooth worktops made of natural materials like granite, marble, or wood, and simple hardware to accentuate the understated elegance of the place.
Focus on Efficient Storage
Modern-day kitchens require ample storage, but when space is limited and it seems almost impossible to fit all your goods and utensils without cluttering every surface, it’s time to get creative.
One way to address the issue is to build a pantry, lined with shelves from top to bottom, where you can neatly deposit jars, tins, and containers holding all your essential supplies. If you don’t have enough room for a pantry, installing floor-to-ceiling units is a good alternative since it allows you to use all the wall space to create extra storage.
But the most important aspect you have to focus on when it comes to storage is organising your cabinets and shelves, since that’s where the chaos comes from most of the time. There are all sorts of storage hacks you can resort to, depending on your specific needs, such as pull-out drawers, shelving, and cabinet organisers and dividers, floating shelves, hooks, or magnetic racks. These solutions can help you keep your kitchen items perfectly tidy and your surfaces clear and clutter-free.
Upgrade your Appliances
Another core characteristic of modern kitchens is the use of high-tech appliances and tech solutions in general. Cutting-edge kitchen appliances that incorporate the latest technologies make your life much easier by helping you save time and effort on many different tasks and lowering your monthly bills. Think smart refrigerators, intelligent ovens and ranges, touch faucets, smart dishwashers, etc.
So, if your kitchen equipment is long overdue for an upgrade, consider replacing the most important pieces with brand-new ones that integrate innovative features and are more efficient. Choose matching appliances in similar colours and finishes to ensure a cohesive appearance. Installing built-in appliances is another option worth considering. These blend into your kitchen and can be concealed behind cabinet doors to create a clean look and maintain visual flow.
Install Adequate Lighting Fixtures
Whether you’re cooking a delicious meal, entertaining guests, or quietly sipping on a cup of tea, you need the right lighting fixtures to ensure optimum visibility and create the ideal setting for each of the activities taking place in your kitchen.
The most effective approach is to use different types of lighting in different areas of the kitchen. For example, you can combine ambient lighting, which serves to illuminate the entire space, with task lighting above work areas such as sinks and countertops, and accent lighting like LED strip light under the cabinets or puck lights that highlight open shelves, artwork, and other specific features and elements.
Look for Sustainable Solutions
A modern kitchen is also built to last, and since you probably don’t plan on renovating the place every few years, you should think about choosing sustainable and durable materials such as reclaimed timber, bamboo, granite, or stainless steel that can withstand all the wear and tear your kitchen is going to endure over time.
And since contemporary kitchens are expected to adapt to dwellers’ diverse needs, incorporating multifunctional furniture is also something to have in mind. Kitchen islands with integrated storage, foldable and expandable dining tables, convertible benches, and stackable chairs are just some of the pieces that can provide flexibility and versatility.
Now that you know what modern kitchen dreams are made of, it’s time to start planning your renovation. Achieving a contemporary design is a lot easier when you have a clear vision and know what aspects you need to focus on.
