What Makes a Modern Style Kitchen
It is easy to be confused by many of the terms of kitchen design. Modern and contemporary both get thrown around interchangeably but they definitely are not the same thing. Modern style is defined as specific set of styles coming out at the turn of the 20th century, breaking the style of the days before the Industrial Revolution and the classical architecture of that time. This is reflected in the concepts of “Truth to Materials”, not hiding elements, and removing unnecessary elements of design. And these elements of modern design transition well into the kitchen.
One of the most defining features of the modern kitchen are the cabinets themselves. The slab doors of modern design are simple and give the clean lines the modern kitchen needs. But as important as the doors are to the design, the frameless construction of cabinets compliments that sleek design. In frameless cabinet design, the doors overlay the cabinet box construction and you will see only a very small gap (no more than ⅛-inch) between the doors to other doors and drawers. The look is very uniform.
Alongside it, the hardware itself is also simple and sleek, often integrated into the cabinets. The horizontal lines of the cabinets will be emphasized by the full height hardware, running countertop to floor. Often, this hardware is paired with flat or tubular pulls.
And talking about horizontal lines, that is one of the most important parts of the style. There is a heavy emphasis on the horizontal in the modern kitchen, from long drawers to the wood choice and grain positioned horizontally. This is also reflected in the backsplash with long horizontal tiles as well.
Bringing in the natural elements of materials is the only texture you will see in the modern kitchen. This “Truth to Materials” is a tenet of modern design, making sure any material that is used is used appropriately and not hidden. This can add a lot to the kitchen’s style and keep from the kitchen feeling dead or flat.
You can bring in industrial elements to rough up the look of the kitchen while still feeling very modern in stall. A natural and untreated concrete wall can give texture and style alike wallpaper but with “Truth to Materials” principal followed. A concrete floor and exposed pipes can be considered for the modernist with some deviation from the style.
As with any design and something we always emphasize, consistency is most important. When choosing chairs, lighting, and tables, consider what it will look like alongside the rest of the kitchen. Tying everything together creates